If a child shows a very strong aversion, throws up or feels sick, do not rush to reintroduce the food as the child may have an intolerance. If any food (even healthy ones) give them a tummy ache or significantly changes their behaviour (moody, whiny), do not force them to try it again. Remember to choose organic and read labels. Children are not just small adults. A child’s body surface and composition (fat to muscle mass) mean that a small amount of a chemical residue on food can have a disproportionately large effect on a child.
It is especially important to protect their developing neurological systems from harmful toxicants (pesticide residues, heavy metals) and food additives. Foods higher on the food chain (animal products) should always be organic as dairy and meat concentrate fat-soluble chemicals that have been shown to cause early puberty, decreased sperm count and reproductive problems. Food additives such as MSG, artificial colours and flavours have been linked to hyperactivity and learning difficulties.
Many environmental toxins are also known as obesogens. These are chemicals such as pesticides, PCBs and phthalates (in plastics), PFOAs (teflon and non-stick cookware), BPA (canned foods and plastics) and antibiotics that can make children put on more weight than they should for the amount of calories they consume. Eating meat or dairy with antibiotics will also negatively affect their gut, increasing the likelihood of tummy troubles and so much more. Much more on obesogens here: http://mamavation.com/2015/02/obesogens-hidden-chemicals-can-make-family-fat.html.
References
- http://journals.lww.com/co-clinicalnutrition/Abstract/2011/07000/Innate_and_learned_preferences_for_sweet_taste.12.aspx.
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20829174
- http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/25318/title/Endocrine-role-for-skeleton/.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27125429
Dr Vanessa Ingraham is Nutrient Rescue‘s naturopath. Nutrient Rescue’s mission is to make nutritious plant-based clean whole foods. We believe in putting people and the planet ahead of profit. Our objective is easily accessible, delicious food that sustains our personal health and wellbeing, and whose production does no harm to our planet.
