Why Is My Child Always Hungry – or Never Hungry?

Understanding your child’s appetite through a naturopathic lens

Some children wake up ravenous, snack all day, and still ask for “something else to eat” after dinner. Others seem to survive on air — pushing their plate away, skipping meals, and picking at food like it’s a chore.

One isn’t better than the other — but both can leave parents feeling confused, worried, or unsure when to step in.

A mum in clinic recently shared, “My daughter says she’s hungry all the time. But it’s never for real food — only crackers, toast or cheese. I’m trying to offer balanced meals, but she just wants to snack. Is something wrong with her appetite?”

It’s a common concern. And the answer is rarely as simple as “eat more vegetables.” Appetite is deeply linked to gut health, mood, blood sugar, and even a child’s nervous system.

Let’s explore what might really be going on — and how we can gently support it.

The Spectrum of Children’s Appetites

Every child has a unique constitution, temperament, and rhythm. Some burn through energy quickly, while others are slower, more sensitive, or intuitive eaters.

That said, here are some red flags that your child’s appetite may need extra support:

If they’re always hungry:

• Constant snacking but never feeling satisfied

• Craving only simple carbs or processed foods

• Hungry again shortly after meals

• Mood swings, meltdowns or “hangry” behaviour

• Tiredness or poor focus despite eating regularly

If they’re never hungry:

• Skipping breakfast or picking at meals

• Saying “I’m full” after a few bites

• Sensory aversions (textures, smells, colours)

• History of reflux, constipation or food anxiety

• Slower growth or low energy levels

Appetite issues are rarely about willpower or behaviour. They’re signs — and our job is to listen with curiosity and care.

What Might Be Causing It?

In clinic, I often see these underlying drivers:

1. Blood Sugar Imbalance

Children on a high-sugar, low-protein diet often ride a rollercoaster of energy spikes and crashes. This leads to frequent hunger, especially for refined carbs — without truly nourishing the body.

2. Gut Dysbiosis

The microbes in the gut influence hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin. When the gut is out of balance (too much yeast, too few good bugs), it can distort appetite signals — making kids feel constantly hungry… or not hungry at all.

3. Nutrient Deficiencies

Low levels of iron, zinc, magnesium or B12 can affect digestion, energy and hunger cues. Zinc in particular is crucial for taste, appetite and digestive enzyme function.

4. Sensory Sensitivities or Nervous System Overload

Some kids find the process of eating overwhelming — too many smells, textures, expectations. This is especially common in anxious, sensitive, or neurodiverse children.

5. Parasitic or Fungal Overgrowth

Worms or excess yeast can trigger cravings (especially sugar), bloating, and disturbed hunger signals.

What a Microbiome Test Can Tell Us

When a child’s appetite seems off — especially if there are gut symptoms like bloating, pain, constipation, or diarrhoea — a comprehensive microbiome test can help us understand what’s happening below the surface.

It’s a simple, non-invasive stool test that gives us insight into:

• Balance of beneficial bacteria – Are the microbes that support digestion and satiety present, or are some missing?

• Overgrowth of yeasts or imbalanced microbes – Which may disrupt digestion or trigger cravings

• Digestive enzyme production – Is your child properly breaking down proteins, fats, and fibre?

• Gut inflammation markers – Chronic irritation can interfere with appetite regulation

• Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels – These support gut integrity and fullness; low levels may affect hunger signals

• Histamine or immune activation – Especially relevant in picky eaters or food-avoidant children.

• Once we have this information, we can make small, tailored changes to your child’s diet, routine, or supplements — with clarity and confidence.

My Gentle Approach to Appetite Support

We don’t force food. We explore what’s happening in the body and gently invite balance back in.

Here’s where we often start:

1. Nutrient-Dense Meals (Not Just More Food)

• A warm, protein-rich breakfast (e.g. eggs, oats with nut butter, smoothie with seeds)

• Balanced snacks: hummus & carrots, boiled eggs, bliss balls with seeds

• Including healthy fats and slow carbs to increase satisfaction

• Reducing ultra-processed snack foods that disrupt natural hunger cues

2. Herbs & Supplements (Only If Needed)

• Gentian or chamomile – to stimulate digestion in low appetite

• Slippery elm – to soothe inflamed bellies

• Zinc – if testing suggests a deficiency

• Magnesium – to support stress and blood sugar regulation

• Strain-specific probiotics – matched to your child’s microbiome

3. Nervous System Support

• Predictable mealtimes (with some flexibility)

• Creating a low-pressure eating environment

• Pre-meal rituals to calm the body (a warm cloth on the face, a few deep breaths, a moment of connection)

• Flower essences or homeopathy for children with emotional blocks around food

A Story from the Clinic

One mum came to me about her 5-year-old, who was “always hungry, but only wanted white foods.” She worried he wasn’t getting enough nutrition and felt like meals were a battle.

His microbiome test revealed low diversity and a mild yeast overgrowth. He was also showing signs of zinc and magnesium deficiency.

We gently restructured his meals, added a specific probiotic and zinc supplement, and used a herbal formula to support digestion. We also brought in a flower essence blend to ease mealtime resistance.

Within weeks, she noticed changes.
“He’s asking for food less often, and when he eats, he’s more open to colour and texture. It feels less stressful — for both of us.”

A Gentle Word

Whether your child is grazing constantly or refusing meals altogether- it’s not your fault, and they’re not broken.

Appetite isn’t just about food. It’s a conversation between the gut, brain, and nervous system — and sometimes, it just needs a little support to get back in sync.

Ready to Understand Your Child’s Appetite?

If you’re concerned about your child’s eating habits, gut health, or food sensitivities, I’d love to help.

Together, we can explore what’s happening under the surface — and create a simple, nurturing plan that brings balance and ease back to the table.

Book a Children’s Naturopathy Consultation
Let’s make food feel safe, nourishing, and joyful again.

With warmth and care,
Ayelet x