Nourish to Flourish: How Our Diet Impacts Childhood Growth

Children's growth is heavily reliant on a steady supply of balanced nutrition. When the quality of food isn't aligned with growth stages, growth can slow down or even halt altogether, impacting height.

It's clear to everyone that what we put into our bodies significantly affects how we develop, grow, and maintain our health.

Proteins are components of growth hormones, so it's essential to consume enough protein daily. Proteins can be found in a combination of legumes and grains—preferably whole grains—eggs, seeds, chicken, and meat.

Calcium also plays a vital role in growth and development because it makes up the bones. Calcium is involved in hormone secretion and encourages the release of growth hormones. It can be found in leafy greens, cabbage, oranges, almonds, sardines, tahini, and carob.

Zinc is an essential mineral that participates in the production processes of proteins and hormones, playing a crucial role in the creation of growth hormones. Zinc is present in pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, brewer's yeast, quinoa, and liver.

"The sunshine vitamin" Vitamin D plays many roles affecting development and growth processes. Just 20 minutes of sun exposure daily provides the body with Vitamin D, along with consuming fish—particularly salmon, alfalfa sprouts, and sunflower seeds.

Avoid processed foods and simple carbohydrates. Trans fats found in fast food, like pastries and fried items, disrupt metabolism, digestion, and the body's detoxification processes.

Physical activity profoundly influences the secretion of growth hormones. It enhances detoxification processes and boosts metabolism. Regular activity is vital, especially during childhood and teenage years.

The main key to growth is sleep. During sleep, the body repairs damaged tissues, generates new cells, cleanses toxins, and expels waste accumulated throughout the day. Moreover, growth and development processes primarily occur at night when sleep happens during optimal hours.

Bedtime plays an important role in growth and development processes. Our biological clock is regulated by sunrise and sunset. As it gets dark, we naturally feel tired.

Between the hours of ten p.m. and two a.m., the body performs its essential processes most efficiently. Therefore, it's recommended for everyone, especially those who want to optimize growth and development and achieve greater height, to sleep during these hours.

Zohara Sharvit is a naturopath N.D and an iris-based diagnostician, with extensive experience in treatment and counseling, as well as conducting workshops. To book a free workshop, call 073-2221290