Children are often associated with being overweight with excessive consumption of fats, sugars and processed foods, but it is also important to avoid excess salty foods, since consuming too much salt also increases the risk of childhood obesity.
The rule of three is very simple. The child who takes salty foods feels thirsty, and to calm it also increases the consumption of sugary sodas, which have a clear relationship with childhood obesity. On the other hand, salt reinforces the taste of food, which can induce the child to eat more.
According to a study published in March 2008 in the journal Hypertension, researchers from the University of London found that if the amount of salt taken by children in the United Kingdom should be reduced by half (about 3 grams less daily), these children would take a Average of 2-3 sugary drinks less per week.
Little salt from the beginning
It is essential to establish a healthy relationship from the beginning of the introduction of complementary feeding. It is not necessary to add any salt to the food we give to the kids who start eating. Meats do not need it, and to vegetables, just add a teaspoon of olive oil.
Thus, the child will get used to the taste of food without salt and not to relate the taste of food to the taste of salt. By always consuming food with salt, your own body generates that need. In addition, a baby's kidneys are not yet able to process large amounts of that mineral.
There are certain mistakes that parents usually make when feeding our children that can prevent excessive salt intake and thus prevent future illness. Not only cardiovascular, but also as we have seen childhood obesity.
Measures to avoid excess salt
- It is a mistake to introduce solid foods before six months.
- Once they start with complementary feeding avoid the potitos and industrialized products that can carry added salt.
- Do not add salt to purees.
- Do not offer cow's milk before 12 months to protect them from excess sodium
- Consume low sodium mineral water
Already less salt equals more health. By reducing its consumption, we avoid the risk of hypertension in adulthood, but also that of childhood obesity related to the consumption of sugary sodas to quench the thirst produced by the consumption of overly salty foods.
