Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health The Link Between Snacking and Stunted Growth - AI Podcast
May 17, 2025
Discover how constant snacking can disrupt children's growth hormone levels, potentially stunting bone development. Research indicates that structured meal times are crucial for triggering natural hormone surges, which are essential for strong bones. Animal studies reveal that those on scheduled meals experience three times more growth hormone bursts than constant grazers. Learn practical tips for transitioning from unstructured snacking to regular meals, promoting healthier growth and better metabolic health for children.
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Snacking Impairs Growth Hormone Surges
- Constant grazing flattens growth hormone surges needed for children's bone growth.
- Structured meals trigger peaks in growth hormone that promote healthy skeletal development.
Ghrelin Rhythm Drives Growth Hormone
- Ghrelin rises before meals, signaling the pituitary to release growth hormone.
- Continuous food availability keeps ghrelin mid-level, blocking growth hormone surges.
Implement Structured Meal Times
- Establish three fixed meal times with satisfying portions and eliminate snacks between meals.
- Allow only water or herbal tea during closed kitchen hours to restore hunger rhythms.