Picky or Selective Eating
Navigating Picky or Selective Eating: A Comprehensive, Whole-Patient Approach
Picky or selective eating is a common eating behavior, especially among children, but it can also persist into adulthood. It is characterized by a limited food repertoire and strong food preferences, often leading to the exclusion of entire food groups. While sometimes perceived as a phase or a matter of preference, persistent picky eating can have nutritional implications and be linked to underlying psychological, sensory, or physiological issues. Addressing picky eating requires a comprehensive, whole-patient approach that considers the multifaceted nature of eating behaviors and implements strategies to expand food acceptance and ensure nutritional adequacy.
The Connection Between Picky Eating and Health
Picky eating can impact an individual’s nutritional status by limiting the intake of essential nutrients, which are critical for growth, development, and overall health. In some cases, picky eating is associated with underlying conditions such as sensory processing disorders, where textures or flavors of foods are particularly challenging, or anxiety related to trying new foods. Understanding the broader implications of picky eating on physical and emotional well-being is crucial for effective intervention.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Limited dietary variety can lead to gaps in essential vitamins and minerals.
- Impact on Social and Family Dynamics: Mealtime struggles can create stress and conflict within families and affect social interactions.
Distinguishing Picky Eating's Impact
Picky eating’s impact on health and well-being is characterized by its influence on dietary variety and potential nutritional deficiencies. Unlike other eating disorders that may involve disordered eating behaviors concerning body image or control, picky eating often centers on the sensory attributes of foods or anxiety about new foods, necessitating targeted strategies to address these specific concerns.
Prevalence and Clinical Importance
The prevalence of picky eating, particularly in early childhood, underscores the need for awareness and strategies to support food acceptance and nutritional health. While many children may outgrow picky eating behaviors, for some, these patterns persist, highlighting the importance of early intervention to promote a balanced diet and positive mealtime experiences.
Underlying Causes
Contributors to picky or selective eating include:
- Sensory Sensitivities: Over- or under-sensitivity to food textures, tastes, or smells.
- Anxiety and Fear: Worries about new foods or negative experiences with food.
- Physiological Factors: Digestive discomfort or functional difficulties that may make certain foods unappealing.
Identifying Symptoms
Signs of picky or selective eating may include:
- Limited Food Variety: A strong preference for certain foods and refusal of others.
- Mealtime Distress: Emotional upset, anxiety, or conflict during meals.
- Nutritional Concerns: Signs of possible nutrient deficiencies, such as fatigue or poor growth.
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Diagnostic and Treatment Pathways
A comprehensive approach to addressing picky eating involves:
- Dietary Assessment: Evaluating the child’s or individual’s current food intake and nutritional status.
- Behavioral and Sensory Interventions: Strategies to gradually introduce new foods and reduce anxiety around eating, such as food chaining or sensory play.
- Family and Environmental Support: Guidance for families on creating positive mealtime environments and modeling healthy eating behaviors.
BreatheWorks' Integrated Care Approach
BreatheWorks‘ Integrated Care Approach
At BreatheWorks, we are dedicated to a whole-patient approach to managing picky or selective eating. Our integrated care strategy includes:
- Whole-Patient Assessment: Conducted by a Speech-Language Pathologist, we take a detailed case history to get a clear picture of your body’s story and assess the function from the lips to digestion when it comes to picky eating. We will observe how the muscles perform tasks like speaking, chewing, swallowing, clearing your teeth, and breathing and identify the contributing factors that may relate to your symptoms.
- Personalized Nutritional and Behavioral Plans: Tailoring interventions to meet the individual’s nutritional needs and address specific eating challenges.
- Collaborative Expertise: Engaging dietitians, psychologists, and occupational therapists specializing in sensory integration to provide comprehensive support.
- Education and Empowerment: Offering resources and support to families and individuals to understand picky eating behaviors and implement effective strategies at home.
Conclusion
Picky or selective eating can pose challenges to nutritional health and family dynamics. With a comprehensive, whole-patient approach, it is possible to expand food acceptance and ensure a balanced diet. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to picky eating and providing targeted support, individuals can develop healthier eating patterns and decrease stress surrounding mealtimes. BreatheWorks is committed to supporting individuals and families navigating picky eating, offering personalized care plans designed to promote positive eating experiences and nutritional health.
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This is specific to each patient, their needs, and how often they are practicing their exercises. We see faster progress with patients who are in weekly sessions and practicing exercises daily. In some cases patients can complete the in person/teletherapy phase of treatment in 4-12 sessions. Our phase 1 of treatment is typically weekly with our in-home program that typically lasts between 3-6 months. Phase 2 treatment which involves remote monitoring and in many cases less need for more in-clinic based treatments takes between 8-12 months depending on individual progress.
Yes, we offer teletherapy services through Breatheworks virtual therapy platform. This option gives our patients the flexibility to receive high-quality, patient-centered care when and where they want it. Our teletherapy ensures our patients receive the same level of care as our in-person services, tailored to fit into any lifestyle. Teletherapy has many benefits like increased scheduling flexibility, easier follow-ups, and in many cases improved outcomes, all while contributing to a healthier environment by reducing travel related emissions. Whether from the comfort of your home or on the go, we’re here to support your health journey every step of the way.
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD)
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) refer to a group of conditions characterized by abnormal patterns of muscle function and incorrect habits involving the face, mouth, and throat. These disorders can affect various aspects of oral function, including speech, swallowing, breathing, and facial development. Examples of OMD include tongue thrust (where the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing or at rest), open mouth posture (habitual mouth breathing with the mouth consistently open), and incorrect tongue resting position. OMD can contribute to dental malocclusions, speech articulation difficulties, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and other orofacial issues.Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT or MYO)
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is a specialized form of therapy designed to address and correct Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD). It focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat to achieve proper resting posture, swallowing patterns, and speech articulation. OMT involves a variety of exercises, techniques, and behavioral modifications tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals. The goals of OMT include improving orofacial muscle strength and coordination, correcting abnormal swallowing patterns, promoting nasal breathing, and enhancing overall oral function and health. OMT is typically provided by speech-language pathologists or therapists trained in orofacial myofunctional therapy techniques.Benefits of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) can be highly beneficial for individuals with Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD). By addressing underlying muscle dysfunction and promoting proper oral habits, OMT can help improve speech clarity, correct swallowing patterns, alleviate breathing difficulties, and optimize facial development. However, the effectiveness of OMT depends on various factors, including the severity of the OMD, the individual’s commitment to therapy, and consistency in practicing exercises and techniques. OMT is often recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as dentists, orthodontists, and ENT specialists, especially when addressing complex orofacial issues.We hold space in our clinicians’ schedules for new patients because we know that early intervention is the best approach. We like to see new patients in less than 2 weeks and typically schedule phase one treatments during the first visit. We can see you virtually or in person. Get started now.