Snack attack?

Difficulty losing weight?

Heartburn

Learning and Development

Learning and development are greatly affected by nutrition. Nutrition affects brain development, concentration and behaviour as well as physical health and its subsequent affects on learning. A child experiencing the miseries of eczema, frequently missing school due to illness, or constantly tired will be unable to concentrate and gain maximum benefit from its schooling.

In childhood massive demands are made upon nutritional supplies. It is a period of intense growth and development, and particular nutritional needs occur at different stages of development, therefore it is important to pay great attention to your child's nutrition at all each.

A child's nutritional status is determined by that of its parents and ancestors. A child is not born, as it would be nice to imagine, in perfect condition, but rather with what it has inherited. Therefore the health of its parents at conception and of the mother during pregnancy is vital to later health. Children born with nutritional deficiencies need not be underdeveloped or sickly, but deficiencies should be addressed as soon as possible.

Brain Development

This is of obvious importance to the child's learning and development. Essential fatty acids are particularly important for embryonic and infant brain development. These are needed during pregnancy and breastfeeding (or should be added to bottled formula), and should be incorporated into weaning foods. Studies show that deficiency of fatty acids known as omega 3 fatty acids can cause learning disability and have been linked to hyperactivity. These are extreme cases, but show that relative deficiencies could affect intelligence and learning. These are often deficient in the diet and are found in fish oils and linseed oil. The use of polyunsaturated margarines, popular in recent years, is actually likely to produce an imbalance of fatty acids.

Zinc is also crucial to brain function. It is needed for mental and emotional stability and as such deficiency of this mineral should be considered in any behavioural difficulty. It is also very important to assist the huge changes of adolescence. Any deficiency is exacerbated at this time and can make behaviour and concentration very difficult.

Alertness

To concentrate and take in and assimilate information a child must be sufficiently alert without being over stimulated. Constant tiredness is increasingly common in adolescents, making concentration on schoolwork very difficult at a crucial time. This is often due to a condition known as low blood sugar caused by a deficiency of micro-minerals brought about by nutrient deficient diets probably also containing excess sugar.

Equally, an over stimulated nervous system can make concentration very difficult. Many foods contain cocktails of additives and unwanted chemicals as well as large quantities of salt, all of which over-stimulate the nervous system causing poor concentration and irritability.

Growth

We take it for granted that children will grow. However, to proceed efficiently and painlessly a good balance of essential nutrients is needed. Calcium and magnesium have a particularly important role in bone development. It is also important to have sufficient protein and minerals such as zinc and manganese. Recent reports reveal teenagers suffering osteoporosis. We can be shocked at such young people being affected by what is considered a condition of the elderly. However, it is brought about by dietary and lifestyle factors such as large intakes of phosphorous-containing fizzy drinks, which adversely affect the way in which our bodies use calcium.

Healthy Immune System

This is vitally important for health and requires conditions such as adequate vitamins C and E, good conditions in the gut and an environment free from unwanted chemical toxins. Development of allergies is increasingly common in children and can cause untold misery. Eczema, asthma, hay fever and some behavioural problems, to mention a few, occur as a result of allergies, which in turn are caused by disruption in immune function. Addressing imbalances at the root of the allergies can help overcome their symptoms.

It is important to give your children a wholesome diet. Processed foods, which have been stripped of their nutrients, should be avoided, as should large quantities of potential allergens such as wheat and dairy produce. It may seem easy to give your children quick and convenient meals, but this may not be time or energy saving in the long run. Think of the energy involved in dealing with a hyperactive child, the inconvenience of finding childcare when your child is off school or the time wasted at school through poor concentration. The diet should contain good quantities of fresh vegetables, wholegrains and sufficient protein from fish and lean meats. Wherever possible foods should be organically grown to avoid heavy metals and chemicals. Many children benefit from nutritional supplementation at particular times during their development or to overcome particular deficiencies.