Lifestyle
How An 8-year-old Bacame Blind From Eating Junk Food
Mealtimes can be a battlefield for a lot of parents. Anything that is not on a child’s “selected” food list, such as a plate of veggies, is categorically rejected.
Picky eating is sometimes written off as a fad, yet chronic malnutrition can have major, long-term health effects.
In one of the most alarming incidents, an eight-year-old child in Malaysia was claimed to have gone permanently blind as a result of just consuming cookies, sausages, and chicken nuggets since he was a baby instead of eating good cooked food.
“Teacher, why can’t I see anything?” he yelled while attending school in Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital.
After being taken to the hospital, it was discovered that he had a significant vitamin A deficit.
Vitamin A is essential for rhodopsin, a light-sensitive protein that aids in the production of pigments in the retina that improve vision in low light.
In another case, which was recorded in the UK, a boy who exclusively ate processed ham, white bread, and chips suffered from acute malnutrition and, by the time he was 17, had lost his vision as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 and other vital minerals.
To support their rapid growth and cognitive development, children need a balanced diet full of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Dietary restrictions in children can lead to deficits very fast. Another prevalent issue among picky eaters is iron deficiency, which frequently results in anemia, exhaustion, and impaired cognitive function.
Also Read: Mindful Eating And How It Helps
Deficits in calcium and vitamin D, which are commonly observed in kids who reject dairy or fortified substitutes, can weaken bones and raise the risk of fractures in later life.
The effects on both physical and mental health
A child’s temperament, behavior, and academic performance can all be impacted by inadequate nutrition in addition to their physical health. Youngsters who don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their diet—found in nuts and fish—are more likely to experience anxiety and attention problems.
Furthermore, kids who eat a lot of processed, high-sugar foods are more likely to grow up to be obese and have metabolic diseases, which can result in diabetes and heart disease.
How to promote wholesome eating practices when dealing with a fussy eater, parents may feel powerless and angry, but there are strategies to promote a more balanced diet:
- Set a good example: if kids observe their parents eating healthily, they are more likely to follow suit.
- Make minor adjustments by introducing new dishes gradually alongside well-known favorites.
- Use your imagination to prepare meals with kids or to serve food in entertaining eye-catching ways.
- Seek expert advice: If a child’s health is being negatively impacted by fussy eating, speaking with a pediatric nutritionist can help parents address the problem early and make sure their kids are getting the nutrients they require.
Gentle Reminder: Be careful how you use your authority and influence, be wise, and treat others with respect.
Chychy Jonas