Raising Healthy Children in an Unhealthy

World

written by Nicole Hawksley

Being a parent is one of the most challenging jobs you will ever experience, but it is also one of the most rewarding. We all want what is best for our children. Sadly though, more children than ever before are being diagnosed with Autism, ADHD/ADD, Cancer, Autoimmune Diseases, Diabetes and many other life threatening disorders.  Obesity, Allergies, Learning Disabilities, and Behavior Problems have become an epidemic.  Many parents spend money and time searching for answers, and seeking medical advice, which usually lead to medications being prescribed for their child.  Why are we seeing so many unhealthy children? Unfortunately we are living in a toxic world; our children are exposed to chemicals and preservatives every day from the environment and the foods they eat. This can be a stress on the human body causing depletions of essential nutrients. Sadly, products containing sugars have become a daily staple in nearly every child’s diet.  The food a child eats influences not only their health but also their behavior.  Quite often conventional doctors put little validity on this relationship, and lack the understanding of what optimal nutrition really is. Parents are often advised that their child doesn’t need to be supplemented with vitamins.  Many of the foods you were always told or believed to be healthy are actually doing more harm to your child’s health. A typical American diet lacks vital nutrients that growing children need. Vitamin and mineral deficiency can influence or precipitate many health problems. The requirement for essential nutrients is high in the growing years. A good-quality multi-vitamin with minerals can make up for deficiencies in the typical diet. Additional vitamin C and herbs such as Echinacea and Astragalus have been suggested to boost the immune system which can be helpful during cold and flu season. Other vital nutrients suggested for growing bodies include: Essential Fatty Acids, Calcium and Magnesium.

Essential Fatty Acids

One of the most common deficiencies in a child’s diet today is Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), this substance is found mostly in oily fish such as wild salmon, nuts seeds and certain oils. It is crucial for optimum health especially the immune system. Deficiencies in EFAs lead to allergies, autoimmune diseases, ADD/ADHD, Ear infections and many other health problems. Some signs of deficiency include: dry rough skin, especially a bumpy rough feeling on the back of the arms, dull, dry hair that lacks shine and luster, infections, or behavioral problems. With the press coverage of the dangers (obesity and high cholesterol) of “fat” in the diet, all fats are labeled incorrectly as bad. By avoiding all fats we have deprived our bodies of one of the most important elements of nutrition.

Calcium

Calcium as we all know is critical for growing bodies, unfortunately we have been brainwashed into thinking dairy is the only way to obtain calcium in our diet. Calcium is best absorbed by the body if it comes from plant sources.   Processed dairy products are often poorly assimilated and have a tendency to create mucus build-up in the body which can lead to digestion problems, constipation, allergies, weakened immune system, and respiratory problems. Children prone to ear infections or fluid buildup in the ears, chronic coughs, colds, skin afflictions (eczema, acne, psoriasis, unexplained rashes) could have sensitivity to dairy products. Some people however can tolerate goat or sheep milk products.

Magnesium

The importance of magnesium is often ignored. Some people require more magnesium than they do calcium. Sugar and processed foods deplete the body of magnesium. Deficiency of magnesium creates many health problems. Signs of magnesium deficiency commonly seen in children are constipation, sleeping difficulties, behavior problems, constipation, easily fatigued, muscle cramps, hyperactivity, headaches, and abdominal pain, and pins-and-needles sensation, teeth grinding at night, and restlessness, and irritability. (See article On Magnesium)

Protein

Another component lacking in the diet is adequate good-quality protein. Protein is one of the basic building blocks of the body. Conventional pediatricians even many nutritionists tell parents your child’s first foods should be carbohydrates usually in the form of processed cereals and fruit.  This sets up a lifetime of preference for carbohydrates over protein.  Protein is often introduced to the diet well after the child is a year old. By this time the child has already developed their taste buds, and has a preference for starchier foods rather than eggs, meats and fish.   It can become a battle to feed your child good quality protein.  Peanut butter or grilled cheese sandwiches is not an adequate source of protein for growing children. . Children’s growing bodies demand a lot of protein with each meal. One suggestion to get your child to eat more protein is to limit the carbohydrates for a while and gradually adjust their diet to add more protein over time.

Fiber

Lack of fiber in the diet is a common problem, leading to constipation, obesity and diabetes, and heart disease. .Constipation leads to hardened fecal matter in the colon which over time can cause a prolapsed colon, toxicity and poor assimilation of nutrients and eventually health problems. A Clean colon is the key to health and this begins in childhood. When we think of whole grains we think of whole wheat. Some people have a difficult time digesting certain types of grains, mainly because they contain gluten.  Gluten is a protein found in certain grains (wheat, barley, oats, and rye) that can create a variety of symptoms in many people.  Gastrointestinal distress (constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea) is one symptom commonly seen in children with sensitivity to wheat.  A wonderful choice for bread and cereals is Ezekiel, especially for those sensitive to gluten, since Ezekiel products are made from sprouted grains.  Aside from adding fiber rich foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, having your child take Probiotics can also assist in a healthy intestinal tract.

Providing your child with a balanced diet with real food, (food made from nature) will help them develop a taste for it. The best you can do is to set a good example, children learn from experience, if they see you eating healthy they will to. The habits young children develop will stay with them for life.  Involving children in menu planning and in cooking, will often entice them to take more of an interest in eating healthy.  Spark their interest by each week sampling a different fruit, vegetable or protein. Or plant a garden and allow them to grow their own wonderful gifts from nature.