Parents who feed their children an energizing diet and they are often unaware of how important gut health is at this young age.
“Healthy gut microbiota is vital to ensuring overall health and optimum growth,” licensed functional nutritionist Kourtney Simmang told Newsweek. “Differences between children and adults when it comes to gut health may exist. Children are developing their digestive and immune systems, which can be more susceptible to the effects of diet in the gut’s health.
“Additionally certain foods that are well-tolerated by adults could have more severe impacts on the digestive systems of children because of their sensitivity.”
Gut health is vital no matter what age however in the case of children it plays an important function in the brain’s development as well as the immune system’s growth. A report that was published at the beginning of January in 2021’s Gastroenterology journal of The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago explained that the gut microbiome must be viewed as an organ which influences the child’s development.
The microbiome is an intricate system of fungi, bacteria and viruses, the majority of them are found in the large and the small intestinal tracts. According to The Harvard School of Public Health These elements work in tandem to boost our immune system to break down toxic foods and produce certain vitamins.
Gut health is essential to absorb the nutrients your body requires. It also break down the compounds before they’re taken up by the body. This is the reason why health of the gut should not be ignored at any age. Simmang has listed three kinds of foods that may be harmful to children.
Avoid Too Many Processed Foods
It’s not a secret that processed food isn’t necessarily healthy, but the impact they influence the health of children’s guts isn’t to be overlooked.
Simmang who is the creator and founder Kale Diagnostics, a holistic medical practice made up of an naturopathic physician, dietician as well as a number of nutritionists has explained the negative effects these practices can cause.
She stated: ” Highly processed food items like sweet snacks as well as fast food and packaged snacks can cause problems with the gut health of children. They are usually low in fiber, and are loaded with unhealthy fats, sugars as well as artificial additives.
“They can alter the beneficial balance within the gut, which can cause digestion issues and inflammation.”
Too Much Dairy Can Be Harmful
A lot of people view dairy products as healthy options since it’s known to be a source of calcium for building strong bones. However, excessive amounts too much of something good could cause negative effects.
“Some children are susceptible to beta-casein A1 which is a protein that is found in a variety of dairy products made from cow’s milk. Consumption of a lot of A1 dairy items, like dairy products and cheese made from conventional cow breeds, could lead to intestinal inflammation and discomfort for susceptible people.
“Choosing the A2 milk products or choosing coconut-based or goat milk dairy alternatives could be a better choice for children with autism.” Regular milk has both A1 as well as A2 beta-casein.
However, A2 milk only contains the A2 beta-casein generally thought to be as the most healthy of both. It is believed that A1 beta-casein may be dangerous, and therefore the consumption of it should be restricted. However, there is no conclusive study of the effect of beta-casein since the study’s results are mixed.
It is believed that the presence of beta-casein A2 is often related to the place where the cow comes from. The milk produced by cows from northern Europe tends to be rich in beta-casein A1. Cows from northern Europe, the Channel Islands and southern France usually have milk that contains A2 beta-casein.
Avoid Excessive Grain Consumption
Though processed foods over the long term could cause harm but that doesn’t mean all natural foods are 100% healthy. Simmang also pointed out that the consumption of too many grains could lead to poor digestive health.
She stated: “While grains can be considered a healthy part of the diet but excessive consumption of refined grain products, specifically ones that contain gluten, can adversely affect the health of children’s guts.
“Gluten which is found in wheat, barley and rye, can cause inflammation and digestive issues in people with celiac disease, or non-celiac gluten sensitive. Furthermore, some children could be unable to digest large quantities of grains, which can cause digestive discomfort.
“One common misconception about gut health among children is that all grain and dairy products can be beneficial to everyone. They are a part of a balanced diet, but the excessive consumption from A1 dairy foods as well as refined grain products, especially in those with sensitivity, could be detrimental to gut health.”
Simmang shared her tips. Simmang said that there aren’t a set of rules that be the same for every child since every person is unique. She emphasized that it’s about “striking an equilibrium” according to the child’s requirements and eating a diverse diet.
Gut health issues, something that Simmang was once struggling with before she discovered functional nutrition, could lead to numerous complications from stomach aches, illnesses or even allergies.
She added: “The effects of poor digestive health in children can be expressed in different ways. These are digestive issues such as constipation, the bloating and diarrhea along with an increased chance of suffering from allergies as well as asthma and problems with behaviour.
“Consulting with an experienced pediatrician or registered dietitian will provide you with individualized advice and suggestions for maintaining the health of your gut, particularly in the case of particular food sensitivities or other dietary issues.”
What Should Be Included in a Healthy Child’s Diet?
Understanding the food items that are best avoided or limited There are many important foods that can in enhancing the results even more.
Katie McDonald, registered dietitian nutritionist, said to Newsweek: “Recommendations include the inclusion of age-appropriate portions in whole fruits and veggies to take up half of the food portion for your child. Alongside beans, lentils legumes, protein options that are low in fat as well as low-fat dairy options to make up the remaining half.
“It’s vital to know the level at which you and your child are on the nutrition scale and start by taking small, manageable steps, in order to gradually establish healthier eating habits that can last throughout the course of a lifetime.”
McDonald from Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah McDonald, of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, said “biggest mistake” she sees is that people “not realizing the link between consumption of food and drinks and the health of their guts.”
“Many parents are astonished to discover there could be a food connection between their child’s constipation, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.”
Leave a Reply