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Categories Children Diet

Impact of too much sugar on your child’s health

Impact of too much sugar on your child’s health

Sugar is all over the place. Portion sizes are increasing in today’s society, processed foods are becoming the standard, and as a result, we’re consuming more sugar than ever before. A high sugar intake is linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental cavities. Sugar’s impact on your child’s brain health is also becoming clearer according to recent studies.

There are both immediate and long-term consequences of high sugar intake on brain health. You’re certainly aware of ‘sugar high,’ which is defined by a spike in your child’s energy followed by sugar consumption. But did you know that sugar also has long-term consequences for your child’s brain health?

Let’s have a look at our brains:

The Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) is a key regulator of cognitive activities like attention, behavioural control, and self-control. These do not form until later in life because this area of the brain is still maturing until the early twenties. Sugar has an especially negative impact on a child’s brain because the brain is continually developing. Long-term, everyday use of high-sugar (and high-fat) diets has been related to a loss of neurons (brain cells) in the prefrontal cortex, which may have an adverse effect on the creation of the cognitive processes indicated above. During this stage of life, an undeveloped prefrontal cortex might reduce self-regulation, which could be the cause of your child’s behaviour problems.

The Hippocampus is a brain region important in learning and long-term memory. The production of new neurons, known as neurogenesis, is a key element of memory and learning development. High sugar intake has been demonstrated in studies to slow down this process, potentially affecting performance on tasks like learning ability. Sugar consumption has also been linked to poor performance on nonverbal IQ tests.

Is sugar an addictive substance?

Let’s move on to the brain’s reward system. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (think of it as a brain messenger) involved in movement, motivation, and addiction. Dopamine is released when you eat a highly enjoyable food (such as a sugary snack). Eating large amounts of these foods can activate the reward system to a great degree, causing a person to eat more food than necessary to meet their energy needs. With consistently high sugar diets, this overeating can begin in childhood and persist throughout maturity. Research is also showing that sugar can be characterized as an addictive substance and may even have addictive properties including withdrawal or continued cravings when sugar is deprived

What should you do?

Sugar is so widely available that it’s easy for your child to consume too much. For a list of typical sugar sources and guidelines, check the previous blog (INCLUDE LINK). If you’re having trouble reducing your child’s sugar intake, try implementing the following suggestions:

1. Avoid fruit juice: Juice has an abnormally high sugar content. Many of the nutritious characteristics of fruit, such as fibre and vitamins, are stripped away during processing. Instead, make water the preferred beverage.

2. Be inventive when it comes to baking! Use natural sweeteners like dates or bananas to sweeten your food. Because many recipes ask for a lot of sugar, lowering the amount can also assist.

3. Keep an eye out for food marketing. Many smoothie businesses, for example, love to pitch their products as the healthier option, but they might actually be filled with 50+ grammes of sugar!

4. Finally, make a positive start to your child’s day. Many traditional breakfast meals, such as cereal or Pop tarts, contain a lot of sugar, which causes your child’s energy to jump and then drop before lunch. Including more complex carbohydrates and fibre in the first meal of the day (for example, overnight oats, eggs, peanut butter, and whole grain bread) can make a huge difference.

Kanupriya Khanna, a Senior Consultant Nutritionist & Dietitian with over 18 years of experience in paediatric nutrition, can provide expert advice. She is regarded as one of the best dietitians in Delhi because of her unwavering commitment to making a difference in people’s lives by instilling good eating habits and lifestyles.

References:

1. Reichelt, A., Gibson, G., Abbott, K., Hare, D. (2019). A high-fat high-sugar diet in adolescent rats impairs social memory and alters chemical markers characteristic of atypical neuroplasticity and parvalbumin interneuron depletion in the medial prefrontal cortex. Food & Function, (4).

2. Reichelt, A. (2016). Adolescent maturational transitions in the prefrontal cortex and dopamine signaling as a risk factor for the development of obesity and high fat/high sugar diet induced cognitive deficits. Front. Behav. Neurosci,

3. Neuroscientifically Challenged. (2015, January 16). Know your brain: reward system.

4. The University of Queensland. (2017, May 18). What is neurogenesis?.

5. Freeman, C. R., Zehra, A., Ramirez, V., Wiers, C. E., Volkow, N. D., & Wang, G. J. (2018). Impact of sugar on the body, brain, and behavior. Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition), 23, 2255–2266.

iron deficiency
Categories Other nutrition blog, Pregnancy nutrition

Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy

Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy

Is iron important for a healthy pregnancy? When you’re pregnant, how much iron do you need? What are the best places to get iron?

Do you find yourself pondering these questions frequently?

Pregnancy and Iron

Iron is one of the nutrients that aids in the development of a healthy baby. Iron is required for your baby’s growth, including the development of a healthy brain. It aids in the transfer of oxygen from your lungs to your baby, as well as assisting in the production of new red blood cells to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Iron is also required to aid in the development of your baby’s own iron stores. This lowers the baby’s chances of iron deficiency after birth.

Iron deficiency during pregnancy can pose a number of dangers to both the mother and the baby. Mama’s heart may be under more strain, and she may be more susceptible to infection. Low birth weight, preterm delivery, and increased risk of infant mortality are all risks of iron deficiency. But don’t be concerned! Iron deficiency can be avoided or controlled during pregnancy by eating iron-rich meals on a daily basis and taking iron supplements.

What amount of Iron do you require?

During pregnancy, a woman should get a total of 27 milligrammes of iron every day. Most women obtain less than 15 milligrammes of iron per day from food, which is why taking a supplement during pregnancy is recommended.

Where can you find it ?

Heme and non-heme iron are the two forms of iron. Heme iron, which can be found in meat, is better absorbed by the body than non-heme iron, which can be found in plant sources. Red meat is a good source of heme iron. Whole grains, nuts, beans, and leafy greens like spinach are all good sources of non-heme iron.

Did you know that vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron in the body? When you eat meals high in iron, make sure you also eat foods strong in vitamin C. Kiwi, peppers, mangoes, and lemons are all good sources of vitamin C.

Did you also know that calcium and iron don’t mix well? While calcium is a crucial vitamin to consider during pregnancy, when it comes to iron, it can be a bully. Calcium will interfere with iron absorption if calcium and iron-containing foods are taken at the same time.

To get the most out of both minerals, aim to eat calcium-rich foods at least 2 hours apart from iron-rich ones. Tannins and iron are in the same boat. Coffee and tea contain tannins, so if you choose to consume either of these beverages while pregnant, do so one hour before or after consuming iron-rich meals.

Do you think you may be deficient or are at danger of becoming deficient?

Iron deficiency affects one out of every four pregnant mothers. Women who have heavy periods, consume a vegetarian or vegan diet, donate blood on a regular basis, have been pregnant multiple times, or have a gluten sensitivity are more prone to developing iron deficiency during pregnancy. If you suspect you have an iron deficiency, you may experience fatigue and a lack of attention. When your haemoglobin levels are low, you have iron deficiency anaemia. Hemoglobin is a protein found in your blood that transports oxygen throughout your body, with the help of iron.

In Conclusion

Iron is an important component to consider during pregnancy. Working with your dietitian can help you acquire enough iron to promote a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby!

Kanupriya Khanna, a Senior Consultant Nutritionist and Dietitian with over 18 years of pregnancy nutrition experience, can help. Because of her continuous devotion to making a difference in people’s lives by instilling excellent eating habits and lifestyles, she is considered as one of the best dietitians in Delhi.

Categories Pregnancy nutrition

Pre-natal nutrient needs, what and how much?

Pre-natal nutrient needs, what and how much?

 

“Eating for two” is a common phrase, but what does it truly mean for pregnant women? Although it may appear that pregnancy is an excuse to eat as much as you want, getting the right amount of calories and nutrients is essential for a healthy pregnancy.

The following guide for what to eat, how much to eat, and when to opt for a supplement, can help pave the way to good health during pregnancy.

Counting Calories for Pregnancy

While there are exceptions, many women are shocked to hear that during the first trimester of pregnancy, no additional calories are required. However, by the second trimester, an expectant mother requires an extra 250-300 calories per day. That’s around the same as one or two more snacks. You may require an additional 450 calories per day during the third trimester, which is equivalent to one additional small meal.

Weight gain is natural and encouraged during pregnancy, while losing weight is not recommended. The recommendations below, based on the Institute of Medicine’s guidelines, indicate how much weight gain is considered healthy, based on a mother’s pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). But, as always, it’s important to consult with your dietitian before making any major changes to your diet:

  • Underweight (BMI <18.5): Weight gain of 12 – 18kgs (28-40 lbs.)
  • Normal (BMI 18.5-24.9): Weight gain of 11- 15kgs (25-35 lbs.)
  • Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): Weight gain of 6-11kgs (15-25 lbs.)
  • Obese (BMI 30+): Weight gain of 5-9kgs (11-20 lbs.)
  • Pregnant with twins: Weight gain of 11-20kgs (25-45 lbs.)

Important Nutrients for Pregnant Women

The following are six nutrients that expectant mothers should consume to promote a healthy pregnancy and birth.

  1. Folate

Folate has been identified as a critical nutrient for foetal growth by healthcare professionals over the years. Folate is required for the development of the foetal brain and spinal cord, and deficits can result in neural tube abnormalities. In fact, before conceiving, women should make sure they are getting adequate folate.

Foods including legumes, nuts and seeds, eggs, leafy greens, broccoli, and many other fruits and vegetables, as well as supplements, should provide at least 600 micrograms (mcg) of folate per day. If you’re thinking about getting pregnant or expecting, talk to your doctor about folic acid.

  1. Iron

Iron is a mineral that aids in the transport of oxygen to the mothers’ and foetus’ organs and tissues. During pregnancy, both the mother and the baby’s blood volume expands, and their iron requirements nearly treble. For pregnant women, a daily iron dose of 27 mg is suggested. Pulses, lentils, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and fortified grains are all good sources of iron, but doctors recommend taking an iron-supplement as well. Vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, can enhance iron absorption when combined with iron-rich diets or supplements.

  1. Calcium

Calcium is essential for foetal bone and skeletal development, as well as maternal bone health. A baby will draw calcium from the mother’s stores if the mother’s diet is deficient in calcium, which might damage the mother’s bones. The daily calcium need for expecting mothers is 1,000 mg, which can be met by eating 3-4 cups of dairy each day. Calcium can also be found in soy products, broccoli, tinned salmon, dark leafy greens, and sardines. Also, divide your calcium intake. To enhance absorption, take no more than 500 mg at a time. This vital nutrient is also available in supplement form.

  1. Vitamin D

Though a mother’s vitamin D needs do not increase during pregnancy it is important to maintain adequate intake. Vitamin D works in conjunction with calcium for the development of fetal bones and skeletal system. The vitamin D recommendation for pregnant women is 600 international units (IU) a day or 15 mcg, which you can get from the sun, fortified milk, fatty fish, eggs, or from a supplement.

  1. Choline

The American Medical Association (AMA) has found that choline may help with brain and spinal cord maturation during pregnancy. Choline is found naturally in animal products, eggs, beans and most nuts. According to the National Institutes of Health, this vitamin is frequently included to baby formulae also, because of its significant health advantages.

  1. Fiber

Constipation affects many pregnant women at some point throughout their pregnancy. Consume enough of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains to avoid it. Drink plenty of water and get between 25 and 30 gm of fibre every day.

Every stage of life necessitates proper nutrition, but pregnancy and the months afterwards entail special dietary requirements for both women and kids. You and your baby have the best chance of being happy and healthy, not just during pregnancy, but also afterwards; if you eat a well-balanced diet and drink enough of water.

For expert advice, you can contact Kanupriya Khanna, a Senior Consultant Nutritionist & Dietitian holding more than 17 years of experience in child nutrition. Because of her sheer involvement in making a difference in people’s life by inculcating healthy food habits and lifestyle, Kanupriya Khanna is ranked as one of the best dietitians in Delhi. (Dietary needs of Children During the Pandemic 🙂

 

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