Dear K.,
Yes, your child is feeling the effects of your situation or else this is physiological. If he has had antibiotics (more than 4 times in one year), he could have a pH imbalance in his colon. (Acidolphillus and exercise will help to change that)
If he eats too much too fast, and not the right foods, the body will not be able to absorb it properly, and it will expel too fast. (suggestion: Have him chew his food 20 times before swallowing. Chewing food increases the saliva production, therefore, increasing the ability for your son to have proper digestion of his food. This will also slow down his eating pattern and allows him to enjoy meal conversation as opposed to just seeing mealtime as food for the body. It is a time for you and your son to "take time out" and enjoy each other's company. This is so important for all families.
Do not let him snack after dinner. This insures a better sleep pattern and he will wake up earlier, in time for school and a better appetite to eat good food.
The color of the #2 will give you insight as to what is going on. Light brown - not enough iron....dark brown - good iron (but don't let him get constipated either). Remember that calcium and iron do not absorb well by the body, at the same time. More iron in the morning...more calium products at dinner. Calcium is called, "nature's tranquilizer". In milk products, there is also considerable amounts of magnesium. Magnesium helps to relax muscles.
Many times a child will eat a lot and crave food if he is nutrtionally deficient in something. Your job is to get him eating good food. Whole grains take about 3 weeks to adjust in your system (do not repeat the same grain more than 2-3 times a week. Whole grains offer excellent "b" complex vitamins - good for the nervous system, Vitamin E and a higher protein level than "enriched" breads/cereals. Because whole grains are a complex carbohydrate, the sugars in his body will break down slower and; therefore, will keep him from feeling hungry for a longer period of time.
If iron deficient, he needs more meat, eggs, soy protein (lean in fat content) - known as tofu). Spinach is high in iron. Do not buy processed lunch meat.
Also, a good multiple vitamin should be in order. A study was done in the early ninties and it was found that over 60% of dieticians are taking some food supplementation. A good rule of thumb...The most expensive nutrient in a multiple vitamin is Biotin, The second is folic acid. If the nutrient has 100% of the Recommended Nutritional Allowance (RNA), it is probable that the maker of the vitamin cares about the customer's health.
If you want more detailed information, peruse The Nutriton Almanac, or "Life Extension" by Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw, both from MIT.
K., this is a lot....I hope that this is helpful. If not, I would "truck my cookies" to the nearest Pediatrician and/or GI MD.
E.