The gut and Fussy eating connection
Meet Alex
Alex was a bright 6-year-old whose diet was as limited as his energy. Most days, Alex survived on bland staples like bread, rice cakes, and pasta. Fruit? Only bananas and apples. Dinner was a small portion of chicken or bolognese — never more than what could fit in his tiny palm. His parents tried every trick in the book, even sought psychological help, but nothing seemed to work.
Despite eating so often, Alex often complained of being constantly hungry. He struggled to gain weight and was regularly struck with colds, sore throats, and a lingering cough. His mum knew in her gut something wasn’t right. These are common symptoms of gut imbalances.
Personalised approach
Digging Deeper: The Power of Testing
Alex’s gut microbiome test showed:
- A gluten intolerance — likely irritating his digestive system.
- A microscopic parasite — disrupting his microbiome and releasing toxins.
- Signs of intestinal permeability (aka “leaky gut”).
Tailored family plan
Alex’s family was supported through transitioning to a gluten-free diet and introduced targeted gut-healing supplements.
A structured family eating plan was created to focus on small, achievable steps to gradually expand Alex’s diet while keeping it gluten-free.
Progress and Real Results
Three Months Later, the transformation was incredible. For the first time in years, Alex began putting on weight! His appetite improved dramatically — he was finishing meals and even trying new foods. His chronic runny nose and cough disappeared, and he no longer needed breathing medications to play soccer.
Key takeaways
- Gut microbiome testing can reveal hidden causes of picky eating in children — even when digestion seems “fine.”
- Gluten sensitivity and gut imbalances can drive restricted eating patterns
- A leaky gut may weaken immunity and increase vulnerability to allergies and infections
