Child Nutrition

Consuming a balanced nutritious diet is something we are all encouraged to do, and it is vital that children are given a nutritious balanced diet in the short and long term.

Pre-conceptual care, good nutrition in pregnancy together with breast feeding and the correct time of weaning are fundamental to excellent health during childhood and beyond.

However our nutritional needs vary throughout life. In a normal child especially early childhood, the body is in a constant process of growing and developing. This generally requires optimum macro- nutrients, including protein and calcium. However, micro-nutrients such as zinc, vitamin B and D to name a few are vital as these are co-factors in many bio-chemical functions within the child’s body to ensure healthy growth. As a child grows and develops, their nutritional needs will change clearly as a result of growth and maturity.

General farming methods have changed dramatically over the years and what was once perceived as a “natural” food such as wheat may not now be recognised by the body. This can have a dramatic effect on a child’s body as their bodies are programmed very early and the effects can be accumulative. Children now eat fewer staples such as wholegrain bread and consume more sugar, salt and hydrogenated fats setting the scene for degenerative health.

The media plays a vital role in “brainwashing” children into wanting these unhealthy foods and snacks. Also foods have misleading labelling, and there is constant manipulation by advertising companies to consume these foods due to their misleading health claims.

Just like adults, children may need either short term or long term dietary needs that may warrant supervision by a nutritional therapist such as myself. However, all children need specific individual assessment. Conditions that I treat are:

- ADHD
- Obesity
- Learning difficulties
- Food and chemical sensitivities
- Failure to thrive and grow
- Diabetes
- Digestive disorders
- General fussy eaters

However, it must be emphasised that the heath of the mother during pregnancy is paramount to the health and wellbeing of a new born.

The process of feeding be it breast or formula and weaning all have a profound and lasting impact of the child’s health lasting into puberty and adulthood. In particular, the process of weaning a child can have a lasting effect of gut health, digestion and immunity.