I recently read an article, 5 Surprising Facts about Low Thyroid in Children and Teens, which confirmed what I believe is partially the result of poor diet in our children. When I say, “poor diet,” I don’t only mean the diet only of the less financially fortunate, but also children from affluent families who are always on the go.
We Are What We Eat
Some affluent families in our communities are generally on the move. Running to sports events, attending meetings scheduled late into the evening, and spur of the moment vacations. This hurry, hurry lifestyle, leaves these families eating on the go. They buy foods that are quickly and easily prepared. Foods that are as quickly consumed. These foods are highly processed and don’t digest well.
Some Low-income families with children are forced to eat foods that are considered “affordable.” Their budget only allows for foods that can be purchased “on the cheap.” These foods include highly processed foods with foreign ingredients. If you read many of the labels, you will find ingredients that are next to impossible to pronounce.
These families eat synthetic foods and foods that are mass produced including, beef, and dairy injected with hormones and antibiotics, and genetically altered fruits and vegetables sprayed with pesticides.
The Body Makes Do With What it is Given
Children are consuming these poisons in large quantities. The chemicals move through their digestive tracts and into the bloodstream, not to be absorbed into the body, providing nutrients for growth, but poisoning their cells causing virus, illness, and mutated genes. I know, mutated genes? Sounds excessive.
Well, you may think that ridiculous, but the human body is meant to digest natural compounds. How do you think the body digests something it doesn’t recognize? How do you think the body reacts to the inability to absorb and process these chemicals? It can’t. So, the body does what it can to “make do” with what it’s given.
Our children are most susceptible to these chemicals. Their little bodies are still growing and developing. Their cells are adjusting to their environment. The result?
An Increase in Hypothyroidism in Children
Well, one result we are seeing is an increase in children with hypothyroidism. Yes, I said hypothyroidism; an adult disease, affecting our children. The number of children thought to develop hypothyroidism was one or two per 100 children, now is believed to be two to three in 100 (JAMA Pediatrics). Other autoimmune diseases are on the rise in children too.
To be clear, my belief isn’t based on scientific fact. I don’t believe any producer of processed food would back up such a study. My hypothesis is based solely on common sense. What happens when we subject plants to chemicals and poisons? They mutate. They take on a different form or alter their genetic makeup to compensate for the stress caused by the toxins. The human body is made up of the same building blocks as plants. So, what should we expect to happen?
Consider This
More children and teens are diagnosed with hypothyroidism today than ever. Their little thyroid glands are damaged, slow and can’t produce enough thyroid hormone to grow properly. Low thyroid interferes with normal growth and development. It causes fatigue and can interfere with performance at school.
If you have a child, you should be aware of the following information:
- Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder in babies, kids, and teens.
- Statistics show the one in every 1500 – 3000 newborns test positive for hypothyroidism.
- It can develop later in childhood or as teens.
- Girls are 4 times as likely to be diagnosed as boys.
- Families with histories of autoimmune disease, Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, type 1 diabetes, or celiac disease are at greater risk of developing hypothyroidism.
- Some medications can damage the thyroid such as lithium, some epilepsy drugs and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (some chemo drugs), and in some instances, iodine deficiency.
Watch your children for the following symptoms:
- tiredness
- feeling cold
- constipation
- dry skin and hair
- Delayed growth (puberty)
- irregular menstrual periods
- anxiety
- attention deficit disorder
- Excessive weight gain in children and teens isn’t typically the result of a thyroid problem, but it never hurts to ask the question. If your child is carrying extra weight it could be the catalyst resulting in thyroid disorder.
Now What?
You as a parent are your child’s only hope for a healthy future. They are too young to realize their thyroid could be affected by what they eat, and what environmental toxins will pollute their bodies. Their best hope is for you as a parent to advocate for them.
Keep watch over your children. Monitor their moods and behavior. Ask questions and demand answers. It is easier to keep them healthy than it is to treat a disease or disorder. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.
https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/hypothyroidism
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=hypothyroidism-in-children-90-P01963
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=hypothyroidism-in-children-90-P01963
