As a paediatrician, I have encountered many distressing cases in the outpatient clinic, and some of the problems are closely related to the daily food that children eat. This reminds me of a shocking analogy: "Eating once is equivalent to eating six plastic bags." At first glance, you may think this is too exaggerated, but in fact, many children's foods on the market contain harmful substances that are no less harmful than swallowing a few plastic bags. In one of my cases, a 5-year-old boy came to our hospital with persistent indigestion and recurrent abdominal pain. After a careful medical history, I found that his diet was filled with a variety of beautifully packaged processed foods that were advertised as nutritious and delicious, but their ingredient lists contained many chemical additives that were harmful to children. After a series of examinations and dietary adjustments, the patient's symptoms improved significantly.
Hidden hazards in common children's foods
1. Processed Foods: Burden of Preservatives and Coloring
Many children's snacks and convenience foods are often fortified with a variety of preservatives and artificial colors in order to extend shelf life and improve appearance. For example, synthetic colors in certain candies and puffed foods can cause increased symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, while preservatives have the potential to interfere with the endocrine system in children.
2. Plasticizers: The crisis lurking in soft plastic packaging
Plasticizers are chemical additives that make plastics softer and are commonly found in soft plastic food packaging. Studies have shown that these substances can migrate from packaging to food, and long-term ingestion may affect the development of a child's reproductive system. For example, the packaging of some jellies and gummies may contain these chemicals.
3. Heavy metal accumulation: hidden in natural and artificial foods
As incredible as it sounds, some natural foods such as rice and certain leafy vegetables, as well as foods that have been contaminated due to industrial pollution, may contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, etc. The accumulation of these heavy metals in children can lead to neurological damage and delayed cognitive development.
4. High-sugar and high-salt foods: silent health destroyers
In addition, foods high in sugar and salt are also potentially risky to children's health. Excessive sugar intake not only increases the risk of childhood obesity, but may also lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. Excessive salt increases the likelihood of developing hypertension in the future. In the face of these hidden dangers, we as parents need to be more vigilant. When choosing a food product, it's important to look carefully at the ingredient list and give preference to those with simple, natural ingredients. Healthy eating habits are cultivated from an early age and are essential for a child's development.
Prevention and alternatives
Check food labels in detail: Learn to decipher ingredient lists: Avoid buying foods that contain artificial colors, preservatives, and additives such as MSG. If the label lists ingredients that you have difficulty pronouncing, then it's best to put them back on the shelf. Pay attention to the nutrition facts: check the sugar, salt and fat content, especially saturated and trans fats. Choose all-natural and organic foods: Organic products: Try to buy certified organic foods for your children, as these foods limit the use of synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. Whole foods: Choose fresh fruits and vegetables that are unprocessed over those that are processed and packaged.
Make your own snacks:
Homemade healthy snacks: For example, homemade purees, vegetable sticks and whole-grain snacks can be an alternative to commercially available sweets and puffed foods. Participate in food preparation: Encourage children to participate in the food preparation process, which not only allows them to understand where the food comes from, but also fosters their interest in healthy eating. Education and access to resources: Leverage trusted resources: Follow authoritative nutrition and food safety websites, such as announcements and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Attend nutrition talks and workshops: Take advantage of community resources, such as healthy eating talks at libraries or community centres. Smart shopping tips: Make a shopping list: Plan your weekly diet, make a list of what you need, and avoid buying unhealthy foods when making last-minute decisions. Choose reputable stores: When buying food, choose reputable stores or markets that are more likely to sell fresh, high-quality food. By taking these practical steps, parents can not only reduce their child's risk of ingesting harmful substances, but also lay a strong foundation for their child's long-term health through healthy eating habits.