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Australian Standards

In the past Australia followed the World Health Authorities when giving advice on when to start a baby on solids.  WHA suggests not to starting solids before six months of age due to the childhood mortality in third world countries often caused by unhygienic conditions.  Australian health professionals have recently recommended changing the age for starting solids between four and six months although they are still encouraging those who breastfeed to continue till at least six month or longer.  

The increase of all types of allergies, especially food related allergies, which has greatly increased in the past few years, has cause great concern.  Immunologists, doctors and dieticians specialising in allergies have recently recommended starting solids between 4-6 months as delaying the introduction of solids may be interfering with the normal immune development reducing food tolerance and increasing allergies.  (see article: The Solids Controversy written by Karen Simmer PHD FRACP. Professor of Newborn Medicine, University of Western Australia).    This recent research concludes that delaying the introduction of foods may not only be to the child’s determent but also may have long-term effect on their food preferences.  
 

Guide Lines

Before introducing solids there are some things to take into consideration; the reason why you want to introduce solids, what is the best time to feed your child and how and what foods to introduce first.

One of the guides we look for when starting solids is the child’s readiness, is he/she looking interested in food?  Does he/she watch you while you are eating? or are they reaching out for your food?   Your instincts will often help you decide.  If in doubt try a small spoon of baby cereal and watch the reaction.  Remember never force a child and avoid giving large amounts.  Start with small amounts.  One to two teaspoons for the first month is sufficient.  Offer solids about twenty minutes after a milk feed until baby is nine months.   Milk is a feed not just a snack and at this age contains all a babies nutritional requirements.  By nine months a baby will be eating about one cup of solids before every milk feed except the morning feed when solids usually come after the milk feed.  By this age a child should be having from 3-4 milk feeds per day with not feeds over night.

At the beginning, when starting your baby on solids, it is an introduction to food not a meal; this is a taste of things to come.  It is a learning experience to encourage baby to develop their tongue and mouth muscles to thrust food backwards. This also helps develop the muscles for speech.  For the same reason dummies should be limited only to sleep time and by the age of 9 months eliminated all together otherwise it may hamper speech or cause speech impediments such as a lisp.  

From the beginning give your child a spoon to help them learn how to feed themselves.  Be prepared for lot of mess, this is part of learning.  

Introducing solids or a formula feed before baby’s night sleep to help them sleep through the night is no guarantee for a good night sleep.  If a child has never really learn to self settle during the day (sleeping blocks of 2 -2 ½hours) then giving more food at night is not going to help with self settling.  Babies generally sleep eight hours at night (without a feed) from three months old and 12 hours from nine to ten months old.  There are of course exceptions to the rule when babies sleep through at an earlier age. 

What Foods to Introduce First?  

Iron enriched rice cereal is commonly the first solid to be introduced due to babies dwindling stores of iron.  Cereal can be mixed with breastmilk, cooled boiled water or formula.   Cow’s milk and honey should not be given to a child under 12 months.  Seasoned food includes salt and sugar should be avoided. Try starting your baby on vegetables to avoid the vegetable aversion that some babies develop when introduces to fruit first.        
 
Don’t be too hasty try new foods. The rule to thumb is to try only one new food every 5 days.  Introduce the new food in the morning when you have all day to see if there is an adverse reaction.  If baby doesn't like it try again a few days later and keep trying.   Babies sometimes need to try up to ten times before they acquire a taste for some foods.  Avoid your child becoming a fussy eater by introducing a variety of tastes and textures over the first year of their life. This will also help them to develop a preference for healthy foods.  

Baby may gag on the spoon or the food even when it is highly pureed; this is expected as they haven't experienced swallowing solids before.  She/he is also learning how to move food from the front to the back of her/his mouth.  Proceed with caution while baby learns this new skill and expect a lot of mess.

How Much?

Do not be tempted to over feed your baby; some babies don’t know when to stop.  Offer one teaspoon and at the most two for the first month, once a day, then slowly increase to half a cup by six months, twice a day, and one cup three times a day by nine months.

Never force a baby to eat as this can often cause feeding problems and unpleasant mealtimes.  When baby shows signs that she/he has had sufficient don’t push her/him to take more just to finish the bowl.  If baby begins to spit, throw or play with their food it is time to remove it.  This will also encourage baby to eat when it is mealtimes and not play.  Have a cup of cooled boiled water on hand to offer baby, encourage the use of a cup.   Start to introduce a cup around six months when you are starting her/him on forked mashed solids.

Preparation

If you are using a microwave to heat food make sure you stir the food well to disperse the hot spots.  Don’t over heat food or reheat half eaten food.  Always take out of the storage container what you need for one meal, and then add more if necessary.  Never re-use half eaten food.  Freshly prepared food which can be frozen in ice cubes is preferable to processed baby food.   Many babies become fussy if only given processed foods and will refuse other types of food including those which are not highly pureed.  When you cook your own vegetables take some out to prepare for baby.  This will save you time.  

This article was written by mothercraft nurse Sally Hall from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.  If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

WHO's recommendation

Some years ago, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended that solids not be introduced to infants until they were at least 6 months old. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) followed with a similar advice in Australia.

 The previous recommendation had been to introduce solids at 4 to 6 months. For many mothers, the change was counter-intuitive, as many infants appear to be interested in solids before 6 months. For some breastfeeding mothers, use of solids such as stewed fruit is a preferred option to formula when they are not immediately available. Surveys have confirmed that majority of mothers in Australia did not follow the revised recommendations with many introducing solids to their children at 4 or 5 months without ill effect.

The 6 month recommendation was based on the belief that exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months was best. The evidence for this was limited with only one or two studies in developed countries showing less gastroenteritis in infants exclusively breastfed. Exclusive was defined as only breastfeeds with no other fluids or solids. It may have been better to focus on avoiding formula as supplementing breastfeeding with formula will reduce duration of breastfeeding. Formula-fed infants generally have worse health and developmental outcomes than breastfed infants.

Problems arose

Unfortunately, it is possible that the recommendation to delay the introduction of solids not only did not benefit infants but also may have done some harm. It has become clear that delaying the introduction of a variety of foods to young children may have long-term effect on their food preference. It is best to introduce a variety of tastes and textures over the first year of life to develop healthy food choice and avoid fussy eating habits.
 

Food allergies and intolerances

More recently, another consequence of delayed introduction of foods has become apparent. The incidence of allergies of all types, especially food allergies, is increasing and research suggests that delayed introduction of solids has interfered with the normal immune development in infancy reducing food tolerance and increasing allergies.

Doctors who specialise in allergies from around the world have written a joint recommendation that solids should be introduced from 4 to 6 months and not delayed until 6 months or older. Breastfeeding is of course encouraged for the first year of life.
Breastfeeding combined with gradual and steady increase in the variety of foods results in the lowest incidence of allergies.
Always when introducing solids, the parents need assess safe risk and infants need be developmentally ready. Young children can choke on solids. This is an important reason for not introducing solids at 2 or 3 months of age. When solids are started from 4 months, early foods should be soft and mushy and only one new food each week. From 6 months new textures can be included but not hard foods, such as uncooked carrot or raw apple, which can lodge in the infant’s trachea or wind pipe.
 
All parents should be aware that young children may choke on solids.  Parents need know that if they believe a young child in gagging or choking on food that a firm hit on the back may help dislodge the obstruction. (Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions suggests all parents and care givers complete their First Aid - St John has a 'Course in Caring for Kids' that is highly recommended)

The Solids Controversy was written by Professor Karen Simmer PHD FRACP. Professor of Newborn Medicine, University of Western Australia.

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

Preparing and storing food

Cooking areas and utensils must be kept clean although it is not necessary to sterilize baby’s bowl and spoon unless baby has an infection such as thrush.  Hot soapy water is sufficient.

Food should be eaten immediately unless stored in airtight containers and kept in the refrigerator of freezer. Refrigerated food should be exposed of after five days if not consumed.

Food may be stored in the freezer up to two months.

When freezing food there are various ways to store it.  Ice cubes are convenient for small amounts or if needing to store a variety foods separately. For example store in some cubes pumpkin, in others zucchini, apple, or mango then take out what you need per meal.  Food can also be stored in meal size containers ready for use.  Prepare bulk quantities or make a little extra when making the family meal.  Separate baby’s food from your own before adding salt or other flavourings.  Meat, vegetables or fruit can be frozen although some foods freeze better than others.  Flavourings

Heat baby’s food by placing it in a cup and standing it in boiled water to allow it to heat slowly.  Be very careful if using a microwaves as they heat food unevenly producing hotspots which can cause severe burns.

Do not add to the natural flavour of foods such as butter, sugar, honey, salt, or splices. A baby has more sensitive taste buds than an adult and doesn’t need his food enhanced.

Avoid giving food mashed together as one big mushy multi flavoured mixture. Serve foods separately so that baby can distinguish between flavours and begin to know what he likes and dislikes.

Commercial Food.

Commercially prepared baby food is excellent for emergencies but can if given to frequently become the only food baby will take.  If this is the case I suggest mixing it with a little home prepared food.  Decrease the amounts of commercially prepared food and increase the volume of home cooking at every meal until he is happy with your cooking.  This method can be adapted for children who will only eat pureed food and balk at lumps or who refuse to eat certain types of food.  Disguises or concealing disliked food within other accepted foods is often a good way to encourage a fussy eater.

Prepare different types of meals soups, stews, rice, pasta, BBQ meat and veg, finger foods such as sandwiches, pizza, sushi, include foods of different textures and flavour.  Meat for example can be served in a variety of ways.  Minced with a sauce and served with pasta or rice.  Made into a paste or pate and used as a sandwich spread.  Bits size such as meatballs, or meat on a bone.  Meat in soups either liquidized or very finely chopped into small manageable pieces.

Tips:  Woodern boards harbour less jerms than plastic or marble chopping boards. 

Remember:  Always wash you hands, the serfices/ bench tops and the utencils before preparing food.

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop. 

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy provide professional parenting coaches to assist you in the task of introducing your child to solids and ideas for a balanced diet.

Call now and book your personal Cradle 2 Kindy coach on 1300 786 101

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

More Articles on Food and Nutrition

In his ground-breaking book: ‘Releasing Fat’, Dr Ray Strand explains the underlying causes of one of the most prevalent threats to our health today. Syndrome X or ‘The Metabolic Syndrome’. Syndrome X is a sign of serious disruption of normal body function, and carries with it a HUGE risk for suffering from the following potentially catastrophic health conditions:

• Stroke,
• Coronary artery disease,
• Hypertension,
• Diabetes which is also becoming common in children and teenagers.

It all begins with what Dr Strand refers to as ‘carbohydrate addiction’ and ‘insulin abuse’.  In most cases this begins in childhood and adolescence through poor food choices.

Refined Carbohydrates

When we eat refined carbohydrates (white sugar, white flour, white rice,  most breakfast cereals and even potatoes, raw sugar and honey) they rapidly increase blood sugars which is the reason they are termed: ‘high-glycemic’.  This is in contrast to most fruits, vegetables and whole grains that are digested and absorbed slowly: these are called ‘low-glycemic’ foods.

When high glycemic foods are eaten, the body produces large amounts of insulin, in order to deal with high blood sugar.  Insulin allows the sugar to enter the body cells where it is used for energy, or stored as fat.  When you have eaten high glycemic food, you get a rush of glucose into the blood stream, followed immediately by a rush of insulin, which causes the blood sugar level to drop rapidly. When this happens you feel weak, shaky and STARVING. You crave more high-glycemic food to bring your blood sugar up to normal again.

Low glycemic foods

On the other hand, when you eat low glycemic foods, insulin releases slowly, blood sugars reach a plateau and stay constant for 3 - 4 hours then drops slowly . You feel satisfied and energized. When you feel hungry there are no strong cravings.

Carbohydrate addiction

This repeated cycle of consuming high-glycemic carbohydrates leads to ‘carbohydrate addiction’ followed by obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. You are literally abusing your own insulin. This eventually leads to the body’s becoming less and less sensitive to insulin.  Known as ‘insulin resistance’. The body compensates for this situation by making more and more insulin.  As blood insulin levels rise, many metabolic changes begin to occur: blood pressure rises, triglycerides (fats in the blood) increase, HDL or good cholesterol decreases, you begin to store fat in the mid-section (central obesity), and you develop greater inflammation throughout our body. This leads to a significantly increased risk in heart disease and diabetes.

Changing your diet

If you simply eat whole fruits, whole vegetables, and whole grains with just a few exceptions, you will be providing your body with all of the good carbohydrates it needs and your blood sugar will not spike.  In fact, they will allow you to become more sensitive to your own insulin, while at the same time increasing the fat releasing hormone, glucagon.

Changing your family’s diet is very important to avoid your children (as well as yourself) entering onto this vicious cycle.

High nutrition and low glycemic products can help.  Ask Cradle 2 Kindy for  more information about products that are available through independent distributors. (Article writen by Tony Reid. DTCM, DAc, CCP, MAACMA)

Tips:  Encouraging our children to eat healthy will incuse good habits for later in life.

Remember:  Avoid eating ‘junk’ food and filler foods which are often refined carbohydrate.  Provide low GI foods as an alternative. 

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy provide professional parenting advice for your child and assist with tips for good dietary habits. We can also help with suggested recommended food supplements for children and adults.   

Call now to book your personal Cradle 2 Kindy coach on 1300 786 101 

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

More Articles on Food and Nutrition

In today’s society our children face many of life’s obstacles very early, even while at the breast.  Some children react to breast milk.  This of course is very rare and is usually attributed to what their mother is eating.  There may be a lactose intolerance or a reaction to a certain type of food which their mother is eating which passes through the breast milk to the child.  Some of these children may grow out of their reaction other may be found intolerant or allergic to these foods.  Food intolerances can also occur with bottle fed babies such as a cows milk intolerance.   Some allergies and food intolerances are only picked up when a child starts solids and is introduced to these foods.   Not all children develop food allergies or intolerances but it is good to be aware of other who are. 

Difference between food allergies and intolerances.

What is the difference between food allergies and intolerances?  An allergy will give an immediate response as it is the immune system reaction to food proteins.  An intolerance doesn’t involve the immune system but is triggered by food chemicals which irritates the nerve endings.  These chemicals are found in groups of foods which accumulate in the body and eventually cause a reaction.  

Food Allergies

Food allergies are often inherited and are associated with eczema, asthma and hay fever.  Food allergies can range from mild to severe causing vomiting, cramps and diarrhoea, hives, swelling on the face, mouth, eyes.  The most sever is a life threatening anaphylaxis attack which cause breathing difficulties due to the throat and tongue swelling or asthma.  Common children’s allergies are soy and cows milk, egg, sesame, wheat, seafood, peanut and other nuts.  Many children grow out of their food allergies by five but peanut and seafood may continue through adulthood.   Allergies but not intolerances can be diagnosed through a skin prick test.

Food Intolerances

Many foods have additives including colourings and preservatives but others have natural chemicals those low in chemicals are almost never a problem.   Natural chemicals in foods help to enhance their flavour.  Levels may either be high in unripe fruits and decrease with ripening or visa versa.  MSG for example is found naturally in tomato, mushroom, silverbeet, prune, plum and grape.  Organically grown foods may have higher levels of natural preservatives and pesticides in their skin.

Foods moderate in natural chemicals

• Pear, apple (golden, red delicious), mango, banana, papaya, rhubarb.
• Choko, potato, sweet potato, swede, leeks, celery, carrot, beetroot, marrow, pumpkin, parsnip, turnip, peas, snow peas, Chinese veg, asparagus.
• Chicken, eggs, fresh fish, veal, rabbit, lamb, beef.  Dairy foods other than mild and tasty cheeses. 
• Rice, arrowroot, barley, rolled oats, sago, wheat, rye, buckwheat.

Foods high in chemicals

• Avocado, date, kiwi fruit, orange, pineapple, grape, plum prune, sultana.
• Cauliflower, eggplant, broccoli, mushroom, silverbeet, tomato, broad bean.
• Tuna, salami, sausages, seasoned meat and chicken, tasty cheese. 
• Honey, jams, fruit or chocolate flavoured drinks, stocks and sauces.

Food intolerances are rarely serious.  If you suspect your child has a food intolerance or allergy contact your family doctor of Paediatrician.

The good news is children often grow out of food intolerances and allergies.

The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Allergy Unit, NSW has put out a recipe book called “Friendly Food’.  It is a guide to avoiding allergies, additives and problem chemicals in foods and  can be purchased through the allergy clinic or your local book store. 

Tips: Don’t rush to start your baby on solids.  Six month is the age the World Health recommends.

Remember:  Always intorduce children to a new food slowly. Give at leaset 5 days between intoducing each new food. It is recommended to offer one small serve at the beginning of the day just incase there is a reaction to the food giving you time to seek medical assistance.  

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy provide professional parenting coaches to assist you in the task of introducing your child to solids and ideas for a balanced diet. 

Call now and book your personal Cradle 2 Kindy coach on 1300 786 101

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

More Articles on Food and Nutrition

This article is for those who are needing to increase mothers, baby's or their toddlers diet due to a need to reduce dairy and dairy products.

approximate milligrams of calcium content per 1 cup.

Vegetables 450  turnip greens, cooked 450  mustard greens, cooked 330  bok choy, cooked 320  bean sprouts 250  spinach, cooked Fruit 126  dried figs, 106  ripe olives  67   dried apricots  62   sultanas  60   black currants  59   dates  51   dried prunes  41   oranges  22   sweet cherries  21   strawberries  17   pineapple  16   grapes  10   avocado   8    bananas   7   apples Calcium supplement

Grains 300  tapioca, dried 119  wheat brand 114  buckwheat raw   72  wheat germ   50  corn meal, whole grain   40  rye flour, dark   20 rye flour, light   20 brown rice, cooked Nuts 900  sesame seeds 660  almonds 600  chestnuts 280  walnuts 260  sunflower seeds Beans 450  soybeans, cooked 400  tofu 340  gabanze beans, cooked Sea food 1093 Kelp 270   Salmon with the edible bones 260   Sardines with bones

Daily Requirements of Calcium

Calcium needs vary during your life the following is a list of daily requirements:

Breastfeeding mum's		1300 mg
Infants	under 1 year	600 mg
Children	1 - 3 years	400 mg
	4 - 6 years	500 mg
	7 - 10 years	600 mg
Adolescents	11 - 18 years girls	800 mg
	11 - 18 years boys	1000 mg
Adults	19 years and over	700 mg

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

If you are continuing to have problems with a fussy eater or food refusal please call your personal Cradle 2 Kindy coach for advice.

Also see: Food intolerances' and Allergies in Children

Table manners where do they begin?

More Articles on Health

The World Health Authorities warns not to start solids before six months of age this is mainly due to the increasing problems of childhood obesity, diabetes and food intolerances.  Breastfeeding is encouraged till six month or longer as it contains all the nutrients a baby needs to grow and be in good health.  In the past if a woman was not breastfeeding they were encouraged to start solids by four months.  This has been changed.  Introducing solids too early can strain baby’s kidneys and digestive system which are not mature enough to cope with solids before this age. 

Solids should always be given in small doses, one to two teaspoons for the first month is sufficient.  Always offer solids about twenty minutes after a milk feed until baby is nine months.   The milk feed is a feed not just a snack and at this age contains all a babies nutritional requirements. 

Beginning solids is just that, an introduction to food not a meal but a taste of things to come.  It also encourages baby to develop her tongue muscles to thrust food backwards.  This also helps develop the muscles for speech.  For the same reason dummies should be stopped by this age as this action reinforces baby’s sucking muscles which can hamper speech and cause speech impediments such as a lisp. 

By nine months a baby will be eating about one cup of solids before every milk feed except the morning feed. 

Solids or formula are often introduced before a baby’s night sleep to help her sleep through the night.  This does not guarantee sleep.  Babies generally sleep longer at night (7-8 hrs) from three months old and 12 hours from seven to nine months old.  There are of course exceptions to the rule when babies sleep through at an earlier age. 

What to introduce first?  Babies iron stores at six month are beginning to decline therefore iron enriched rice cereal is the first solid to be introduced.  This can be mixed with breastmilk, cooled boiled water or formula.   Cows milk should not be given to a child under 12 months.    Salt, sugar or other condiments should not be added. 

Starting solids may cause a baby to become constipated.  If this is the case introduce a little boiled water either in a bottle or cup.  If baby continues to be constipated, cut out the rice cereal for a while and introduce a little diluted prune juice or pulp.  Re-introduce the rice cereal when things have improved.  

Six months is a good time to familiarize your baby with a cup especially if you plan to wean soon.   This may be formula or cooled boiled water.  If your are wanting to introduce formula putting it into her solids will help her to adjust to the taste.  I suggest introducing a cup with a spout that has a valve to stop the liquid pouring out.  To begin with remove the valve so the liquid will pour out when the cup is tiped up.  You will need to control the flow to begin with but once baby knows there is something in it that is worth drinking, return the valve.  Eventually she will realises she will need to suck to obtain the liquid.   

By nine months baby should be off bottles and drinking soly from a cup.   Spout or straw are acceptable. 

Tips: Don’t rush to start your baby on solids.  Six month is the age the World Health recommends.

Remember:  Always intorduce children to a new food slowly. Give at leaset 5 days between intoducing each new food. It is recommended to offer one small serve at the beginning of the day just incase there is a reaction to the food giving you time to seek medical assistance.  

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy provide professional parenting coaches to assist you in the task of introducing your child to solids and ideas for a balanced diet. 

Call now and book your personal Cradle 2 Kindy coach on 1300 786 101

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

More Articles on Food and Nutrition

You have probably heard about Antioxidants. You can find them in the health section of your local supermarket and they are frequently advertised in the media. Most of the Antioxidant supplements that are available in your local supermarket or health food store contain a mixture of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and usually also some minerals such as zinc and/or selenium; some may also include herbs such as ginkgo grape seed, and milk thistle.

These substances have all been scientifically documented to have significant antioxidant actions. However, for the reasons discussed below, these products generally fall far short of supplying what the body really needs in order to be truly effective.

Free Radicals

In order to understand what Antioxidants can do for us we need to understand what ‘free radicals’ are, how they are produced in the body, and what sort of damage they can cause.

Put simply, free radicals are a group of  chemical substances that are produced in quite small quantities in the body all of the time. Certain circumstances such as  exposure to environmental pollutants, ‘bad’  dietary fats, physical over exertion, emotional stress, and cigarette smoke cause an increase in free radicals.

There are many different types of free radicals. However the one thing that they all have in common is an unstable oxygen atom, which, much like a strong acid, causes them to literally ‘eat a hole’ in the delicate structures of the body’s basic unit of life: the cell.

If it were not for the natural antioxidant defense systems that are produced by the body, we would all  keel over and die after taking our first few breaths! However, our own natural defenses, plus the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables, have kept humanity alive and well over the long course of our development.

Since the late 1950’s, scientists have come to recognize the fact that the damage caused by free radicals is the leading cause behind the increased prevalence of such degenerative diseases as cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis and diabetes.

Alarming facts

The alarming fact that has only recently come to light is that the damage leading up to these diseases BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE.

Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, over a century ago, our bodies have been subject to an ever increasing number of stresses that have dramatically increased the levels of free radicals that are formed in our bodies. The introduction of thousands of man-made chemicals into the environment, many of which end up in our food and water and air; the processing of foods; and the increasing levels of stress—to name a few.

At the same time, modern agricultural and food storage practices have resulted in reduced levels of essential vitamins and minerals in our foods. Therefore  we are less able to prevent and repair the damage to cells that is caused by free radicals.

Facts to consider

Before you race down to the health section of your local supermarket to buy the latest antioxidant supplement, there are a few things that you will need to look out for:

1. The requirements of adults and children are very different, so be sure that the formulation is specific for the age of the person.

2. Because free radicals come in many different varieties, you will need an antioxidant mixture with as wide a variety as possible of different antioxidant ingredients. There is a danger in using one antioxidant alone, or even a formula with 2, 3 or 4 different ones: they can actually cause an increase in free radical activity.

3. The formula should also contain a balanced mixture of essential vitamins and minerals to support the action of the specific antioxidants.

We now know that the increased incidence of degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and diabetes, is due to the cumulative damage caused by free radicals, and that this damage begins in childhood and adolescence.

Supplements

In order to gain adequate protection from free radicals in our increasingly polluted environment we need to take daily supplements that include:

1. A wide variety of specific antioxidants to deal with the various different types of free radicals.

2. The necessary vitamins, minerals and other co-factors to support the action of  the antioxidant supplements.

3. A complete and balanced mixture of essential vitamins and minerals to promote optimal body function and repair.

You should bear in mind that a mixture of many different antioxidants should be taken because the neutralisation of free radicals involves several steps.

Caution

At each step the antioxidant is converted into a free radical which is then neutralised by another antioxidant, and so on until the end step which produces harmless carbon dioxide and water. Unless there are enough different antioxidants to fill all of the steps, you may end up with more free radicals being produced. So simply increasing the intake of one or two antioxidants may lead to more harm than good. You need to take a balanced mixture of them.

The important antioxidants include:

1. Vitamin & mineral antioxidants: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A (or Beta Carotene which is converted to Vitamin A in the body), Zinc, Iron, Selenium, Copper, Manganese.

2. Substances that are both produced by the body as well as obtained from food: Coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid.

3. Flavonoids: Citrus (bioflavinoids), grape seed (procyanidins), green tea (catechins), ginkgo leaf, tomato (lycopene), lutein, bilberry (anthocyanins), milk thistle (sylimarin), soy (isoflavones).  (Article written by Tony Reid. DTCM, DAc, CCP, MAACMA)

Tips:   Childrens food supplements are available and are recommended by may diatitians and natropaths.

Remember:  Our food is depleated of many nutriants due to intence farming methods and poor soil quality.  

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy can help you with advice on solids and dietary ideas for all ages.   We can also help with suggested recommended food supplements for children and adults.

To make a booking call Cradle 2 Kindy on 1300 786 101

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

More Articles on Food and Nutrition

Childhood and adolescence is a period of rapid growth and development, especially for the brain and nervous system, the digestive system and the immune system.

During this time, it is vital that a child receives high quality raw materials in the form of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Furthermore, it is essential that the complete spectrum of nutrients are supplied in the right amounts in order to ensure normal growth and repair. 

After the age of two, a child’s nutritional needs are much the same as those of an adult, and a balanced diet should be carefully chosen according to the ‘Revised Food Pyramid’ (RFP) recommendations (details covered in the next issue).

Food Group Servings

Each day, the number of servings for each food group should be approximately:

Vegetables: 5-7; Fruits: 2-3; Whole grain (cereal, bread, pasta) 3-5; Proteins (fish, chicken, lean meat, legumes) 2-3; Good oils and oil rich foods(nuts, seeds, olive oil, flax oil) 4; Dairy (low fat) 1-2. 

Junk foods, including refined carbohydrates, deep fried foods and those foods containing hydrogenated oils should be avoided.  Like many things in life, this is an ideal to strive towards, though not  always easily achieved.

Food Supplements

A simple and effective way to ensure that your child’s daily nutritional needs are met is with a high quality nutritional supplement, containing a balanced blend of the required vitamins, minerals and antioxidants necessary for optimal health.

Most of us are familiar with the concept of the ‘Basic Four Food Groups’ and the ‘Eating Right Food Pyramid’.  However we may not be aware that the scientific research over the past thirty years has shown that these concepts are out of date and may even have been contributing to the enormous increase in diabetes and heart disease.

These degenerative diseases are now occurring much more frequently in children and adolescents (particularly diabetes), as is also attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder  (ADHD). Nutritionists the world over agree that diet plays a major part in the development of these conditions.

How are we to nourish our children, as well as ourselves, correctly so as to reduce the risk of these diseases, and promote good health?  The answer lies in the newly developed ‘Optimal Health Food Pyramid’, recently devised by Dr Michael Murray and Dr Michael Lyon. It is  based on the scientific research from the last thirty years, also taking into account our ancestry, the quality of foods currently available, modern environmental conditions and our current lifestyle.

Optimal Health Food Pyramid

The ‘Optimal Health Food Pyramid’, also provides additional recommendations for basic supplement and lifestyle components.

The bottom, largest, section of the pyramid, contains vegetables, 5-7 servings. and 4 servings of oil rich foods (nuts, seeds, and salad oils such as olive, flax, macadamia and canola). On the next level are whole grains, 3-5 servings, and legumes (i.e. beans and peanuts), 2-3 servings (or 4-5 for vegetarians). Closer to the top we have fruits, 2-3 servings and high quality protein (lean chicken or turkey, fish, eggs), 2-3 servings. At the top are dairy foods (low fat), 1-2 servings, which may be substituted by a calcium supplement. Below the Pyramid are the basic lifestyle and supplement recommendations: daily exercise (stretching, strengthening and aerobics), pure water (8-12 glasses), and basic nutritional supplements (high potency multivitamin and multimineral, fish oils and a greens drink). (Article written by Tony Reid. DTCM, DAc, CCP, MAACMA)

Tips:  Introduce fruit and vegetables as snack foods for morning and afternoon tea. 

Remember:  Good eating habits start young.

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop. 

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy can assist you with professional advice on nutrition for your whole family and provide you with suggestions or your child's diet.  We can also help with suggested recommended food supplements for children and adults.   

Call Cradle 2 Kindy and make a booking for your personal coach to visit and talk about your child’s needs on 1300 786 101 

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

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The Importance of Pharmaceutical-Grade Fish Oils

The omega-3 essential dietary fats have been receiving a lot of publicity recently. Every health-food shop and most chemists are displaying large bottles containing up to 200 clear capsules of fish oil -rich in omega-3 ‘essential fatty acids’. With free information brochures outlining their many benefits.

How important are these oils?....Do we really need to include a supplement in our diet? …. Do children need them too?

Essential ‘fatty acids’ 

(or ‘fats’) are just that: they are essential ingredients of our daily diet. Your body cannot make them for itself. They are required every day to perform many different functions in your and your child’s body. There are two types of essential fats: omega-3 and omega-6. The ideal ratio in your diet should be 2-3 to 1 omega-3 to omega-6 fats.

Unfortunately, most of us are getting way too much omega-6 fats in our diet. These are found in vegetable oils, cooking oils, meats, margarine, etc.  Whereas rich sources of omega-3 fats are limited to cold-water fish, flax  and pumpkin seeds. This imbalance has two results. First, there are usually not enough of the omega-3 fats to perform their important functions, and, secondly, the excessive amounts of omega-6 actually reverses the beneficial effects of the omega-3.

What exactly are these beneficial effects?

First and foremost, your brain is made up of mostly DHA, the omega-3 fat that is found in fish oil. A shortage of DHA causes inevitable brain degeneration, which may lead to Alzheimer's disease in adults and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.

Omega-3 fats also act in the body to produce chemical messengers called ‘prostaglandins’, which protect us from developing breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.

The benefits continue with prevention of cardiovascular disease, adult-onset diabetes, some skin diseases and rheumatoid arthritis.

It is vital that you and your child include omega-3 fats in your diet every day. This will ensure normal, healthy growth and development, as well as protection against degenerative diseases later in life.

Dietary supplements

As dietary sources of omega-3 fats are limited, a good policy is to take a daily supplement. Fish oils are the best choice. These oils are extracted from large cold-water fish (such as salmon, mackerel, herring or halibut), which are high up on the food chain. This means that they are bound to be contaminated with heavy metals (e.g. mercury), pesticides and other environmental contaminants.

The only way to deal with this is for the oil to be purified by a process called ‘molecular distillation’. This will remove all of the contaminants, including mercury, to produce a PHARMACEUTICAL GRADE fish oil supplement.

This process, while necessary, also adds to the cost. Therefore you should look for a supplement that states on the label that it is pharmaceutical grade, guaranteed pure, without any contamination.  (Article writen by Tony Reid. DTCM, DAc, CCP, MAACMA)

Tips:  Omega-3 has been noted for its ability to assist with unruly behaviour in children.

Remember:  It is advisable to take a regular dose of Omega-3 throughout our lives to inhance our health and the health of our children.  

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Our professional parenting coaches will provide you with assistance and advice on children’s diet and supplementary needs. 

Call Cradle 2 Kindy to book your personal coach on 1300 786 101

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

More Articles on Food and Nutrition