Teen Nutrition
Link Between Teen Nutrition, Early Puberty and Adult Disease
Health studies
show that girls who reach puberty at a young age fail to reach normal height. In addition, they are at greater risk of adult medical diseases such as breast cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS in turn is linked to a greater incidence of diabetes, impaired glucose intolerance, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Girls who mature early are also more likely to suffer from behavioral problems and mental health issues including: - depression
- eating disorders
- attempted suicide
- substance abuse
- teen pregnancy
- criminal behavior
- lower academic attainment
- being physically victimized.
Who is Responsible For Teen Fitness and the Nutritional Health of Our Teens? The solution has to be multi-pronged. Health authorities must mandate stricter labeling laws and require full disclosure from cosmetic manufacturers of the ingredients used in their products. So much more can be done to protect the health of our future generations. The findings from studies such as those done by EWG need to be made widely accessible to the general public to help the ordinary man and woman understand how exposure to cosmetic chemicals in daily personal care products affects the puberty process and the health of their teenage children. There are numerous animal studies that show that exposure to dangerous chemicals such as pthalates and parabens delays puberty in males, accelerates puberty in females and causes adverse health effects that are more severe in adolescents, such as predisposing the adolescent breast to cancer. The question is: how much of this information is being disseminated to families, schools, childcare centers and organizations that work with children and teenagers? Also, is the information being used to create policies and practices that change the way we live and help us live more healthily? Perhaps the most important thing anyone can do for themselves and their children is to be aware of what is in their shampoo, face cleanser, moisturizer, body wash and cosmetics. Read ingredient labels. Understand the definition of organic, how to check for a product's organic certification, and where to find organic hair care, organic makeup and organic beauty products. Learn what ingredients are safe and which cosmetic chemicals potentially cause chemical poisoning. Find out what these terms mean and how they potentially affect your health: - PEG
- parabens
- perfumes, fragrances, musks
- pthalates
- petrochemicals
- triclosan
More Ways To Nurture Your Teen: Nutrition Let's face it. Teen nutrition is a huge challenge for parents. Maybe we can't stop our teens from consuming junk food and soft drinks, but we can teach them from young about the definition of nutrition, and why is nutrition important. Why not look at it from their point of view, and try engaging them on topics they want to talk about? For instance, sports-loving teens may be interested in topics like nutrition and physical fitness; the link between sports, nutrition, health; teen fitness nutrition information; and what constitutes proper nutrition for athletes. The academically inclined teen may be willing to try super foods for brain power and more receptive to your explanation of why is nutrition important. The teen who loves trying new things might not mind trialling a raw food breakfast like the Healthy Smoothie Recipe on our Why Probiotics page. And every family with teens can benefit from understanding the connection between nutrition and mental health. Enhancing Teen Nutrition With Natural Vitamin Supplements Another valuable way to enhance teen nutrition is to help your teens reap the benefits of dietary supplements that function as immune system boosters. Adolescents face a long and sometimes tumultuous time as their bodies, minds and emotions undergo significant development, and being in peak health can help them feel able to cope with change and transition. Visit our health supplement store and learn about some of the best alternative health care products available to your teens.
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