Poor or poor nutrition and malnutrition in childhood affect behavior and school performance throughout their growth stage. Studies of different origins have shown this.
At Harvard University and the Massachusetts General Hospital, the United States determined that malnourished children are prone to learning difficulties and attitude problems, which are reflected in irritability, aggression, difficulty understanding and lack of interest.
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Not in vain the experts consider that the formula nutrition-mental development has, in most cases, a relationship directly proportional to the academic performance of the child in his school stage. The issue becomes even more delicate since, according to a World Bank document, the effects of malnutrition in early childhood 0 to 8 years can be devastating and lasting. In addition, it prevents behavioral and cognitive development and affects school performance and reproductive health, thus weakening future productivity at work.
In this sense, it is explained that it is unlikely that an adult who has had a bad diet during childhood will be able to overcome the deficiencies of concentration, performance and intellectual performance. The deficiency of iron present in breast milk, meats, fish, milk, enriched cereals, egg yolk and cheese, proteins and other nutrients during the growth of children, decreases their attention, memory capacity and learning. These elements are fundamental for mental development, as are the micronutrients present in fruits and vegetables.
Malnutrition causes low weight and low height in relation to age. It also affects the immune system, making it more vulnerable to infectious diseases, "It is one of the biggest causes of school absenteeism"
Breakfast is key
In this relationship between nutrition and mental development, experts agree on the preponderant role of breakfast both in the academic performance and in the social interaction of children during their school life.
Breakfast depends on performance, the ability to concentrate and analyze. Consequently, it must be nutritious and balanced, in general inadequate child nutrition brings negative effects such as lower intellectual capacity, less muscle mass, less physical work capacity and greater vulnerability to adverse environmental conditions.
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The child does not want to eat
It is not uncommon to hear complaints from parents about the eating habits of their children that they do not want to eat, that they always leave their vegetables, that they do not eat with judgment, that they leave half the food, which is unappetizing.
If you do not eat anything or little, you are told that you will not receive any food later. If you later complain about not having tasted a bite, ignore it, the feeling of hunger helps you to understand the consequences of your act. Not letting it out or watching television is another alternative. What you have to do is try to establish a routine of rules, schedules and spaces the table, not the bed, and comply with it.
A child who only ingests soda and candy will run the risk of malnutrition. The danger of obesity, or diabetes will be very high. Now, if the child is unappetizing, it is best to take him to the pediatrician to rule out diseases such as anorexia nervosa.
It is important to make him feel that all the food is rich. If you do not like it, present it in an attractive way, dissimulate it in other products, substitute it with others that you want, or prepare it differently to change the consistency.
