Food and the Effect on your Child's Behavior
It’s no secret that food and nutrition have a major impact on your child’s overall health. Food helps with their body and brain development as well as fighting off infection and diseases. Food makes them strong, but did you know food also has an impact on their behavior? Research has shown nutrition can impact everything from a child’s growth, to their mood, behavior and learning capabilities. Additionally, according to the American Psychological Association, kids who eat a healthy and balanced diet are able to cope with stress and regulate their emotions better.
We all know that sugars and highly processed foods cause blood sugar and energy to rapidly spike and then crash. This can cause children to be easily fatigued, listless, irritable and likely to face difficulties learning.
Sugar is not the only food that affects a child’s mood and behavior. Complex carbohydrates, for example, provide energy and focus to the brain. Omega 3 fatty acids can help with attention, concentration, hyperactivity and memory. Additionally, being iron deficient can cause behavioral issues such as irritability and short attention span.
The bottom line is that if you are experiencing some of these issues in your child’s behavior check their diet. Ensure they are getting enough complex carbs, healthy fats and iron and reduce their intake of sugars and highly processed foods. Ensuring your child is eating a healthy and well-balanced diet will be beneficial to their health and yours :)