Question
My one and a half year old child has a poor appetite and refuses to drink milk. His eating habits have worsened since weaning, and he has mild anemia. What should I pay attention to in his diet, why is he like this, is this normal, and should we consider further medical checks?
Answer
From a TCM perspective, the child may have spleen and stomach deficiency, making it difficult for him to digest and absorb food normally. It is recommended to give him herbal medicine that strengthens the spleen and stimulates the appetite, and to avoid spicy and stimulating foods. He should drink more mi dou (a type of porridge made from millet), and it is appropriate to increase his physical activity. If the situation does not improve, it may be necessary to take him to a hospital for further examination.