Nutrition and Diet for Children by Dr. King, DC in Pasadena, CA

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011, 7:56 pm

Is junk food affecting your kids ability to think and later on develop a great IQ? Studies are showing yes, and in my practice I am seeing foods especially high sugar and refined carbs playing a huge role in not only behavior but in memory function of growing children. As adults we spend allot of time treating and preventing illness by taking supplements, making better food choices but are we taking the same time to do this for our children?

During a recent British study, parents provided answers to questionnaires concerning the children’s food and beverage consumption. The kids were divided into 3 sections. The “processed” diet was high in sugar and fats; the “traditional” diet included meat and potatoes; and the “healthy-lifestyle” diet centered around vegetables, fruits, and rice. When the children were eight-and-a-half, IQ measurements were taken.

At the end of the study, there were 4,000 children. Those that ate more processed diets had an average IQ of 101, while those with the more healthy-lifestyle diet averaged 106. The difference was recognized by the researchers as small, but not insignificant. “But it does make them less able to cope with education, less able to cope with some of the things in life,” said Pauline Emmett of the School of Social and Community Medicine at the University of Bristol. (Source: Yahoo!News)

Given that there is a growing obesity trend of young children, along with the slowed motor development of processed, unhealthy diets starting kids out with a healthy-lifestyle is highly important to there overall development and learning process.

Physical activity has also been demonstrated in research to be good for brain development in children. “The primary motor circuits that connect to the cerebellum, which controls posture and coordination, develop during the first two years. It is during this period that young kids begin to gain experience in the world as he or she ‘moves’ about in the environment. Once again it is suggested that physical activity is a strong determinant in the early development of the brain, not just motor control.

What is very clear is that in order to have healthy adults it is important to start early in training our young children to have good healthy habits so they have every chance to develop with the best motor, brain and cognitive function. A health lifestyle, diet and nutrients is key — physical activity rather then video games and computer is also key.

At our office we not only focus on adults but on setting up eating and nutrition programs for young adults and children. If you are looking to help motivate your kids to eat better or want us to work with you and your kids to balance them out nutritionally please don’t hesitate to contact out office to find out more.

All the best for great health,

Dr. Stephanie King, DC

advancedhealthconcepts.net for more info

Tags: Alternative Health Care, diet & children, diet & kids, IQ & foods, junk food & kids, Nutrition & Diet, nutrition & kids, supplements & kids, vitamins & kids