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Q.
Everyone seems to be afraid of eating fat. But should we be limiting our children of this vital nutrient?
A. We all need fats (the right kinds) to function
properly. It is especially critical for children because fats play a critical role as they develop mentally and physically.
Go to www.nourishingourchildren.org/parents/fat.html
for a great explanation of why fats are not to be feared but are absolutely necessary! Q. I have heard that cod liver oil is good for kids, but there are so many brands out
there! Are they all the same? A. Cod liver
oil benefits children by providing vitamins A & D. Vitamin A is essential for vision, protein and calcium absorption,
immunity, thyroid function, and the production of hormones. Vitamin D is essential for proper bone development (rickets
in children is a result of vitamin D defficiency), absorption of minerals, insulin production, cellular function, and has
anti-cancer properties. When choosing a high quality cod liver oil, it is important that the vitamin D is of a natural
form, and that proper care has been taken in the manufactoring to filter out heavy metals and solvents. Recommended brands
can be purchased through www.greenpasture.org or www.radiantlifecatalog.com
.
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Q.
What are foods that are considered to be "brain foods" ? A. The are certainly many foods that help to stimulate our grey cells (remember fats?),but it is also very important
to keep in mind that whatever we ingest which causes stomach upset, will also upset the brain. Michael Gershon M.D. has
spent more than 30 years researching the connection between the brain and the gut and has written a great book, The Second
Brain. In it, Dr. Gershon states that the same neurotransmitters that are found in the brain or also found in the bowel.
Therefore, providing children with the best quality, organic foods which are cooked with care , so that it is easily digested
and assimilated goes a long way to support their brain development. In terms of a specific nutrients, we have
to go back to fats! (Please see the article link from the first question at the top of this page.) Just incase you are
still not quite convinced, I quote from Dr. Michael Schmidt's book, Brain-Building Nutrition, in which he writes, "One
of the most remarkable and little-known facts about the brain is that over sixty percent of its elaborate structure is fat.
. .Like a temple in which each stone is carefully chosen for its purpose, the brain requires specific fats of specific size,
length, shape, and function in order to conduct its daily business. . . The regions of your brain that govern your mood, behaviour,
and emotional intelligence require fats. The regions that give rise to your memory and your ability to learn new things
require these fats. In one respect, we are who we are because of fat; not a glamorous notion, but fair."
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Q.
Are water filters really necessary? And if so, which one do I get? A. The EPA has estimated that there are in excess of some two thousand pollutants in our water supply.
In addition to pollutants, many municipal water systems have fluoride and chlorine added which pose serious health risks.
I highly recommend The Drinking Water Book by Colin Ingram. It is very easy to read and will provide you with
useful information on how to test your own water supply and provides a great introduction to different types of filters.
For more information on the health hazards of fluoride, go to www.fluoridealert.org ,
and for a brief description of health hazards of chlorine, go to www.holistichealthtools.com/chlorine.html
. Please remember, we are primarily composed of water! At birth, we are 80% water, and as we reach adulthood,
we stabilize at around 70% water. Doesn't it make sense to nourish our children and ourselves with the purest water
possible?!
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Q.
How do I choose a good multi-vitamin for my child? A.
When it comes to vitamins and minerals, the best way to obtain it is through the foods we eat. Mother Nature is the
original and best provider. Choosing organic whole foods , and preparing foods with love and care are the most nourishing
ways to make sure that growing bodies and minds are getting the best nutrients. Having said that, there may be times
when a little extra boost is needed such as when travelling and to address certain deficiencies which can occur due to a poor
diet or illness. When shooping for a multi-vitamin, it is important to read the label carefully and make sure that all the
nutrients listed are food-based and preferably organic. ( It is strongly recommended to seek the advise of a holistic
pediatrician or nutrition professional when considering supplementation.)
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Q. Is it alright to use plastic bottles for drinking water and plastic containers for storing
food? A. In 2003, Dr. Patricia Hunt of Case Western
University in Ohio conducted research into bisphenol-A (BPA), which is a component of polycarbonate resin used in the making
of plastic containers and bottles. Her researched showed that just normal wear and tear such as dishwashing, and leaving plastic
bottles in a car on a warm day can cause bisphenol-A to leach out. Actually, her study showed that bisphenol-A leaches out
at even just room temperature. BPA is a known hormone disruptor and toxic levels have been found in human fetuses. This exposure
holds serious health hazards for the child to be. Visit the following link for more on BPA: http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/NewScience/oncompounds/bisphenola/bpauses.htm
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