Are You Putting You Children In Danger?

Although there is more education on the dangers of fast food and junk food, there are still a lot of people who consume these types of food –on a daily basis.

In fact, fast food may still play a very large role in people’s daily, weekly, or monthly food intake.

And this may leave you – and your children – at risk for many health complications, including becoming overweight or obese, heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.

Here are some scary statistics:

McDonalds – an American staple – serves more than 45 million people PER DAY…

One out of every FOUR people eats fast food every day…

Most children in the US may recognize the McDonalds sign even before they can actually speak…

French fries – one of the WORST foods for you – may be the most widely consumed VEGETABLE in the US…

One fast food meal may contain all the calories you need for an entire day!

Is it any wonder why overweight and obese populations have exploded in the US and around the world?

Besides the most common side effects of fast food and junk food (overweight, obesity, diabetes, etc.) there are some other health conditions that may be on the rise due to increased junk food and fast food consumption.

Asthma, Conjunctivitis, and Eczema: Is there a link?

Does your child frequently have episodes where is harder for them to breath?  Or have they been diagnosed with asthma (which is on the rise)?

Do scaly – sometimes painful – itchy patches appear on their skin?

Do they suffer from post-nasal drip, sneezing, red eyes, runny nose, or nasal congestion – all year round – instead of your usual cold/flu seasons?

Would you be surprised to find out that the foods you’re feeding your child may be causing some of these symptoms?

Common allergic reactions and breathing problems (such as asthma) may increase or decrease depending on the types of food that the child is eating.

And current research is showing that children who consume junk food – more than THREE TIMES per week – may have a higher risk for developing these allergic health conditions.

Here is what the study found:

Children and adolescents who consumed fruit at least than THREE TIMES per week or more, showed a protective effect against severe asthma.

They also showed an increased risk for severe asthma, severe rhinoconjunctivitis, and severe eczema, when fast food was consumed
THREE times per week or more!

Rhinoconjunctivitis – which is an allergic condition –may be highlighted by post-nasal drip, congestion, runny nose, red eyes, and itchy nose or eyes that may be present during specific times of year or year round.

The study concluded:

“If the association between fast foods and the symptom prevalence of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema is casual, then the findings have major public health significance owing to the rising consumption of fast foods globally.”

Simply put: if there is a link between fast food and these allergic conditions, then these results may present dangers associated with fast food consumption – mostly since eating fast food is on the rise globally.

How You Can Help

Although fast food presents an easy option for feeding your children or your family, it may pose significant health problems in the future – if you consume it regularly.

Most people are unaware that one fast food meal (depending on what you get) may contain your total calories for the day.

And this could easily lead to overeating, weight gain, and unhealthy eating habits.

Plus, it could pose significant health problems (asthma, eczema, and others) if you consume these types of meals regularly over the course of a week.

Instead of looking towards fast food as a meal, consider using whole fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains – as these may be healthier food options that could promote a healthy weight, normalize blood sugar, and leave you full –which could help you avoid overeating.



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References:

Ellwood P, Asher MI, Garcia-Marcos L, Wiliams H, Keil U, Robertson C, Nagel G, The IISAAC Phase III Study Group.  Do fast foods cause asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema? Global findings from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase Three.  Thorax.  2012. doi: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2012-202285.