With Integrative Pediatrician Dr. Elisa Song | The Livin’Sky Podcast, Episode 8
If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to help your child eat more than just five familiar foods, you’re not alone. Picky eating is one of the most common concerns I see in my practice—but what if I told you it goes deeper than behavior? In a powerful new episode of The Livin’Sky Podcast, I sat down with one of my mentors, Dr. Elisa Song, to talk all things picky eating, gut health, and why healing the nervous system might be the key to helping your child thrive.don’t know where to start?
Meeting Dr. Elisa Song: A Personal Moment I first connected with Dr. Song through her Healthy Kids, Happy Kidspractitioner membership, where I’ve been learning from her for the past year. She’s an integrative pediatrician and a brilliant guide for parents and practitioners alike. Last month, I got the chance to meet her in person in Asheville, North Carolina. She was speaking at a conference, and I made a special stop on my way to our family trip in Gatlinburg just so I could say hello in real life. We sat and talked for over an hour—about kids, healing, life, and of course, picky eating. She’s as wise and grounded as they come, and also? Genuinely hilarious.
Why Picky Eating Is More Than a Behavior Problem
So many well-meaning approaches to picky eating focus on expanding food lists and reinforcing bites. But as Dr. Song explains, when we address the root causes—especially what’s happening in the gut and nervous system—children often start exploring new foods on their own.
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation? The vagus nerve.
According to Dr. Song, improving vagus nerve function can shift your child’s gut microbiome even without changing dietat first. That’s a game-changer for families of extreme picky eaters who feel stuck. The vagus nerve plays a huge role in helping kids feel safe in their bodies. And when they feel safe, they’re more likely to try new things—including food.
The One Mineral Most Picky Eaters Are Missing
Dr. Song also talked about a lesser-known but incredibly important mineral: zinc. A deficiency in zinc can cause food to taste “off,” leading to taste aversions and sensory sensitivities. If your child avoids jeans, covers their ears at loud sounds, or only wears the same two pairs of sweatpants—this might be a clue.
Start With the Low-Hanging Fruit
Healing doesn’t have to mean doing everything at once. Dr. Song offers a “microbiome magic wheel” in her book that includes five starting points: diet, movement, sleep, hydration, and vagus nerve work. Pick the lowest-hanging fruit and begin there. Progress builds with consistency.
A Whole-Child Approach to Feeding
In our conversation, we also talked about how connection, not control, is the foundation for feeding success. Calming our nervous systems together with our children changes everything.
If you’re looking for real solutions that go beyond pressure and bribery—this episode is for you.
Whether you’re just beginning your healing journey or knee-deep in the picky eating trenches, this episode is a breath of fresh air. It’s hopeful, practical, and rooted in real science. I’m so honored Dr. Song came on the show, and I can’t wait for you to hear everything she shared.
Resources
- Dr. Elisa Song’s book: Healthy Kids, Happy Kids
- More resources at www.healthykidshappykids.com
- Dr. Song’s Instagram
- Lena’s Instagram
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Remember, sweet mama: Trust your journey, trust your baby, trust yourself. You’ve got this! 💚
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