Dr Amit P Ghawade, a paediatrician at Motherhood Hospital (India), explains that the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, plays a vital role in regulating growth, metabolism, energy and other bodily functions.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that affect every organ in the body, and hormone imbalances can lead to thyroid problems.
Common thyroid diseases include hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Symptoms of this imbalance include sudden weight gain or loss, feeling too hot or cold, fatigue, loss of appetite, slow growth, rapid heart rate, constipation, and thinning hair.
Dr. Amit P Ghawade outlines dietary factors that affect thyroid health in children, including:
Iodine Deficiency: It is important to understand that iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency leads to various health problems including hypothyroidism. It causes symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, and slow growth. Make sure your child gets enough iodine through their diet to maintain thyroid hormone levels.
Nutritional deficiencies: If your child is a picky eater, they are more likely to suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Deficiencies in essential nutrients such as selenium, zinc or iron impair the thyroid’s ability to produce and regulate hormones. This can lead to mood swings, an inability to focus on a particular task or slow growth.
Processed foods: Children are often obsessed with unhealthy foods. They are more attracted to foods that are often processed or packaged. These foods are high in fat, sodium, and preservatives, which can easily cause inflammation.
This negatively affects the functioning of the thyroid gland. Chronic inflammation also interferes with hormone production, making them prone to fatigue and irritability.
You should avoid feeding your child unhealthy or processed foods. Encourage your child to eat healthy and nutritious foods.
Eating too much sugar: Irregular eating habits and eating too much sugar in children cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.
This sugar spike puts extra pressure on your thyroid while disrupting hormone levels.
Healthy habits such as eating at regular times will help maintain consistency and also support your child’s thyroid health. You should place strict limits on your child’s intake of sugary foods or drinks such as chocolate, cakes, cupcakes, pastries, doughnuts, juice or candy.
