Western Diet Breeds Bad Bacteria in Kids
As if I don’t have enough Mommy guilt already, a recent study found that the typical Western diet can cause bad bacteria to flourish in our kids’ stomachs.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, compared the diets (and fecal matter) of healthy children from Burkina Faso in West Africa to that of healthy children from Italy. The West African children consumed a diet of cereal, legumes and vegetables and a small amount of meat protein. Children in Italy consumed more meat and significantly more fat and sugar not to mention calories. The study found that the gut flora in the West African children was a more beneficial bacteria, whereas the bacteria in children who ate a Western diet is linked with obesity.
So what’s a Western society mom to do? Cut back on the processed foods. Yes, boxed cereals and mac and cheese are quick and easy, but when it comes to kids fresh is better. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in every meal and keep a bowl handy for convenient snacks. Experiment with different whole grains for dishes — you’ve probably served brown rice, but have you tried quinoa or triticale? And cut back on meat portions. Protein is important for growing kids, but we tend to over serve meat portions in our society. And remember that beans are also an excellent source of healthy protein.
When I go grocery shopping with my son, I feel like I’m saying the word “no” over and over as we browse the aisles. Though he knows I prefer to keep healthy food in the house, he can’t seem to resist the draw of bright, kid-oriented packaging. Despite my resistance, I still somehow always spend more money when he comes along.