Get Healthy: Carol Slager: Anti-cilantro gene and other causes of, solutions for picky eating

Carol Slager Times correspondent

We’ve all probably dealt with a picky eater at some point in time. You may have even claimed the title. Maybe you are still considered a picky, or rather, selective eater.

According to National Institutes of Health data, feeding problems occur in up to 50% of typically developing children. Some carry these eating patterns into adulthood.

Reasons for selective eating

In some instances, genetic makeup influences food likes and dislikes. For example, according to Cleveland Clinic Health, those who dislike cilantro tend to have a gene that make it taste and smell of soap to them. According to a study by genetic testing company 23andMe, women are more likely to dislike cilantro for this reason. Some people are more sensitive to bitter tastes and may avoid ce