Introduction Over the past two decades, new research has significantly enhanced humans’ understanding of the brain’s development and function. Consequently, the effect of nutrition on brain development is increasingly acknowledged. Therefore, this report aims to evaluate the importance of nutrition for children’s cognitive development. Cognitive development is the growth in thinking and learning skills such as problem-solving and memory, which continues from childhood into adolescence and throughout adulthood. Since the human brain development (which correlates with cognitive development) primarily occurs during conception and the first years of life, this report mainly focuses on nutrition’s role in early childhood cognitive development. …show more content…
Secondly, the indisputable effect of maternal nutrition during pregnancy on the child’s brain development is discussed thoroughly. Lastly, the importance of nutrition is weighed against other major factors that affect cognitive development, including biological and other environmental influences. The report is inferring that, through technological advancements, greatly improved neuroimaging methods have enabled an increase in these emerging findings on the role of nutrition in brain development. Therefore, the significant role of nutrition in children’s cognitive development is strongly …show more content…
This emphasises the importance of nutrition in children’s cognitive development since docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid is essential for neurological development. DHA is significant in the function of the nervous system as it is a main component of nerve cell membranes. As neurotransmission is dependent on the integrity of nerve cell membranes, sufficient content of DHA is important in facilitating neurotransmission and hence optimal cognitive
Nutritionism is an ideology that believes that the nutrients in foods are the key to understanding them. Nutritionism believers are so focused on the nutrients that food contains that they forget about all other aspects of food. The problem is that consumers rely on packaging to tell them what nutrients a food provides, since nutrients cannot be obviously seen, and they rely on science to tell us what nutrients are good and which are “evil”.
Provide muscle energy, fuel for the nerve system, the fat metabolism and protect the protein to been used as energy
Active kids who need more calories than the federal limits are also at risk, and may end up feeling weak, fatigued or nauseous during sports and exercise. According to a 2012 article written by registered dietitian Timi Gustafson, not getting enough essential nutrients at meals may lower kids’ IQ scores, memory capacities, fine motor skills, social skills and languages skills into early adulthood and beyond. A child’s poor dietary habits can even influence his sleep patterns, which may have an effect on cognitive behaviors and academic abilities. The results of a research review published in 2004 in the "British Journal of Nutrition," children who are micronutrient-deficient may exhibit more aggressiveness, less mental endurance and lower intelligence test scores. our school lunches are affecting our learning abilities and this is a problem that needs to be resolved
Nutritionism and Today’s Diet Nutritionism is the ideology that the nutritional value of a food is the sum of all its individual nutrients, vitamins, and other components. In the book, “In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan, he critiques scientists and government recommendations about their nutritional advice. Pollan presents a strong case pointing out the many flaws and problems that have risen over the years of following scientific studies and government related warnings on the proper amount of nutrients needed for a healthy diet. Pollan’s main point is introducing science into our food system has had more of a negative impact than a positive one, we should go back to eating more of a traditional diet. I believe food science has given us
Children between the ages of 8-12 are defined as being within the developmental stage of middle childhood. At this age, the rapid development of previous stages has decreased and the physical changes within this period are slower and more defined. The refinement of gross and fine motor skills is a critical aspect of this stage as the delayed or retarded development can have significant impact on the areas of cognitive, social and emotional development. In order to ensure children are equipped with the correct knowledge and understanding of health, well being and healthy eating, the period of middle childhood is one in which these aspects are incorporated and failure to properly do so can result in long term ramifications and problems.
...brain and malnutrition. Therefore, one’s diet is not only crucial for the physical well being but also their mental.
The brain, also known as the “boss” of the human body, is an instrumental organ that directs all of the body’s activities. Whether a means to maintain homeostasis or a means to prevent diseases vis-à-vis the blood barrier, the brain is a key component, which, if unable to properly execute actions, can alter the functions of the body. Therefore, although there is a plethora of factors of child brain development, the most important influences are maternal distress during pregnancy, the environment, such as biological and physical stimuli, and prenatal and postnatal nutrition.
2) Nutrition and Your Brain: Fruits and Vegetables for Protection , on the Brain.com web site
Brain Development in early childhood is dependent on many factors. As the brain develops, cognitive, social and language acquisition activities build up. During cognition development language will naturally emerge. There are many factors that give to the outcome of brain development. As stated in The Development of Children, 2013 early brain development increases at a rapid rate. The brain does slow down its growth after infancy until there is another spurt around adolescence. The brain reaches about eighty percent of its mature weight at the onset of early childhood. At about five years of age, the brain is closer to ninety percent of its mature weight. Many significant changes occur during this slower time of early brain stages. “As seen within the brain the growth allows for myelination to continue. Myelination is when the brain that increases the spread of neural impulses to various areas of the head. During early childhood myelination occurs in the frontal cortex section of the brain. This fosters more cognitive protocol for the child” (Lightfoot, Cole 2013).
2. Orogastric: This route is used when NG is contraindicated, and to prevent sinusitis. It is tolerated well by the sedated patients but not in awake patients.
Bryan, J., Osendarp, S., Hughes, D., Calvaresi, E., Baghurst, K., & Van Klinken, J. (2004). Nutrients for Cognitive Development in School-aged Children. Nutrition Reviews, 62(8), 295-306. doi:10.1301/nr.2004.aug.295-306
Rapid growth of the brain and nervous system continues during the early years of a child’s life, however because of birth defects or health problems some children may be at a risk of cognitive delays. Problems such as Autism, where children may have a difficult time with language skills and sensitivity to touch, behavioral problems, or chemical exposures can all affect a child’s cognitive development. For most children though with a proper diet and plenty of stimulation cognitive abilities will develop rapidly, and by about 7 years ones cognitive skills have become “functionally related to the elements of adult intelligence.”
Health, nutrition and fitness are the three interrelated areas that determine an individual's sense of happiness and well being.
Nutrition is an important key to learn and understand in your life while you get older. Many people do not know the proper diet and exercise to keep their body healthy and strong. Throughout this course, I have learned information on different kinds of vitamins, carbohydrates, amino acids and other helpful diets. After reading and logging my dietary log for a week it has helped me re-organize my diet and health. I have learned about how to personally manage my exercise and diet and I am seeing some good results because of what I learned from this class. I started to see what I was missing in my diet and started to know what quantity and quality was for your diet. I also took a leap into my family health history to see what I need to change
People is always asking: “Why is important to have a balanced diet? Why is necessary to have a balanced diet on a daily basis? And why do professionals tend to recommend a balanced diet?” The human being has essential needs to its existence: breathing, feeding, and keeping the body in constant movement. The majority of the people are aware of this, but they do not have a balance among these things and even more important they do not eat the adequate food to keep their body healthy. Food is one of the most important factors because it gives the energy the body needs daily. In other words, few words food is the fuel that provides glucose, which is carried to each cell of the body through the bloodstream. This process is extremely important and this is influenced by the type of food that each person consumes. A balanced diet is important for human beings, and makes reference to a good nutrition with regard to the food they eat; which contains macro nutrients that are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; these provide energy and basic materials that the body uses to grow and stay healthy.