When eating behaviour is the body communicating
This reflection was prompted by a short video I came across on Instagram, which raised important questions about food, additives, and sensitive digestive systems.
I’ve been lactose intolerant all my life and later discovered gluten intolerance too. For many years, this showed up as being “sickly”, struggling after meals, or being labelled a fussy eater — long before I understood what my body was reacting to.
Both personally and professionally, this has shaped how I think about children who appear to eat constantly, refuse foods, or become distressed around meals. Sometimes behaviour isn’t behavioural at all — it’s physiological.
In early years and specialist settings, I often encourage staff and parents to pause before labelling eating patterns. Looking at what was last eaten or drunk can reveal far more than assumptions about preference, defiance, or even neurodivergence.
This doesn’t mean all eating difficulties have the same cause. But it does mean the body deserves to be listened to — especially in young children who are still learning to interpret internal signals. This perspective informs much of my work with early years settings and families supporting neurodivergent children. Here is some news about the possible environmental impact on on our health.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSfLBP_DgmH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
