June 09, 2026

Is Picky Eating a Nutrient Deficiency? Dr. Elisa Song Explains

21 minutes

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End picky eating with practical, root-cause strategies from integrative pediatrician Dr. Elisa Song, MD, and view the full show notes at DrBrighten.com: https://drbrighten.com. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten and Dr. Song discuss picky eating, zinc, gut health, sensory food aversions, and simple ways parents can help kids expand their diet with less stress.

👩‍⚕️ Dr. Elisa Song, MD, joins Dr. Brighten to explain why picky eating may be more than “just a phase” and how nutrient status, the gut microbiome, sleep, movement, and nervous system regulation can influence a child’s food preferences.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

- Why zinc may be a key nutrient to consider for selective eaters

- How sensory food aversions may connect to nutrient insufficiencies

- How to involve kids in food choices without pressure

- What parents should know about zinc supplements and food sources

- Why gut health matters for nutrient absorption, mood, immunity, and food preferences

- How fiber, phytonutrients, and fermented foods support the microbiome

- Why sleep and movement can help support gut health, even before changing diet

- How nervous system regulation may help kids feel calmer around food

- How to teach kids to become confident food label detectives

🎁 Sponsorship & Resources:

Dr. Brighten Supplements: https://drbrightenessentials.com/

Hormone & Wellness Resources: https://drbrighten.com

Guest Resources from Dr. Elisa Song: https://healthykidshappykids.com

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By Dr. Jolene Brighten

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