Effect of Food on Children

Question : Describe effect of food on children. Answer : Abstract The relation of food that a child consumes is directly proportional to the behavior, cognitive and social related to both short and long terms. Short temper, tantrums, rude behavior, laziness and various other features are the gift of foods and beverages consumed by children. The behavior of coming generations are degrading on an alarming rate (Bellisle, 2003) and hence parent must play a key role to monitor what is going inside the mouth of their adolescent children. A balanced nutritional diet should be made healthier, tastier and appealing to the palate of children to make them safe from the tentacles of junkies running their health, their state of mind and every behavior pertaining to family, society or oneself. Introduction Caffeine, sugar, food dyes, supplements, high salt, food chemicals all are to be blamed to make children hyperactive or drastically lazy with un-concentrated behavior and split feelings. Coloring and preserving additives are also acting as slow monsters to make the children prone to anger, hyperactivity (Stevenson, 2003) , rage etc. Even the dosage of these agents do have a drastic impact over the child population and their behavior which is much above imagination and is degrading the coming generations at an exponential rate of concern. A balanced diet is a source of calmness and serenity in a child, this old age saying is much valuable in these days to remove and eradicate the loud and slow causes of junk and unhealthy food. Food chemicals can be associated with temper outbursts, restlessness, lack of sleep, irritability, oppositional defiance, silly noise making, speech delay, lack of concentration and much more to add in the list. Even there can be major health related issues that might concern the parents such as asthma caused by consumption of sulphite preservatives used in sausages (Birch, 1998), fruit drinks, dried fruits etc. along with stomach aches, headaches, constipation, rashes and many more. Dietary influences and recommendations Obesity is one of the main problem that is observed in the young generation which is solely the contribution of junk food and such items. Sugar, sweeteners and soda connect to obesity and the behavioral problems occurring in teens and children. With a surprising study, it can be observed that children who are more likely to drink five or more cans of soda or such drinks on a per day basis are likely to have been aggressive towards their family or holding a weapon at some point of their life. Caffeine on the other hand stimulates the hormone levels and effect the brain system leading to serious consequences. Sugared soft drinks must be completely banned by the governments and healthier alternatives must be introduced in the market so as to stop the wrath of junk food that is affecting the next generation of their country. Another interesting study shows that food can affect the mood of a child inducing good feelings or on the other hand lack of some nutrients causing poor feelings. The functions of the brain requires neurotransmitters to be able to respond quickly and junk food offered in markets these days lack such nutrients to be able to make the brain function well and nice. Depression, mood swings, low mood can be corrected by a balanced diet full of all the nutrients given in some or the other form. There may be food allergies occurring in children due to any of the diets that may be prevented by some healthy food alternatives like eggs, oranges, corn or chocolates. Sugar free diets, gluten free diets, fatty acids free diets, everything should be monitored by the parents (Savage, 2007) or the teachers so as to develop a healthier next generation. ADHD known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common disorder in children arising from bad food habits and bad food consumption including high intake of junk food and such items. Sugar and food additives play a major role in contributing to this disorder. This hyperactivity can be controlled to a certain limit by having a check over the eating habits and practices of children who needs to be checked right from the childhood for sugar consumption and behavior of sugar consumption. The average age of children being affected by ADHD is seven years (Taylor, 2009) and therefore, kids must be checked for food and preferably be given home made balanced diet which had no other alternative. Calming food practices and choices must be used to foster a healthy lifestyle. These foods may include fresh vegetables, low cottage cheese and yogurt, nuts, dried fruits, healthy cereals, dark chocolate, peanut butter, oatmeal, whole grain foods and such items to be able to modulate the moods and monitor the behavior of children to make them as good and well behaved beings. These foods will enhance the attentiveness and concentration among children. Breakfast is the king of all the meals and must be made utterly healthy and children should not spent their moneys in canteens looking for sugar coated meals or fried components as a part of their breakfast (Bellisle, 2004). If breakfast is healthy, a child is less susceptible to adapt unhealthy diseases or symptoms of disorders. Conclusion So, with all the dreadful effects and impacts of junk food, how can one decide what to eat that is having appeal towards palate of children? These brightly colored candies or high soda beverages can actually make the child hyperactive, aggressive and prone to various behavior related issues that might concern the parents in the long run of life. Preservative free breads, color free yogurts, color free lollies or ice creams, plain chips, plain noodles and many more such junk food items can be included in a balanced diet or can be made similar to the junk alternatives by home made additives and sources. Balanced food is the most optimal strategy for making the childs growth worthy and foster the behavioral, cognitive, social and healthier development of a child. Therefore, as family is important for childs growth so is the food and beverages consumed by him. References 1. Bellisle, F. (2004). Effects of diet on behaviour and cognition in children.British Journal of Nutrition,92(S2), S227-S232. 2. Bellisle, F. (2003). Why should we study human food intake behaviour?.Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases,13(4), 189-193. 3. Birch, L. L., Fisher, J. O. (1998). Development of eating behaviors among children and adolescents.Pediatrics,101(Supplement 2), 539-549. 4. Savage, J. S., Fisher, J. O., Birch, L. L. (2007). Parental influence on eating behavior: conception to adolescence.The Journal of Law, Medicine Ethics,35(1), 22-34. 5. Stevenson, J. (2006). Dietary influences on cognitive development and behaviour in children.Proceedings of the Nutrition Society,65(04), 361-365. 6. Taylor, E. (2009). Developing ADHD.Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry,50(1à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ 2), 126-132.