TMHS 802 - Why Childhood Illnesses Are Skyrocketing & How to Raise Healthy Kids in Our Modern World - With Dr. Joel Gator
Jun 24, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Joel Gator Warsh, an integrative pediatrician, discusses the rising rates of childhood illnesses, importance of healthy dietary choices, and informed parenting decisions. Topics include childhood obesity, obesogens, chronic diseases, lifestyle factors, gut health, picky eaters, and individualized care.
Childhood illnesses linked to ultraprocessed foods and obesity.
Avoid synthetic nutrients for children's health benefits.
Promote diverse food choices to cultivate healthy eating habits in children.
Deep dives
The Impact of Ultraprocessed Foods on Childhood Health
Rising rates of obesity, autism, and autoimmune conditions in children have been linked to the increased consumption of ultraprocessed foods. Studies have shown a significant correlation between the consumption of newly invented ultraprocessed foods and health issues in children, such as obesity and metabolic alterations. The prevalence of these foods in children's diets has risen over the years, leading to potential risks of carcinogens and obesity-causing agents. The compounds in ultraprocessed foods can impact metabolism, making weight management challenging.
Health Ramifications of Synthetic Nutrients in Multivitamins
The utilization of synthetic nutrients in multivitamins, often marketed as essential for children's nutrition, poses health risks due to their synthetic nature and high sugar content. Contrary to popular belief, synthetic nutrients lack the bioavailability and health benefits of real food-based nutrients. Studies have revealed that synthetic nutrients are laden with artificial ingredients and high sugar levels, affecting metabolic functions. Transitioning towards whole food concentrates and emphasizing a diet based on real foods significantly improves nutrient absorption and overall health.
Promoting Healthy Eating Habits in Children
Encouraging children to consume a diverse range of nutritious foods aids in fostering healthy eating habits. Patience and consistency play vital roles in introducing new foods and expanding children's palates. Modeling healthy eating behaviors, engaging children in food selection and preparation, and experimenting with different cooking techniques can help create a positive relationship with food. Transitioning gradually, offering diverse food options, and involving children in meal planning can facilitate a more balanced and nutritious diet.
Addressing the Challenge of Picky Eating in Children
Dealing with picky eaters requires a multifaceted approach that includes patience, consistency, and creativity. Parents should avoid force-feeding and instead focus on gradually introducing new foods while remaining patient and persistent. Transitioning to healthier food choices, involving children in the meal preparation process, and creating enjoyable food experiences can help broaden a child's food preferences over time. Understanding the natural apprehension towards trying new foods and promoting a positive food environment are crucial in overcoming picky eating challenges.
Teaching Kids to Listen to Their Bodies
Recognizing the importance of teaching kids to pay attention to their bodies and the effects of their diet on health. Sharing examples of how children learn to identify triggers for health issues by listening to their bodies, such as recognizing the impact of certain foods on their well-being. Emphasizing the role of parents in guiding children to make informed choices about their health and teaching them to recognize symptoms and connect them to lifestyle factors.
Importance of Skin-to-Skin Contact and Informed Parenting
Highlighting the significance of early skin-to-skin contact for newborns and its positive effects on maternal and infant health. Discussing the evolving practices in childbirth and the value of informed parenting decisions. Stressing the need for balanced approaches, debunking online parenting trends, and encouraging parents to prioritize meaningful interactions with children over excessive screen time, acknowledging the challenges of modern parenting.
Over the last few decades, the rates of chronic illness and obesity in children have skyrocketed. Some folks argue that this is due to increased awareness and testing – but what is really contributing to increased childhood illnesses? And more importantly, what can we do about it? That’s exactly what you’re going to learn on today’s show.
Today’s guest is Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh, a board-certified integrative pediatrician and author of the new book, Parenting at Your Child’s Pace. He’s joining us on this episode of The Model Health Show for an important conversation on the increasing rates of childhood illnesses, simple dietary swaps for healthier kids, and how to make more informed parenting decisions.
You’re going to learn about making more confident parenting choices, and how to navigate the landscape of childhood health and lifestyle choices. Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh has an extensive knowledge base, as well as invaluable experience on what it takes to create healthy, thriving children. If you’re ready to feel empowered about your children’s health, just click play!
In this episode you’ll discover:
How childhood obesity rates have changed in the last several decades.
What obesogens are.
The percentage of children that have chronic diseases.
Why we’re seeing more diagnoses in children today.
The importance of taking ownership over our children’s health.
Why our modern lifestyle is causing so many health problems.
How lifestyle interventions can reverse diseases or minimize symptoms.
The impact sugar has on the developing brain.
How integrative medicine and western medicine can work in tandem.
The #1 thing parents can do to make better choices for their kids.
Why our healthcare system can be a barrier to creating real health.
Tips for managing picky eaters.
How to cultivate a healthy relationship with food and cooking.
Why you are the only person who can keep your kid healthy.
The importance of repeated exposures when it comes to new foods.
How to teach your children to listen to their bodies.
The critical practice of skin-to-skin care with newborn babies.
How to take a balanced approach to your parenting decisions.
Why social media can create a negative comparison trap.
What to consider about screentime.
The necessary steps for nurturing a healthy child.
This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Organifi and Beekeeper’s Naturals.
Organifi makes nutrition easy and delicious for everyone. Take 20% off your order with the code MODEL at organifi.com/model.
Reinvent your medicine cabinet for with clean, effective products powered by the beehive & backed by science. Claim your 20% discount at beekeepersnaturals.com/model.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode