FOUR SUPER FOODS THAT WILL HELP YOU AND YOUR CHILD CLEAR COLDS AND DETOXIFY

There are 4 super foods that can help relieve your little one from colds and also detoxify their bodies. these include; Honey, Lemon, ginger and garlic.A beverage made of these 4 foods is a super remedy to colds. After drinking the beverage, the liver will be cleansed out and the immune system will be enhanced. Free radicals in the body will also be prevented from forming other diseases that are associated with the heart and the circulatory system. common colds will also be eased. Ingredients needed for this drink include: 1. 4 large heads of garlic 2. 4 whole lemons with the peels left on 3. one small ginger root 4. one cup of honey 5.. 2 liters water. Wash and cut the lemon into pieces, then add to a blender. Peel the garlic, place into the blender, and add the ginger root. Blend well. Place mixture into a metal bowl, then add the 2 liters of water. Heat until the mixture has just about come to a boil, then remove from the heat. Let the mixture cool down, Strain the mixture and add the honey. Drink one glass every day before meals on an empty stomach, for children give two table spoons twice a day after a light meal. The garlic will be neutralized by the lemons and also by cooking the mixture. Source:healthyfoodteam.

Whole food vs Refined and processed food

Whole food is food that hasn’t been altered from its natural form for example brown rice, an apple e.t.c. On the other hand, refined foods are foods that have had some parts removed, leaving them less nutritious than when they were whole, for example white rice, Apple juice etc. Eating whole foods is highly beneficial to our health and helps prevent many diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. This is because whole foods retain their dietary fibre and their whole nutrient profile that is crucial to our health. Reason to eat whole foods 1. Phytochemicals; these are active plant food components like antioxidants found in tomatoes. These help in the breakdown of fats and cholesterol and help to fight many types of cancer. 2. Nutrient shortage; many nutrients such as Vitamin C , Vitamin A and minerals such as magnesium and Iron are destroyed during food processing, this causes a shortage of these in diets made up of refined foods. These minerals and vitamins are very crucial to our diets and reduce the risk of most chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and Hypertension. 3. Good fats; Good fats such as omega 3 and omega 6 are naturally found in foods that are not refined like oily fish, avocados etc well as most refined foods have the bad fat added to them during processing. 4. Fibre ; Whole foods contain dietary fibre which helps in proper digestion by preventing constipation. Fibre also helps keep one full and thus preventing overeating which can lead to obesity and chronic diseases. Unfortunately, in our country, Uganda, most school going children do not have access to whole foods especially during school hours. Their main diet is composed of posho and beans which are not self sufficient. The canteens in the schools also sell lots of junk food most of which is refined or fried. School administrators should ensure that each student gets a fruit or some vegetables on their plate for each meal. They should also barn junk food from the canteens and promote selling of healthy foods like bananas, whole wheat bread, apples e.t.c Parents should also try as much as possible to include whole foods in their children’s diet so as to promote good health and prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Whole foods are actually easier to access and acquire in Uganda. These include Fruits and vegetables in their raw form or with their skins, whole grains, legumes and pulses and other staple foods like yam, potatoes and matooke.

Nutrition in children

NUTRITION Nutrition is the intake of nutrients the inform of food, The major nutrients in food are carbohydrates, proteins and fats, Vitamins and minerals also exist in food in small but very useful amounts. Nutrition is a very essential component of life that leads to proper growth and development in human beings. Lack of proper nutrition will lead to malnutrition and sometimes death. Malnutrition refers to a situation whereby nutrient intake is low or in excess, when in excess, it’s called over nutrition and when it’s low it’s called under nutrition. In developing countries such as Uganda, the biggest population is mainly affected by under nutrition due to household food insecurity and poverty, In some instances, children are denied food by caretakers or are fed on non nutritious food thus leading to malnutrition. Malnutrition has the following indicators; Stunting (low height for age), Wasting(low weight for height) and underweight (low weight for age). According to the SCN world nutrition situation 5th report, Stunting affects 147 million pre schoolers in developing countries, Malnutrition at an early age leads to reduced physical and mental growth and development for example Iodine deficiency is the major cause of mental retardation and brain damage. Under nutrition also affects performance in schools. However malnutrition can be prevented by providing children with adequate and well balanced meals. A well balanced meal will comprise of foods from the following food groups Carbohydrates e.g. Cassava, Irish potatoes, Yam, whole grain cereals, pulses Proteins such as milk, fish and eggs, and fruits and Vegetables such as bananas, apples, greens, cabbages etc………………..

Health benefits and risks of honey to children.

Benefits of honey to Children

Honey for kids older that twelve months of age is known to be highly effective in treating minor cuts and bruises on account of its anti bacterial and anti fungal properties.
Honey also promotes the growth and development of good hair and keeps the skin supple and soft. Honey if consumed by older children is also known to benefit their health on account of its anti oxidant properties and the presence of vitamins and minerals like manganese, iron, copper etc. In case of a persistent cough in children older than two years old. Honey may also be used to soothe the throat and act as a natural cough suppressant. However it should be given in a small quantity.
Honey also triggers the production of saliva which in turn acts as a natural expectorant thereby providing relief from cough. Research has shown that darker honey has more antioxidants and has more health benefits as compared to the lighter varieties of honey. In some cases honey is also known to tackle the problem of bed wetting in children if consumed by them on account of its moisture retaining properties and benefits.

Risks of honey to infants
Honey for infants less than one year old is highly dangerous as it is known to develop a severe allergic reaction called infant botulism. The bacteria associated with this reaction forms spores which if swallowed by the baby will result in the production of a poisonous toxin that tends to affect the intestines of the baby. Symptoms of infant botulism are poor sucking, weak cry, lack of facial expressions etc. Some people tend to follow the old habit of soothing a crying baby by dipping the pacifier in honey. This practice should be stopped completely as the immune system of the baby is not strong enough to fend of the benign strain of raw honey.
 Although many food manufacturers commonly use honey as an important ingredients in their foods, it is an established rule among baby food manufacturers not to add honey to any of their products. Honey for babies does not cause infant botulism only on consumption. The botulism spores are even known to be found in soil, uncooked foods and dust and hence even pose a risk to adults and older kids. Honey not only harms the baby’s teeth on account of its sugary taste and composition but also tend s to develop a “sweet tooth” in him as he grows.
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HEALTH BENEFITS OF HIBISCUS

The red flower that we are mentioning today is a flower with innumerable benefits. It is called “Rosemallow" and belongs to the family of the Malvaceae. It has another popular name, the most common Indian garden flower, Hibiscus.

This trumpet shaped flower is widely used in Ayurveda, herbal hair care products and is said to be very beneficiary to health. Lets brief you more about the health benefits of the hibiscus. Take a look.


Health Benefits of Hibiscus
1. The natural flower extracts are said to be a great remedy for heart related ailments. Drinking the flower concoction is said to bring down the blood pressure levels in the body.
2. The anti oxidant rich flower is the best medicine to reduce body fat. A teaspoon of powdered petals of the flower can actually reduce the cholesterol levels in the blood that block the arteries leading to heart attack.
3. Another health benefit of the hibiscus flower is that it can actually bring down the body heat. The flower concentrate can be added to a glass of water and relished like a fruit drink. It also boosts the immune system.
The white hibiscus, specially has the highest cooling effect and is used in decreasing the eye pressure and face treatments.  The petals are applied like a face pack and is said help prevent acne.
4. Hibiscus is a natural diuretic thus its juice is advised for those who suffer from diabetic and kidney related problems.
5.  Making a churan of the red hibiscus flowers can naturally improve the blood color and also is a good medicine for anaemic patients. In eastern countries, the dry petals of white hibiscus is used as a garnish on sweet dishes and desserts.

Underlying Causes of Malnutrition

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Poverty

Poverty is far from being eradicated. During the last two decades, the number of people effected by extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa has nearly doubled, from 164 million in 1982 to some 313 million as of 2002. Poverty alone does not lead to malnutrition, but it seriously effects the availability of adequate amounts of nutritious food for the most vulnerable populations. Over 90 percent of malnourished people live in developing countries.

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Lack of access to food

Most major food and nutrition crises do not occur because of a lack of food, but rather because people are too poor to obtain enough food. Non-availability of food in markets, difficult access to markets due to lack of transportation, and insufficient financial resources are all factors contributing to the food insecurity of the most vulnerable populations. People are increasingly dependent on international markets for all or part of their food supply, particularly between harvest periods. Many people are increasingly vulnerable due to fluctuations in the prices, as was recently illustrated during the global food crisis.

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Disease

Certain illnesses and infections, such as tuberculosis, measles, and diarrhoea are directly linked to acute malnutrition. A combination of disease and malnutrition weakens the metabolism creating a vicious cycle of infection and undernourishment, leading to vulnerability to illness. HIV and AIDS have become a leading cause of acute malnutrition in developing countries. A child infected with HIV is more vulnerable to acute malnutrition than a healthy child. Anti-retroviral drugs are more effective when combined with adequate, regular food intake. So ensuring a healthy diet is an important aspect of HIV control and treatment.

If the HIV-infected child becomes acutely malnourished, her/his diminished nutritional state will increase the likelihood of infections, and may lower the effectiveness of medications — either anti-retroviral treatment or for other illnesses and infections.  When severely malnourished, an individual may not be able to tolerate medications at all. The combination of acute malnutrition and HIV and AIDS thus considerably increases the chances of morbidity, placing the child at a higher risk of death.

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Conflicts

Conflicts have a direct impact on food security, drastically compromising access to food. Often forced to flee as violence escalates, people uprooted by conflict lose access to their farms and businesses, or other means of local food production and markets. Abandoned fields and farms no longer provide food to broader distribution circuits.  As a result, food suppies to distributors may be cut off, and the many populations dependent on them may be unable to obtain sufficient food.

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Climate change

In 30 years, the number of natural disasters — droughts, cyclones, floods, etc. — linked to climate change has increased substantially.  The effects of climate change are often dramatic, devastating areas which are already vulnerable. Infrastructure is damaged or destroyed; diseases spread quickly; people can no longer grow crops or raise livestock.

According to UN studies in over 40 developing countries, the decline in agricultural production caused either directly or indirectly by climate change could dramatically increase the number of people suffering from hunger in the coming years.

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Lack of safe drinking water

Water is synonymous with life. Lack of potable water, poor sanitation, and dangerous hygiene practices increase vulnerability to infectious and water-borne diseases, which are direct causes of acute malnutrition.

SOLUTIONS TO MALNUTRITION

Action Against Hunger’s assessment, treatment and prevention activities are designed and carried out together with communities and health services. Until recently, children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) were treated in intensive-care inpatient facilities known as ‘Therapeutic Feeding Centres.’ These hospital-like centres required children and their parents or caregivers to remain in residence during their month-long treatment.

The recent development of innovative food products for treating severe acute malnutrition, known as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF), now permits treatment to take place in the community at any time and place, resulting in a shift towards new outpatient treatment programmes. Such programmes, known as Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition, offer severely malnourished children the opportunity to be treated at home, rather than in a centre, with family and community support for recovery.  Health professionals assist communities to diagnose nutritional problems, and oversee community-level activities.

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Ready-to-use therapeutic foods

Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods have been developed in the form of peanut-butter based pastes and biscuits that are nutrient-rich and packed with high concentrations of protein and energy. RUTFs reduce exposure to water-borne bacteria as they contain no water. They require no refrigeration and are ready to serve, ensuring that essential nutrients are not lost by the time the products are consumed.  With no water, heating or preparation required, RUTFs avoid all of the major inconveniences of therapeutic milk-based products, which are the standard treatment in inpatient care of severe acute malnutrition.

CMAM and RUTF have resulted in revolutionary changes in the fight to overcome acute malnutrition by enabling:

1. A massive scaling-up of treatment programmes to cover many more malnourished children
2. Increased coverage, with broader access to treatment
3. A reduction in social costs associated with SAM treatment, as parents and caregivers are able to treat severely malnourished children without medical complications at home, without leaving the rest of the family or foregoing income-generating activities

CMAM includes three main elements:

1. Community Outreach
2. Outpatient Care: home treatment
3. Inpatient Care: hospital or health facility treatment

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Community outreach

To reach as many acutely malnourished children as possible and achieve maximum programme coverage, CMAM depends on community involvement in all aspects of the programme. Known as Community Outreach, this aspect of CMAM includes community assessment of nutritional status, community mobilisation, active case-finding of acutely malnourished children, and referral and case follow-up. Community volunteers work directly with malnourished children and their families. Alongside local health professionals and volunteers, Action Against Hunger's teams assess the nutritional status of childen and identify new cases of malnutrition as early as possible, so that timely interventions can prevent further deterioration. By working in partnership with local health services, Action Against Hunger aims to integrate the assessment, treatment, and prevention of acute malnutrition into national, regional and local healthcare systems.

Children diagnosed with moderate acute malnutrition are provided with care and support, which may include food and micronutrient supplements, medical treatment, if needed, and nutrition advice/education for parents and caregivers. Nutrition education can include information on optimal infant and child feeding and care practices, advice on hygiene and sanitation, and the prevention of illness, and psycho-social support. The weight and height of children with moderate acute malnutrition are monitored regularly in order to prevent deterioration into severe acute malnutrition.

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Outpatient care: home treatment

Children treated through community-based Outpatient care represent 80 percent of all cases of severe acute malnutrition. Those who are clinically stable, have no medical complications, and still have an appetite, are directly admitted to a programme of home treatment that is supported by weekly visits to  “stabilisation centres “ (either hospitals or health centres) for medical supervision. Weekly visits allow health professionals to evaluate the children’s progress and provide them with a weekly supply of RUTF for home treatment. The visits also allow acutely malnourished children to receive preventative measures and treatment for infections, illnesses, and micronutrient deficiencies (such as antibiotics, vitamin A, de-worming tablets, immunisations, etc). Follow–up visits can continue for up to two months, depending on the child's progress and recovery.

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Inpatient care: hospital or health facility treatment

A child who does not have an appetite, does not gain weight, and/or exhibits serious medical complications is admitted to a specialised hospital, clinic, or other inpatient health facility where s/he is treated using therapeutic milk products. Such children represent about 20 percent of cases of severe acute malnutrition. When a child with severe acute malnutrition and medical complications has regained his/her appetite and medical problems  have been successfully treated, s/he is transferred to outpatient care.  A child may remain in inpatient care for four to seven days, depending on his/her recovery.

NUTRION AND COLIC

NATURAL COLIC TREATMENT THROUGH NUTRITION AND CARING

Infant colic and reflux are distressing for both parents and  baby but they can be relieved without drugs. Colic is a symptom of reflux or other eating problems. When is crying considered colic? 

   Consolable; When crying is easily consolable with carrying and affection, then that is just what babies need. 

Inconsolable; When crying is frequently inconsolable, beyond athletic bouncing sessions and extreme distraction techniques, one needs to look for something that is regularly causing pain. We are often given a “diagnosis” of colic, or more commonly today, reflux or GERD for the frequently long-crying baby, (Natural Colic Care: Professional Help for Colic, GERD and Breastfeeding, Nutrition & Natural Parenting Challenges)

What is colic? It's a baby who cries a lot. At least that’s what we’re told, along with assurances that baby will “grow out” of it one day. The attuned parent, often sensing that their inconsolable baby is in pain, desires to do something more than just wait. Often the baby with colic is prescribed sedative drugs with potentially dangerous side effects. While posing risks to the infant, these generally do not address the source of the problem.

Since the development of new expensive drugs for gastric acid reflux, most crying babies are diagnosed with GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease and prescribed the new proton pump inhibitor drugs such as Prilosec and Prevacid. Parents usually find that these provide little help, if any. Current studies reveal that there is great randomness to the symptoms used to diagnose GERD, that while the drugs will reduce acid in the stomach and esophagus they do not reduce baby’s colic symptoms or other symptoms, and that GERD drugs increase intestinal infections and pneumonia. While the GERD diagnosis and prescription of these drugs is lucrative, it sadly steers parents away from finding real solutions for their baby.

Common Causes In the nursing baby, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, garlic, or spicy foods in mother’s diet often cause uncomfortable gas or irritation. Sometimes caffeine or chocolate are problematic as well.

Number One Cause While not frequently proposed, research proves that the number one cause of colic is intolerance to cow’s milk proteins in the diet of the breastfeeding mother or in formula. Corn, wheat, and soy are some other common offenders.

Other Symptoms Often other symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, spitting-up, rashes, sleeplessness, or waking with screams go along with this picture. Sometimes chronic stuffiness and ear infections also stem from food sensitivities; again, dairy being the major offender, Palmer, 2001.

Finding Out Blood and scratch tests are simply not reliable, and are often negative. Once other, rare medical conditions have been professionally ruled out for the chronically crying baby, dietary trials in search of offending foods will likely provide the solution that is needed.

 

REMEDY

Nursing Mother; Strict elimination of dairy and other offenders in the nursing mother’s diet will produce better results than elemental formulas, while helping the intestines to heal and maintaining immune protection and other benefits.

 Caring for Colic; Lots of jiggling often helps to move painful bubbles through baby’s system. Tummy rubs may be responded to positively as well. The general rule for reacting to a crying baby who cannot be comforted is to simply hold them and validate their feelings. Yet when a child frequently suffers from painful bouts of colic, it may be more kind to help distract them from their pain, if and when possible.