4 essential vitamins to prevent teeth grinding in kids

September 13, 2021January 3, 2023 | Srilekha

Isn’t bliss to hear the sounds of smooth breathing and lovely dreams when you gaze in on your sleeping child? But, some parents get to hear the harsher noises of clenching and teeth grinding in kids, which is known as bruxism.

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What is teetH grinding in kids?

Teeth grinding in kids, also known as bruxism is more common. This usually occurs in children before the age of five. It’s normally nothing to be concerned about, and most kids outgrow it by the age of six. Teething or poor tooth alignment are the most common causes of teeth grinding in kids. However, some children only grind their teeth during the day, but teeth grinding when sleeping is more common.

Also check, Impact of sleep disorders in kids brain development

Causes of teeth grinding in kids

The cause of bruxism or teeth grinding in kids isn’t always clear to experts. However, some of the reasons include:

Poor teeth alignment
To ease the discomfort caused. Often, it’s a reaction to pain, such as an earache or teething, that causes them to do it.
Another cause is stress, which usually manifests as nervous tension or anger. For example, a child may be concerned about a school test or a change in routine. Even arguing with parents and siblings can be stressful enough to cause jaw clenching or teeth grinding when sleeping.

Also check, Ashwagandha reduces stress and anxiety and promotes better sleep

Are there any signs and symptoms to identify if your child grinds teeth?

Most parents may usually hear a lot of sounds of teeth grinding in kids, especially if it happens late at night. Apart from this, general symptoms of teeth grinding in kids include:

Frequent complaints of headaches
Sore jaw
Injured teeth and gums (Oral health of kids : Tooth decay)
Tightening or clenching of the jaw muscles
Complaining of jaw muscle ache
Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages

In some cases, even the teeth and tooth enamel may be worn away. As a result, if the problem is not addressed, children may experience future dental difficulties.

Effects of teeth grinding in kids

Many cases of teeth grinding in kids go unnoticed and have no negative consequences, while others result in headaches or earaches. Chronic tooth grinding can cause fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth in some kids. Teeth can be worn down to roots as a result of constant grinding. Bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, partial dentures, and even complete dentures may be required when these events occur.

Clenching and teeth grinding when sleeping can also damage teeth, chip teeth, increase temperature sensitivity and create significant facial discomfort and jaw disorders like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. It might also change the appearance of the face.

How to prevent teeth grinding in kids?

Bruxism is a common reaction among children as they grow and develop. These incidents are unavoidable. Stress-related teeth grinding can, however, be avoided in both children and adults. The first step in avoiding teeth grinding when sleeping is to establish a relaxing nighttime routine. The following are some tips to help your child sleep better at night.

Before going to bed, turn off the television and other electronic devices.
Allow them to listen to soothing music.
Give them a warm bath or shower.
Allow them to read or listen to what you’re reading.

Stress management is important. Discuss your child’s feelings on a daily basis. They need help coping with stress. Your child’s stress can be relieved by talking to a family member, or a therapist about what’s bothering him or her. And if possible, try to eliminate your child’s sources of stress. (Anger management in kids)

Foods to AVOID FOR teeth GRINDING IN KIDS

You might probably be familiar with your child facing sore jaw muscles as a result of teeth grinding. Chewing foods that further exhaust those muscles can cause them to become even more tired and achy.

It’s best to avoid foods that promote jaw clenching and necessitate a lot of chewing. You should also avoid foods that damage the teeth as part of the bruxism diet because weakened teeth is another common symptom of bruxism.

Some of the most important foods to avoid if you have bruxism are:

Chewing gums
Chewy candies
Hard candy
Crunchy foods
Popcorn
Chewy food like steaks
Hard foods like nuts

Best diet TO PREVENT teeth grinding

A diet consisting of mostly soft foods will help minimize the tension on your kid’s jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. This could involve the following:

Apple puree
Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Yogurt
Pasta

You might also improve your bruxism diet by including more anti-inflammatory foods. Because bruxism and TMJ are linked to inflammation, these foods may help alleviate symptoms.

Fatty fish, salmon
Green leafy vegetables
Berries like strawberries and bluberries

Vitamins that help TO PREVENT teeth grinding

It is ideal to acquire all of the vitamins and nutrients from a balanced diet. Here are a few vitamins and minerals that might help teeth grinding in kids. Supplement your child’s regular regimen with these vitamins and minerals.

1) Magnesium

Magnesium relaxes the neurological system and can aid in the relaxation of muscles in the jaw. Clenching and teeth grinding when sleeping is reduced as a result. Stress is regarded to be one of the most common causes of bruxism, and low magnesium levels are linked to high stress levels. The foods that are rich in magnesium include:

Nuts such as almonds, cashew, peanut
Seeds such as pumpkin , flax and chia
Whole grains like wheat, oats, barley, buckwheat and quinoa
Spinach
Banana
Vegetables like carrot, potatoes, broccoli, avocado
Milk
Fatty fish

2) Calcium

Deficiency in calcium, which causes bone deterioration, has been related to teeth grinding and teeth clenching. Make sure your child receives adequate calcium, too. Calcium-rich food sources include:

Milk and milk products
Moringa
Ragi
Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, lady’s finger
Seeds such as sesame and chia
Almonds
Lotus seeds or makhana
Amaranth

3) Vitamin B and vitamin C

Dietary supplements of vitamins B and C have been linked to better sleep quality and deeper sleep. Sleep bruxism, which is categorized as a sleep-related movement problem, is significantly helped by these vitamins. (Foods with B vitamins)

Dietary sources of vitamin B include:

Whole grain cereals
Nuts and seeds
Beans
Green leafy vegetables
Milk and milk products
Egg
Meat
Fruits

Dietary sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, papaya, broccoli, potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower.

Changing your child’s diet all at once may be challenging, so consider making one or two changes at a time. In this way, you will be able to determine which meals have an impact on your bruxism symptoms.

Living with teeth grinding

Clenching or teeth grinding in kids is not harmful. The majority of kids will outgrow it. However, it might induce unpleasant symptoms that can make daily life difficult. You can take efforts to alleviate and prevent discomfort. The following are some home care suggestions:

Use wet heat or ice for sore jaw muscles
Massage the neck, shoulders, and face muscles.
Avoid foods that are hard, dense, or chewy, such as nuts, bagels, or steak.
Avoid chewing gum
Stretching activities for physical rehabilitation can be learned.
Relax the facial muscles.
Reduce the stress levels.
Practice relaxation techniques.

If self-care measures don’t work after a few weeks and your child is still having problems, consult your family doctor.

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6 Foods to manage ADHD/hyperactivity in kids

September 11, 2021April 6, 2023 | Divya shukla

Do you feel that it is hard for your child to pay attention? Do you feel that your child finds it difficult to sit without movement or maybe restless and overly active? If yes, it can be a sign of hyperactivity or ADHD ( Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) in kids.

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Hyperactivity:

Hyperactivity is a state of excess activity that may be evident by symptoms such as:

Excessive physical activity like unnecessary climbing and jumping.
Talk nonstop.
Be fidgety and restless.
Trouble sitting still.
Disrupt others or can’t wait for their turn.

ADHD(Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder)

ADHD or Hyperactivity in kids is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder. It is a disorder which makes it difficult for kids to pay attention, control Impulsive behavior, and feel restless. Usually, the symptoms of ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) start to surface between the age of 3 to 6 years old, and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. However the symptoms like hyperactivity improves with age and other symptoms like poor impulse control and disorganization often continue through the teen year.

Also check, Oppositional defiant disorder in children.

In addition to the symptoms of hyperactivity, below are some common symptoms in the behavior of child with ADHD, generally noticeable in the early childhood:

Trouble in staying focused on a task.
Often makes careless mistakes
Easily distracted.
Appears forgetful or losing things. (foods to increase memory)
Difficulty in following instructions.
Frequently avoid tasks that require a long time.
People usually complain that he/she doesn’t listen even when someone is directly talking to them.
Disorganized.
Act too quickly without thinking.
Interrupting conversation.
Constantly tap their hands or feet.
Not able to interpret danger.
Desire for immediate reward.
Difficulty sleeping.(What are some foods that help in sound sleep?)

However the exact cause of ADHD is not clear yet and research is continuing. The kids with family history of ADHD, who were born premature or have low birth weight, brain injury that happened either in the womb or later in life are at high risk.

While there is no cure for ADHD, currently available treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments. Along with the treatment and therapies, including some foods in diet may help to great extent.

How to improve concentration in kids?

Foods to avoid

Refined sugar: Excessive sugar impairs cognitive skills as well as self control. Moreover, sugar damages the protein in our body, resulting in ageing of organs, which further compromises immunity, growth and functioning. Greatest source of sugar in the average kid’s diet are sugary snacks and beverages like cookies, cakes, candies, fruit juice, soda, and sports drinks. Everything that the child picks up to eat today has strains of added sugar in some form or the other.

Preservatives: Most of the packaged food companies are adding artificial preservatives to delay spoilage and contamination in foods. Artificial preservatives such as nitrates, benzoates, sulfites, sorbates, parabens, formaldehyde, BHT, BHA and several others can cause serious health hazards such as hypersensitivity, allergy, asthma, hyperactivity, neurological damage.

Refined oil: The high temperature involved in the refining process removes all the natural and beneficial substances from the oil, which is not good for the digestive as well as respiratory health and ultimately affects your immunity.

Foods to manage hyperactivity and ADHD symptoms in kids:

1.Nuts

Almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and macadamia nuts all have unique qualities to offer. Macadamias support healthy brain function, while pistachio nut oils store fatty acids and fight inflammation. Almonds aid with memory improvement. For children who don’t consume meat, nuts are a fantastic source of several minerals including omega-3 fatty acids. It has been shown that omega-3 fatty acids can control ADHD.

2.SEEDS

Apart from nuts, seeds like sunflower, melon and pumpkins also contain powerful antioxidants like vitamin E that protect the brain from free radical damage. Sunflower seeds impact overall mood and mental processing powers and therefore it is considered a brain boosting snack. Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, copper, and much higher in zinc than other seeds, which help in increasing concentration and memory. One of the easiest to feed brain boosting foods for kids.

3.JOWAR FLOUR

Jowar, which is rich in iron, can also lessen ADHD symptoms like anxiety, hyperactivity, and tantrums. Iron has the ability to relax the nervous system, which helps the child with ADHD syndrome to become more at ease.

Also check, 8 Ways to manage hyperactivity

4.Herbs

GOTUKOLA

Gotu kola has strong anti-oxidant qualities and enhances cognition, memory, and mental performance. It gently relaxes the nervous system while also encouraging alertness—the best possible state of consciousness for any form of mental focus, study, or cognition.

Also, check 5 Ayurvedic herbs that are safe for kids

SPEARMINT

Spearmint extract has higher quantities of phenolic compounds that enhance working memory, spatial working memory and increase attention, concentration, and brain function by promoting the formation and protection of new brain cells.

ST. JOHN’S WORT

St John’s wort contains chemical messengers like Hyperforin and Adhyperforin. These chemicals has antidepressant properties. The extracts of this herb enhance mood, focus, and also reduce anxiety and insomnia. According to several studies, adolescents with ADHD may benefit from taking St. John’s wort every day for four weeks. It is also used to treat problems including anxiety, exhaustion, appetite loss, and difficulty sleeping that might occasionally accompany depression.

PASSION FLOWER

The chemicals in the passion flower provide a calming and relaxing effect. Early research indicates that taking passion flower orally for eight weeks may help some ADHD symptoms in kids aged 6 to 13 years.

Also, check What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

VALERIAN

The herb valerian has relaxation properties. Additionally, it contains some anticonvulsant qualities that might be advantageous for kids who are prone to seizure activity. Children with ADHD, cognitive impairment, hyperactivity, irritability, anxiety, behavioural regulation, and neurodevelopmental abnormalities can benefit from valerian for improved attention and sleep.

LAVENDER

The most well-known essential oil for soothing is lavender. Lavender essential oil can be helpful for reducing anxiety and making you feel more at ease, which may help with ADHD symptoms. The aroma of lavender oil can calm and soothe the nervous system. Its relaxing qualities can benefit autistic children by enhancing their sleep quality and assisting their bodies in combating emotional stress.

Also check, Brain development food for children

TURMERIC

Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric is known to improve spatial memory, long-time retrieval and visual memory as per a study. It helps in managing anxiety, depression etc which is commonly seen in people with ADHD disorder.

Also, check Asthma: 7 foods that help

GINKGO BILOBA

Ginkgo biloba is a promising herbal supplement that may alter the neural system in a disorder similar to ADHD. It enhances the memory and cognitive performance. According to a study, Children who took a ginkgo extract daily for three to five weeks showed a decrease in the symptoms of ADHD.

Also check, Activities for brain development

5.SUNFLOWER LECITHIN

Sunflower lecithin is an excellent source of choline, a vital nutrient required for a variety of health functions. Since choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning, choline is particularly significant for maintaining good brain function.

Also check, Foods to manage hyperactivity in kids

6.ROSEMARY EXTRACT

A research found that the exposure to the aroma of rosemary oil improved people’s performance on thinking tasks in terms of speed and accuracy.

Also check, Healthy diet plan for autism.

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It’s no SECRET that following an Ayurvedic lifestyle has numerous advantages. This unique collection of Ayurvedic spreads is an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Hyperactivity, Immunity, Eye, Brain development, Bone strength and overall growth to kids without any fuss. To know more about kid’s ayurvedic foods –SHOP HERE.

Health Food to relax Hyperactive/ ADHD child

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Parent’s guide for the Anger Management in Kids

August 20, 2021January 10, 2023 | Shilpi

Are you shocked by your child’s anger? You are worried and do not understand what to do further? Relax!!!! Anger is a common and healthy human emotion. We all experience it at times in different situations. The kids also come across this. Before they face trouble and lose control, it is important to teach kids ways to identify their emotions; and express and manage them without harming their own personalities. In this article, we will understand anger in child, the anger management strategies, tips to control anger and foods that can help.

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What is Anger in Child?

Anger is a strong emotion that the child experiences when something goes wrong or when someone wrongs them. Stress, frustration, and irritation are common feelings associated with it. Anger is something that everyone experiences from time to time. It’s a totally typical reaction to challenging or stressful conditions.

Anger becomes a problem only when it is shown excessively and begins to interfere with daily functioning and relationships. Anger can range from mild irritation to rage in intensity. It can be difficult to keep your child’s emotions under check in these situations, which may lead them to act in ways they wouldn’t normally.

Reasons for anger in child:

Multiple factors can contribute to the child’s anger. The common reasons that bring out anger in a child:

Disappointment: Kids don’t get what they want
Helplessness: Kids are forced to do something which they might not feel like doing
Sadness: Kids feel sad due to poor performance in academics or rejections by their peers
Fear: Kids fear losing something or someone like fear of losing parent when forced to go to school for the first time
Impatience: Kids lose their patience easily and this might cause anger
ADHD or learning disability
Lack of sleep (How sleep & brain development is connected?)

HELP kids to identify their anger:

Firstly, the most important thing in managing anger for kids is to help them understand their feelings. The child should be able to communicate their anger, depression or frustration. But how do you help them identify anger? Well!! You can play games such as “Displaying emoji faces” with your kids. Say, for example, you can ask your child to show a happy, sad, or angry face and then ask them the reason why someone might have that feeling. Apart from this, you can encourage them to read stories about emotions and have open discussions about the good and bad feelings that they possess. (How to improve concentration in kids?)

Help them to differentiate between anger & aggression:

Anger is a human feeling or emotion while aggression is the behavior shown as a result of anger and is often expressed in the form of destruction or violence. Explain the difference between angry feelings and aggressive behavior. Aggressive behavior like temper tantrums, disrespect, fighting, spitting, throwing things, slamming doors, etc., are the result of anger and frustration. Teach them, “ Getting angry is fine but showing the above aggressive behavior is totally unacceptable”. Help them to make sure they are in control of their behavior when they are angry. Also, try to understand the reasons behind their anger or frustration. (Foods that help in brain development?)

anger management strategies for children:

It’s never too early to educate your child on how to manage his/her anger rather than allowing it to control him/her. However, keep in mind that mastering these anger management strategies is challenging for young children. They will require your assistance – as well as a great deal of practice:

Put an end: The child who is angry and out of control, should be separated and taken away from the other person with whom he/she is angry. It is better to walk out of the place.
Keep cool: Teach your child how to utilize calming techniques/strategies when he/she is experiencing bodily signs of anger. Taking deep breaths, drinking a glass of water, playing with toys, distracting with songs or stories can help the child.
Think and act: Explain to your child to question herself/himself in situations that provoke their anger, like “ What does this bring to me?” Help them understand that actions taken in anger and frustration are worthless. Understanding and making right decisions are useful.
Respect other’s feelings: You can help your child to show empathy to others. Teach your child to respect others’ feelings as he/she wants his/her feelings to be respected.
Identify potential solutions: Always find possible solutions that help both parties to compromise. Accepting the mistakes and apologizing can often bring peace between them.

How to control anger in child?

The anger in child must be controlled and kids must learn appropriate ways to cope up with their anger. Instead of saying “Don’t do that”, teach them other healthy ways to express their anger.

Some tips to control anger in child:

Going for a walk
Deep breathing
Blowing bubbles
Playing with toys
Counting numbers and alphabets together, say 1-A, 2-B,3-C, and so on.
Visualising happy moments
Drawing and colouring
Listening to soothing music
Reading storybooks
Singing a song

You should also remain calm when your child is angry. When your child is in angry mode, you don’t shout or take a lecture. Rather calm your child by speaking in a low and neutral tone. They can’t process information in anger, so keep repeating the same phrases like “ I understand”, “Let me help you”, “It’s OK” etc. If you show anger or shout at them during this situation, it teaches them it is alright to yell or raise the voice in anger. Take them to a calm place and recognise or identify their triggers. Understand what’s making them angry and help them practice coping skills.

Set the anger management rules:

You have to set the anger management rules and list out the pleasant and unpleasant behaviors that are acceptable when the child is angry. Unpleasant behaviors such as slamming the doors, raising the voice, destroying property, and using foul language should not be encouraged.

Teach kids to use anger in a healthy manner:

As the saying goes “ Home is the first school and parents are the first teachers”, it’s you who have to set an example by showing them how to deal with your emotions when you are angry. Kids usually follow the actions of their parents. If you lose your temper, they will likely follow the same. Instead, if you handle your anger in a kind and gentle manner, they get the hang of that too. Refer to the situations when you got frustrated and explain to them how you dealt with it. Expressing your feelings verbally will teach kids to talk about their emotions.

You should also apologize to your kids when you lose your temper. Explain to them the reason and discuss what you should have done instead of yelling or screaming.

Offer rewards for their behaviours:

You can follow a reward system to encourage your kids to follow the anger rules. Consider a sticker/ star reward chart and put a sticker /star each time your child follows anger rules. On the other hand, you can remove a sticker/ star when they do not follow the rules. And based on the stars/ stickers earned, you can gift them their favorite toys or color pens. This inculcates healthy and positive anger management skills in kids.

TAKE IT SLOW AND Be patient:

It is not easy to teach children new ways to cope up with anger and it takes time. Keep repeating and practicing things. Take it slow and work on one behaviour at a time. Observe the changes and reward them.

Foods that can help to control anger in child:

Magnesium:

In our body, Magnesium is responsible for nerve transmission and nerve-muscle coordination. In other words, it protects against the excessive excitement in a child (which can be traumatic). There is enough research going on how Magnesium can help in fixing or preventing neurological disorders. Banana, avocado, pumpkin seeds and spinach are some food sources of magnesium.(What are some disorders in which magnesium can help?)

Complex carbohydrates:

Having whole grains and less processed food and flours reduces risk of blood sugar spikes, also they feel full for longer, this will prevent them from unnecessary snacking. It also enhances mood and encourages better sleep. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils are carbs rich foods.(Importance of good carbs for kids)

Banana:

Bananas contain dopamine that helps in enhancing mood. They also contain vitamin B, A, C & B6 which helps nervous system and also aids sleep. Bananas are also a good source of magnesium which enhances mood and tryptophan which is used in cure of anxiety and depression.

Dark Chocolate:

A study showed that eating cocoa for five days improved blood flow to the brain. A small part of dark chocolate helps the brain to discharge endorphins and boost serotonin levels. It helps in lowering stress hormones and decreasing anxiety levels. What better to give child than this favorite food. (Check this recipe for Hazelnut Dark Choco Balls)

WALNUTS:

Walnuts look like human brain’s shape and can help brain health. It contains omega3s, vitamin E, melatonin and antioxidants which are helpful for the human brain. It decreases the enhanced vulnerability to oxidative stress. And it offers the mixed mood-boosting elements of omega-3 fatty acids, tryptophan, and vitamin B6. Walnuts can not only boost happiness but also help with the anger management in child. (What are other benefits of walnuts?)

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Puberty in girls

July 3, 2021December 21, 2022 | Rupali

During parenting you experience many things while watching your kids grow. Infant (0 to 1 years old), toddler (1 to 3 years old), early childhood (4 to 8 years old), middle childhood (9 to 11 years old) and adolescence (12 to 18 years old), as each stage passes you observe some mental and physical development in your child. During the first three stages (Infant, toddler and early childhood) kids generally go through many natural physical changes of growth. These first 8 years of kids are extremely important for their healthy development and lifelong learnings. Cognitive, social, emotional, language and physical development during this time plays an important role in their life. At every stage a child needs you to understand the learnings and changes that they are experiencing around them. As they enter the puberty phase it becomes more important to be with them. This is the time for some major physical and hormonal changes, which may pop up some questions, which have to be answered properly, But the main question is what puberty is and at what age puberty starts?

What is Puberty? At what age puberty starts?

Puberty is the time when a boy or girl goes through a series of biological and physical transformations. Everyone has experienced this phase in life. It is a transition from childhood to adolescence. Teens go through some changes in their body and hormone levels during this phase. Puberty often begins early in girls as it falls between the ages of 8 to 13 in them. Although every girl has her own unique journey and puberty timing differs in each girl, it definitely brings some hormonal, physical and emotional changes in girls which are absolutely normal. 8 years of age sounds really young for seeing any physical changes. So, it is a little bit awkward to discuss puberty stages and the female reproductive system with your young girls, but it is important to start educating them on these topics before changes happen to best prepare them. It will make them much more comfortable to understand and accept the changes.

Sings of puberty among girls

Breast development: It is the first visible sign of puberty among most of the girls. One can notice “breast buds”, little bumps under the nipples. It is normal for the left and right breast to grow at different speeds. Its also normal for breast buds to be tender or sore, usually it improves with time. A sports bra can be a good choice to wear at this stage.

Body hair: In about 15-20% girls public hairs may be the first sign of puberty. These hairs begin to grow under the arms, around genital areas and on the legs. It is another sign of puberty among girls.

Vaginal discharge: This is a sign of growing numbers of estrogen hormones in the body. Girls experience a small amount of clear or white vaginal discharge that starts about 6-12 months before their first periods. It is considered as a sign of puberty among girls.

Periods: Girls usually get their first periods within 1-2 years after the development of breast buds. It is important to be aware that periods are a normal natural process of growing up. It can be irregular during the first few months as the body is adapting to some fast physical changes. Normal menstrual cycle can be from 21 days to 35 day. (Which foods can help during menstruation?)) Cramps and pains are normal with periods. There is nothing to worry about. But if menstrual cramps are severe and affecting school and normal day to day activities, talk to gynecologists.

Some other changes during puberty phase

Brain

Girls obviously face fast changes during puberty phase and thus their brain needs time to adjust. (Top 10 foods to boost kids brain power) It affects their behavior and social skills. You may observe some sort of clumsiness in their activities.

Bones

If girls hit puberty at an older age they may have lower bone density and can face bone issues further in life. so, it is the ideal time to invest in bone health. Including calcium and vitamin D rich foods in their diet can help them to get strong bones for lifetime. (How vitamin D can help to absorb calcium?)

Weight

There might be an increase in weight. (How to manage weight issues?) During puberty the brain instructs the ovaries to make female hormones estrogen. This hormone is responsible for the change in size and shape of a girl’s body. Fat can be seen around the upper arms, thighs and backs. Hips tend to become wider and curvy. Their organs like stomach, intestine also increase in size during this phase. More healthy and nutritious foods with protein, minerals calcium and iron should be included in their diet at this point of time.

Height

Girls may grow taller during puberty. While entering into puberty girls can see an increase in height by 7-8 cm per year. Peak growth in girls’ height can be seen 6-12 months before the onset of their periods.

Sleep patterns

During puberty or you can say teenage there is a pattern developed in kids of staying up late at night and sleeping longer in morning. (Which foods can help to get better sleep naturally?) This happens because their body takes time to produce melatonin, a sleep promoting hormone. Sleep research suggests that a teenager should get at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep. But most of them get only 6-7 hours.

Skin and hairs

During puberty phase oil glands become more active. Due to this girls face acne issues. (How to treat my kids acne?) Sometimes it’s just an occasional pimple that occurs right before each menstrual cycle. But for some teens it can be a chronic condition which is known as acne. Mostly oily skin and acne issues go hand in hand. Many teen girls also face excessive sweat on the palm, soles of feet, under the arms, and in the scalp. Some teenage girls experience hair fall as they enter puberty. (What is the root cause of hair fall in kids?) Though it is curable and can be managed by following a healthy diet.

PCOS IN TEENS

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome. It has become a common condition in teenage girls nowadays. Women make a female hormone that is entrogen. But she also makes male hormone testosterone in small amounts. The girls with PCOS make little extra of these male hormones. Though it is not clear what exactly causes PCOS, it is said that the genes you inherit from your family is the main cause for this hormone imbalance. If a mother has PCOS, daughters are at high risk of having it. The signs and symptoms include:- Irregular menstrual periods, very heavy and pain full periods, facial hair growth, acne and weight problems. If your girl has any of these issues, consult your gynecologist. PCOS is treatable and can be cured by making some changes in lifestyle in terms of diet and exercise.

Nutrients that can help during puberty

Protein

Girls need a balanced meal with adequate amounts of protein during puberty. It helps in growth and repair of muscles and tissues. It also generates enzymes and hormones. Protein rich diets help them to feel energetic throughout the day. (How can I provide needed protein to my kids?)

Iron

Many girls lead to iron deficiency and anemia. (How to overcome from iron deficiency?) This happens due to lack of iron because of an unbalanced diet. As per RDA (Recommended dietary allowances) guidelines 2020, the iron need for a girl ranges from 28-30mg/d. A girl needs more iron during puberty to restore their menstrual loss. It helps in muscle growth and increases blood volume too.

Calcium

Girls need at least 800-1000mg of calcium per day. (How calcium helps in building strong bones?) They need it to build strong bones which can help them later in life. Deficiency of calcium can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis (Condition in which bones become weak and can easily break). Consumption of vitamin D is equally important as it helps in absorption of calcium.

Zinc

The RDA for zinc is highest for teen girls ranging from 9- 12mg/day. Deficiency of zinc can lead to growth retardation in girls. It also promotes bone mineralization during puberty and helps to increase bone density.

Vitamin A

This is the most essential nutrient to include in a girl’s diet. It helps in strengthening the uterus during puberty phase. Besides this it promotes healthy skin and optimum growth. It repairs tissue and helps in vision too.(How can we absorb vitamin A from foods?)

Useful herbs

Manjishtha

Ayurvedic herbs are well known for their healing and treating properties since ages. Manjishtha is one of the herb known for its blood purifying properties. Apart from that it is well known for treating pimples, enhancing moods, develops smooth blood flow during thus reduces the menstrual pain and helps in regulating periods and treating PCOS.

Neem

Neem is incredibly effective in treating acne issues. As girls enter into teenage their oil glands become more active and causes acne. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of neem have a positive impact on any kind of pimples, black or white heads. It control the harmful effects of acne causing bacteria. It also has antioxidants and medicinal properties which helps to purifies blood and promotes regular periods. Consuming neem leaves can help to fix period pain as it is an excellent pain reliever. (Why do we need antioxidants?)

Turmeric

Turmeric (Haldi) has medicinal benefits which helps to treat many medical conditions. It helps in balancing hormones and regulating menstrual cycle in girls. Turmeric is also rich in vitamin A, Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2) and vitamin C and works as a perfect immunity booster food for teenage girls. Curcumin stimulates the production of bile in gallbladder it is used by liver to eliminate toxins and purify blood which helps to cure PCOS. (Immunity powder for kids)

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are packed with protein, antioxidants, fiber and vitamins and minerals. They also include healthy fats which have anti-inflammatory effects and provide healthy structure to body cells. All of these nutrients are essential and beneficial for balancing hormones. Eating flax seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Almonds and Hazelnuts on regular basis can help to reduce the symptoms of PCOS.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen herb. It is an excellent stress reliever and can be immensely helpful for teenage girls. Researchers suggest that its root has sleep inducing compounds which can help to get better sleep naturally. It also induce raising the level of acetylcholine, the most important neurotransmitter associated with boosting brain power. (Health benefits of ashwagandha for kids)

Recipe: Wheat Berry cookies with hidden herbs and nuts

Let’s make every dish tasty and nutritious by ‘hidden’ nutrition of veggies, herbs and nuts.

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Products:

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We know that preparing and feeding healthy foods everyday is a huge task. Even more tough when kids are picky eaters. Kids prefer certain foods and formats. It is not easy to feed kids bitter Ayurvedic herbs, variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds everyday.
Mixed with Ayurvedic herbs, this unique Ayurvedic spread is an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Immunity, Brain development, Bone strength and overall-growth to kids without any fuss.

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Tips to Improve Concentration In Kids

June 29, 2021April 7, 2023 | Shilpi

Is your child always fidgeting and not focusing on his/her homework? Is it difficult for you to make your child sit and study for just 20-30 minutes? Read on to understand what are the concentration problems in kids and how you can help your child develop focus and concentration skills with some foods and tips on how to improve concentration in kids.

Getting children to focus is not easy, and many parents have to struggle really hard. It is often a challenge for parents to get their child to sit in one place, teach them how to focus on their studies and finish it without getting too distracted. It makes parents worried and some parents may also start thinking that there is something wrong with their children. But rest assured, concentration problems are very common in children.

With the rising competition in not only school related academics, but also various kinds of additional competitions like spell bee, Olympiads, quizzes etc., the pressure on parents and children is rising and all this requires the child to have sharp memory & concentration power.

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SIGNS OF POOR CONCENTRATION IN KIDS:

If your child has difficulty focusing on something for very long, he/she might be suffering from low concentration or concentration problems. This lack of focus can be seen in his/her studies and other activities as well. Let’s understand the signs of poor concentration in kids:

Easily distracted
Lack of interest
Inability to sit still and think
Inability to follow instructions
Loses things easily
Moody, irritable and cranky most of the time
Hyperactive
Fidgety
Inability to organize his/her things

Also check, Focus and attention building games for brain.

What CAUSES poor concentration in kids?

Lots of distractions:

Children are naturally curious and their mind is always wandering. TV, video games, mobile phones etc. act as an easy distraction for them. Make a schedule or time table for study time, tv time, play time and make sure they following it regularly. Gradually your child will understand that during study time, he/ she needs to focus only on studies and they will get to do the rest of the things as well.

Challenging tasks:

Sometimes children might find the question or task given to them too difficult or challenging. In such cases, they might not be able to focus completely and will lose interest also. Breaking down the big task into smaller and simpler tasks which are age appropriate for your child and motivate your child on completion of every single task.

Lack of sleep:

Studies have shown that kids who regularly get adequate amounts of sleep have improved concentration, attention, behavior, learning, memory and most importantly, mental and physical health. Most of a baby’s brain development happens during sleep. At least eight to twelve hours of sleep every night is very important for the proper brain development of children. Make sure that your child gets enough sleep and also try to not disturb their routine by staying up too late. Also check, Sleep for brain development?

Seeking parent’s attention:

Sometimes kids don’t do their work and concentrate properly just to get the attention of their parents. Spend some quality time with your child everyday and help them feel more secure and loved.

Poor diet:

Skipping breakfast and improper nutrition can also affect your child’s concentration power. Help your child by giving him/her a balanced diet every day and ensure that your child doesn’t skip any meal, especially breakfast.

Also check,Why is balanced diet so important?

Emotional disturbance:

If there is any kind of disturbance at home like a parent’s fights, divorce or death of a loved one, then the child might be emotionally disturbed and this will affect not only his/her concentration but also overall performance. Keep your child away from the troubles at home and give them more emotional support during this troubled time.

Less physical activity:

Less physical activity or lack of physical exercise can make your child lazy and lethargic thereby affecting his/her concentration negatively. Take your child out for cycling, running, outdoor activities and games.

Lack of motivation or interest:

Lack of interest or motivation in a particular subject or activity also causes poor concentration in kids. Advanced kids or kids who have higher than average IQ levels, suffer more due to lack of interest or motivation. Motivate and encourage your child for every small achievement.

Cluttered and disorganized workspace:

Having a cluttered workspace or notebook may lead to spending more time looking for the things than focus on what is being taught. Teach your child to be organized and help them to stay clutter free.

Learning difficulties:

In some cases, learning difficulties like ADHD, Dyslexia or ADD might be responsible for low or proper concentration in kids. You can help by consulting a professional for proper diagnosis and guidance in such cases.

Tips on how to improve concentration in kids:

Here are some simple activities for concentration and memory of kids,

Brain exercises: Solving different kinds of puzzles or playing memory games, sudoku, chess can help to improve concentration in kids.

Meditation: Meditation and mindfulness practices can help in improved concentration. Studies suggest that practicing meditation, mindfulness training, Yoga and deep breathing can help kids to increase attention, memory, focus and other cognitive abilities. Hence, it is one of the best tips to improve concentration.

Listening to music: Studies support the benefits of listening music to improve concentration. Turning on music while working or studying may help to improve concentration. Experts generally agree that classical music or nature sounds are good choices to help increase focus.

Spending time in nature: Another tips to improve concentration in kids is spending time in nature. Research suggests that natural environments could benefit brain development and may also improve concentration power in children. Even a 20-minute walk in the park could help improve concentration in kids more than a walk of the same length in an urban setting.

Foods to Improve concentration and memory in kids:

Foods that help to improve memory and concentration in studies include:

Omega 3 fatty acids:

Research has established a link between omega 3 fatty acids and brain development in early childhood. These healthy fats have amazing brain boosting power and play a vital role in enhancing memory and attention span. Fish & walnuts are a very good source of omega 3 and hence one of the best foods to improve concentration and memory.

Also check, Why is Omega 3 important for your kids?

Blueberries:

Blueberries contain anthocyanins, a group of plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Antioxidants act against both oxidative stress and inflammation and thus can help to prevent brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Also check, Why antioxidants?

Green Leafy vegetables:

Green veggies are the brain’s favorite food. Vegetables like spinach, cabbage, mint and kale contribute to brain health as they are rich in vitamin Bs, iron and antioxidants that help in the growth of new cells and aids in sharp thinking. As spinach has a wide variety of brain-boosting nutrients such as Vitamin A, B12, K and Iron, it is considered as best food for toddler’s brain development.

Also check, Nutrition tips for toddlers

Eggs:

Eggs are a good source of several nutrients tied to brain health, including vitamin B6, B9 and B12. Eating whole eggs (egg white and yolk) helps regulate memory because of Choline. Research suggests that regular consumption of eggs improves cognitive performance in kids and adults.

Also check, Why kids need vitamins?

Dark chocolate:

A study showed that eating cocoa for five days improved blood flow to the brain. Compounds in dark chocolate boost memory, attention span, reaction time and problem-solving skills. It is a kid’s favorite and works as child brain development food.

Also check,Recipe for no sugar chocolate twix bar

Nuts and Seeds:

Nuts like peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, almonds and cashews are very important for a child’s brain development and cognitive functions. Including them in your child’s daily diet is very beneficial.

Also check, Other benefits of nuts and seeds

Water:

Staying hydrated can also have a positive impact on concentration. Even mild dehydration can make it harder to focus or remember information.

Herbs to improve concentration in kids:

Curcumin: Curcumin has a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which is found in the brain and spinal cord that plays a key role in keeping nerve cells healthy, as well as regulating communication between nerve cells, which is critical for learning and memory for kid.

Also check, Foods for overall brain development?

Brahmi: Brahmi is a superfood for the brain and is believed to sharpen the brain by protecting cells and increasing chemicals associated with learning and memory. It has shown to improve spatial learning and retaining power in kids. In older times, kids were often given Brahmi powder with ghee/honey. This would increase their focus and attention, while keeping them calm and distressed.

Also check,How can ayurvedic herbs help with brain development?

Ashwagandha: This herb is known to reduce anxiety and stress. And is used to increase acetylcholine levels which support better memory, mental focus and intelligence. This herb also reduces mental fatigue and enhances sleep quality. It protects the brain nerve cells from damage. It is the best food for toddlers’ brain development.

Also check, Why Ashwagandha?

Shalaki: This herb improves brain function mainly due to its antioxidant property. The antioxidants present fight against the free radicals responsible for causing brain cell damage and support stronger memory and hence is used as child brain development food.

Also check, What are free radicals?

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Some parents have been kind enough to share their journey with us. Let’s hear them to closely understand the benefits of Ayurvedic spreads by Iyurved.

Check here to know how Ayesha helped her child increase focus and concentration.

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Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds for Kids

June 21, 2021March 15, 2023 | Shilpi

Most of us know pumpkin as the fruit used for decorating Jack-o’- lanterns for Halloween, but other than just being a decorative fruit or vegetable, pumpkin offers numerous health benefits to your kids. This winter squash is not a vegetable, but rather a healthy fruit that also contains nutritious edible seeds. The origin of pumpkin is not known but there is evidence that pumpkins were grown in Mexico and North America about 5000 to 7000 BC. There pumpkin seeds health benefit for kids are many. These health benefits can range from improved brain development, help in getting sound sleep, improved liver health, possesses antimicrobial properties, improved urodynamics and supply of essential vitamins and minerals.

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When can I start giving pumpkin seeds to my kids?

You can start giving pumpkin seeds to your toddler once he/she has strong enough teeth to chew regular solid food, which can usually be between 1 ½ years of age to 2 years of age. If you are worried whether or not your child can chew the seeds, then you could simply grind the seeds and give it. You can prepare and store it in a jar. An important thing to keep in mind is that when you start collecting these seeds from pumpkin fruit, make sure that before you serve the seeds to your child or if you’re trying to make a paste out of it, you need to remove the outer husk or layer that surrounds the seed. Although this is a time-consuming process, considering the benefits your child can get, it is worth the effort.

What are the benefits of pumpkin seeds?

Here are some benefits of pumpkin seeds,

Improves Brain Development:

Benefits of pumpkin seeds for brain are that it is a great source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are highly recommended for kids because of brain development. Brain development in children is as essential as the development of the rest of the body and this is one of the most important pumpkin seeds benefits for brain.

Also check, Foods for your child’s brain development?

Promotes sound sleep:

Another pumpkin seed benefits for health is that they promote proper sleep in kids and adults. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid which helps in producing serotonin and this in turn gets converted into melatonin which is a hormone that helps in getting better sleep. If your kid has trouble sleeping, having a few pumpkin seeds before bed with small amounts of carbohydrates such as a piece of fruit, may be beneficial in providing the body with tryptophan needed for melatonin production, which can lead to better sleep. For younger kids, powdered pumpkin seeds can be an option.

Also check, Why is sleep so important for your child’s brain development?

Possesses Antimicrobial Properties:

Pumpkin seeds also possess antimicrobial properties. Studies suggest that pumpkin seeds are effective in controlling bacteria such as S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa.

Improves Urodynamics:

Traditionally, pumpkin seeds have been used for regulating passage of urine. Recent studies have confirmed that pumpkin seed oil can reduce bladder pressure, increase bladder compliance and reduce urethral pressure.

Rich in antioxidants:

Antioxidants are compounds produced in your body or naturally found in some foods that scavenge or neutralize the effects of cell damage by potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals. Pumpkin seeds benefits for brain are tremendous and including it in diet is a good choice. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of antioxidants.

Also check, What are antioxidants?

High in magnesium:

Magnesium is one of the top four abundant minerals in the body. So, any deficiency of this mineral will easily reflect in daily life. Magnesium is key in formation of bones, maintaining blood flow and keeping stress low. It also brings relief to girls who suffer from menstrual cramps, leg cramps and irritable mood. For kids who deal with Asthma, which is on a rise due to hazardous air quality levels, magnesium can help. This marvelous mineral has calming effects and hence aids in reducing hyperactivity and lack of focus in kids. Daily intake of magnesium is necessary to maintain stock of the mineral in the body. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of magnesium, with 150 mg in a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving.

Also check, Puberty in girls

Strengthens the liver:

The unsaturated fats present in pumpkin seeds are good for strengthening the liver. Studies suggest that a mixture of pumpkin and flax seeds can reduce liver damage.

Also check, How to prevent liver disease in kids?

Loaded with zinc:

Zinc is considered an essential nutrient which means that the body cannot produce or store it. For this reason, it is very important to add zinc in your daily diet. Zinc is required for numerous processes in the body like gene expression, growth and development, immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing to name a few. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc.

Also check, How can zinc help with hair and skin health?

Rich in phosphorus:

The health benefits of Phosphorus include supporting bone growth, aiding healthy digestion, eliminating toxins from the body, combating fatigue and weakness, preventing arthritis and osteoporosis and ensuring a healthy brain function.Phosphorus is found in high amounts in pumpkin seeds.

High in Potassium:

Potassium is one of the seven essential macro minerals. The human body needs potassium to support the heart, the muscles, and the transmission of messages through the nervous system. Pumpkin seeds are rich in potassium. Potassium basically acts as an electrolyte and it is less harmful than sodium which is also an electrolyte. In most of our diets and also in our children’s diets, the presence of potassium is becoming very less and the presence of sodium is increasing rapidly which needs to be corrected.

Also check, How can potassium rich food help the bones?

Pumpkin Seed Nutrition Facts:

In addition to this, other pumpkin seeds health benefit for kids are that they contain various other nutrients required by the body. They are a great source of healthy fats, vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, and phosphorus.

How much pumpkin seeds to eat in a day? 28 grams of dried, roasted pumpkin seed kernals

Here’s a better look at the overall nutrition provided by one ounce (28 grams) of dried, roasted seed kernels. According to The National Nutrient Database, the nutritional profile of Pumpkin Seeds includes:

Nutrition	Value per 100 g	Nutrition	Value per 100 g
Protein	30.23 g	Carbohydrates	10.71 g
Fat	49.0 g	Dietary Fiber	6.0 g
Calories	559 kcal	Water	5.623 g
Calcium	46 mg	Copper	1.3 mg
Iron	8.82 mg	Magnesium	592 mg
Manganese	4.54 mg	Phosphorus	1233 mg
Potassium	809 mg	Sodium	7 mg
Zinc	7.81 mg	Niacin	4.98 mg
Vitamin B6	0.143 mg	Choline	63 mg
Folate	58 mcg	Vitamin C	1.9 mg
Vitamin A	16 IU	Vitamin E	2.18 mg
Vitamin K	7.3 mcg	Thiamine	0.273 mg
Riboflavin	0.153 mg	Pantothenic Acid	0.75 mg

Pumpkin seeds health benefit

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Health Benefits of Ashwagandha for Kids and Teenagers

June 18, 2021February 6, 2022 | Rupali

Withania somnifera or Indian ginseng, winter cherry or Ashwagandha is an Indian Ayurvedic herb that has been used for medicinal purposes over centuries. The Sanskrit word ashwa means horse and gandha means aroma which technically represents a fragrant root that is mainly used in various Ayurvedic products. The sense behind this name is that when consumed it can provide the strength and power of horses. The ashwagandha plant is a minor shrub that also bears fruits. Its root is not only used for medicinal purposes, but also used in dietary and natural Ayurvedic practices. It is commonly manufactured as ashwagandha powder or capsules and is available in general stores that sell Ayurvedic medicine. What are the benefits of Ashwagandha? Some important health benefits of ashwagandha include treatment of anxiety, stress-related issues, and skin (How to prevent skin dryness?) diseases such as leukoderma, memory functions, gastric ailments, arthritis, and insomnia.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF Ashwagandha FOR KIDS AND TEENAGERS:

Reduces Stress & Anxiety:

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen herb. Adaptogens are herbal supplements that work to counteract the effects of stress in the body. Stress causes very real physical changes in the body, including harming the neurological, endocrine, and immune systems. Adaptogens have stimulant properties that help counteract those harmful effects. Amongst many benefits of Ashwagandha, the most important is that, it can be a natural way to enable our kids’ bodies to handle and tolerate stress (which foods can help to manage stress?) way better. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha is an excellent stress reliever. This can be immensely helpful for our children and teenagers.

Promotes Better Sleep and Relaxation:

This herb can help children to improve sleep (Some foods can help to get better sleep) and thus health benefits of Ashwagandha include not only reducing stress but also improving overall well-being. In today’s world, children live in a world of electronic devices. Their exposure to gadgets and their electro-magnetic frequencies (EMF) starts from birth or even earlier on. One of the many negative consequences is improper sleep. While reducing their screen time and exposure to EMF itself can significantly improve sleep, some children may need more support to achieve a good night’s sleep. Research suggests that ashwagandha root contains sleep-inducing compounds. If you have existing sleep or anxiety related medication in your prescriptions, it is best not to combine ashwagandha products with it. In case you want to try ashwagandha you should see your pharmacist or doctor and learn about the combinations first.

Improves Brain Power:

Health benefits of Ashwagandha also include raising the level of acetylcholine, the most important neurotransmitter associated with boosting brain power (How to boost your kids brain power?). Studies suggest that impaired cognitive function including inability to learn are associated with decreased levels of acetylcholine. Research on children with ADHD indicates Ashwagandha raises acetylcholine by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. Furthermore, Ashwagandha root also contains choline, a substance necessary for the formation of acetylcholine.

Boosts Immunity:

Improving our children’s immune system (How foods help in strengthening immunity?) is something all parents want to achieve especially during this pandemic. As an anti-oxidant and immunomodulator, boosting immunity is one of the most popular benefits of Ashwagandha for kids. The root activates and increases the levels of enzymes and macrophages, a type of white blood cell of the immune system that engulfs and digests substances that do not have the type of proteins specific to healthy body cells. It also promotes the development of antibodies, which is a major factor in improving the body’s response to a health-threatening infection.

Increases muscle mass & strength:

One of the other benefits of Ashwagandha is that it is a safe and natural way to support a kid’s muscle strength to avoid injuries (How to fix growing leg pain in kids?) . In an 8-week randomized human clinical trial involving 40 healthy adult college students, Ashwagandha improved muscular strength and increased endurance, speed, and coordination better than placebo. The dosage used in this trial was 500 mg/day of Ashwagandha root extract.

Reduces depression:

Although it hasn’t been thoroughly studied, a few studies suggest ashwagandha may help alleviate depression. In one controlled 60-day study in 64 stressed adults, those who took 600 mg of high-concentration ashwagandha extract per day reported a 79% reduction in severe depression, while the placebo group reported a 10% increase. However, only one of the participants in this study had a history of depression. For this reason, the relevance of the results is unclear.

Might reduce blood sugar levels:

Studies suggest that ashwagandha helps to lower blood sugar levels. One test-tube study found that it increased insulin secretion and improved insulin sensitivity in muscle cells. Also, several human studies have suggested that it can reduce blood sugar levels in both healthy people and those with diabetes. Additionally, in a 4-week study in people with schizophrenia, those treated with ashwagandha had an average reduction in fasting blood sugar levels of 13.5 mg/dL, compared with 4.5 mg/dL in those who received a placebo.

May reduce Inflammation:

Benefits of Ashwagandha also include reducing inflammation. Several animal studies have shown that ashwagandha helps decrease inflammation. Studies in humans have found that it increases the activity of natural killer cells, which are immune cells that fight infection and help you stay healthy. It has also been shown to decrease markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). This marker is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. In one controlled study, the group who took 250 mg of standardized ashwagandha extract daily had a 36% decrease in CRP, on average, compared with a 6% decrease in the placebo group.

Improves heart health:

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, benefits of ashwagandha also include improving heart health by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Animal studies have found that it significantly decreases levels of these blood fats. One study in rats found that it lowered total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 53% and nearly 45%, respectively. While controlled human studies have reported less dramatic results, they have observed some impressive improvements in these markers. In a 60-day study in chronically stressed adults, the group taking the highest dosage of standardized ashwagandha extract experienced a 17% decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol and an 11% decrease in triglycerides, on average.

Fights sickness:

Ashwagandha has shown to have strong anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal as well as antibacterial properties which help to fight off sickness. Ashwagandha might be a useful back-to-school supplement, which you could add into your child’s breakfast (Some healthy breakfast ideas) smoothie to support immune health. A study with Ashwagandha root extract showed lowered rates of infection. It is unclear whether this benefit is due to Ashwagandha’s antibacterial or immune-boosting qualities, or possibly even both.

How to take Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha powder mixed with milk: Ashwagandha powder is the base for any other way of taking ashwagandha. Here, Ashwagandha roots, which have most of the medicinal benefits are dried, cut, and sifted for tea or powdered to be taken with milk.

Ashwagandha churna balls: These churna balls are made with herbs like Gokshura, Safed Musli, and Shilajit to maximize the benefits of Ashwagandha for ED.

Ashwagandha chocolate: A dark chocolate infused with ashwagandha. This combination helps in boosting libido and acts as a natural aphrodisiac.

Ashwagandha tea: This is the best caffeine-free drink to soothe you into a restful sleep every night. All you need to do is boil the herb’s roots in water so that the water is infused.

Ashwagandha Tablets: The most hassle-free and convenient way to take ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha with water: If you are a vegan, this is the easiest way to consume ashwagandha. The prep is similar to ashwagandha milk but without the milk obviously. Replace the milk with water and you can drink this mixture.

Ashwagandha Oil: From arthritis to even a sore day after working out, ashwagandha oil is your go-to since it relieves muscle tension.

Ashwagandha paste for your hair: Ashwagandha can reverse premature greying of hair (How to get strong hairs and healthy scalp?)by producing melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of your hair.

Research source: ashwagandha immunity – PMC – NCBI (nih.gov)

Recipe of Dhokla with hidden herbs and nuts:

Let’s make every dish tasty and nutritious by ‘hidden’ nutrition of veggies, herbs and nuts.

Check the Recipe made with Ayurvedic spread by Iyurved- DAILY NUTRITION spread.

CHECK MORE HEALTHY RECIPES LOVED BY KIDS.

PRODUCTS:

We are happy to introduce our range of nutritious & tasty kid’s Ayurvedic foods!!
We know that preparing and feeding healthy foods everyday is a huge task. Even more tough when kids are picky eaters. Kids prefer certain foods and formats. It is not easy to feed kids bitter Ayurvedic herbs, variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds everyday.
Mixed with Ayurvedic herbs, this unique Ayurvedic spread is an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Immunity, Brain development, Bone strength and overall-growth to kids without any fuss.

Ayurvedic spread by Iyurved - weight healthy savoury spread

India’s First Tasty Kids Nutrition fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.

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Impact of Sleep Disorder on Kid’s Brain Development

March 31, 2021December 24, 2022 | Vandita

Sleep is an essential part of everyone’s routine. Studies have shown that kids who regularly get adequate amounts of sleep have improved attention, behaviour, learning, memory and most importantly, mental and physical health. Sleep disorder leaves negative impact of brain development. Most of a baby’s brain development happens during night sleep. This is the time when the connections between the left and right hemispheres of their brains are being formed. Brain synapses (a junction between two nerve cells) are formed during night sleeping. Infant sleep development is a highly dynamic process occurring in parallel to and in interaction with cognitive and physical growth. In the womb babies spend about 95% of their time asleep. Your baby’s brain has been developing since they were in your womb.

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Brain development in babies

In the first trimester, nerve connections are built that enable your baby to move around in the womb, while in the second trimester, more nerve connections and brain tissues are formed. In the third trimester, the cerebral cortex (the largest part of the brain responsible for thought, memory, language and awareness) starts to take over from the brain stem to prepare your baby for future learning. The first five years of a baby’s life are exceptionally important for the development of the brain. This early brain development is essentially the building blocks for your baby’s future learning, health and behaviour. The child learns to crawl, eat, sleep, walk, and talk.

Just like you have to recharge your body and brain after a long day, it’s the same for the baby too. All that important stuff and learning going on into their tiny head. They need to recharge more frequently than adults. Baby’s brain stores everything they learn on that day during night sleeping.

Signs of Sleep disorder in Children:

You should watch for different symptoms and signs of sleep disorder to check if he/she is suffering from any sleep problem. Snoring, getting up often in the night, sleep walking, not able to sleep, pauses in breathing during sleep, having nightmares, difficulty staying awake during the day are some sleep disorder. They effect negatively on their performance in sports and academics are the signs of lack of sleep in children. Your kid might also complain of a headache from lack of sleep and if you observe any of these signs, you might want to see a pediatrician.

Kids who sleep less can suffer from:

Crankiness or irritation
Mood swings
Lack of interest, alertness and motivation
Academic struggles
Trouble in concentrating
Headache from lack of sleep (Yes! this happens in kids too)

There are four vitamins and minerals that are found in food that cure sleep disorder. Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin B6 and Tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that is important for production of serotonin (happy hormone) in the body.

Foods to cure sleep disorder:

Eggs

Eggs are loaded with high quality protein. It also contain important nutrients like folate, Vitamin A, D, E, choline (excellent for brain development also), iron and calcium. Egg whites help the body prepare for bedtime by producing melatonin that bring on that sleepy feeling. Eggs are also a rich source in the amino acid tryptophan, which helps you sleep better or longer by telling your brain to shut down for the night.

Dairy products

Milk before bed time is certainly a good idea, but apart from milk other dairy products like cottage cheese/ paneer and cheese (especially cheddar cheese) are also packed with tryptophan. Cheddar cheese can have up to 60% more tryptophan than turkey.

Also check, What kind of cheese should you buy?

Chickpeas (chola)

Chickpea curry or hummus is high in the amino acid tryptophan, the chemical that can help you fall asleep easily. The versatile beans are also high in folate, which helps regulate sleeping, and vitamin B6 which helps regulate your internal clock of sleep and rise.

Also check, Recipe for more nutritious spreads for bread, paratha

nuts

Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios and cashews are often considered to be a good food source for sleep. They contain melatonin (sleep hormone) as well as magnesium, vitamin B6, protein and zinc. Magnesium is helpful in promoting sleep because of its ability to reduce inflammation (body heat). The level of stress hormone cortisol, which is known to interrupt sleep can be reduced by including nuts in diet.

Also check, What nuts are easy protein sources?

Coconut water

This might be surprising for you, but apart from iron, chloride, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and calcium, coconut water has ingredients that can help you sleep better. Magnesium and potassium also helps to relax muscles. This drink is also full of vitamin B, helping to reduce stress level, therefore results in sound sleep. A glass of coconut water as an evening beverage can help in quality sleep.

Also check, Recipe of a healthy coconut meal?

Dates

Dates are a superfood. They contain most of the vitamins and minerals. They are also high in fiber and antioxidants. (what are they?). Magnesium present in dates is a calming mineral and helps to improve stress, sleep, muscle soreness, pain and inflammation. Your kid’s sweet craving can be fulfilled by dates. It contains two key nutrients that play a role in sound sleep- vitaminB6 and potassium.

Also check, Recipe of chocolate using dates

Pumpkin seeds

A study published in 2005 in Nutritional neuroscience suggested that consuming tryptophan alongside a carbohydrates source is one of the best ways to treat sleep deprivation. Pumpkin seeds may be small but they are packed with valuable nutrients. They are rich in healthy fats, magnesium, fiber, antioxidants and zinc. If your kid has trouble sleeping, give few pumpkin seeds before bed with small amounts of carbohydrates such as a piece of fruit. It may be beneficial in providing the body with tryptophan needed for melatonin production, which can lead to better sleep. For younger kids, powdered pumpkin seeds can be an option.

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Importance of rest and night sleep in young children

March 29, 2021December 24, 2022 | Vandita

Sleep is the golden chain that ties your health and body together. A proper night sleep is one of the most important factors in your kids overall development and an essential part of healthy lifestyle. A decent sleep can make a positive impact on your child’s entire day. When your body does not have enough rest or sleep you may feel cranky and irritated but when it comes to kids, the effects of sleep deprivation (insufficient sleep) can leads to many developmental issues. Kids need to get enough night sleep so they can play, learn and perform well. Not just for routine chores, but also for the brain to function at its best, it has to be rested.

Study indicates that people who are exposed to sleep loss usually experience a decline in cognitive performance and changes in mood. If there has been continuous lack of sleep, the brain will function at significantly less power. 10 days of 6 hours sleep, leads to 400% dip in concentration. Most of the kids don’t get enough sleep as they are often busy with school, studies, sports and other activities. Not getting recommended amount of sleep can have unfavorable impact on your child’s behavior (mentally and emotionally). Recommended amount of sleep for any child is influence by their age. Children need relatively lesser sleep as they get older. Here is a general sleep guide:

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Recommended amount of sleep for any child

Kids Age	Sleep time (hours)
New born (0-3 months)	14-17 hours
Infants (4-12 months)	12-16 hours
Toddlers (1-2 years)	11-14 hours
Preschool (3-5 years)	10-13 hours
School aged (6-13 years)	10-12 hours
Teens (13-18 years)	8-10 hours

Uninterrupted and sound sleep helps a child to be physically relaxed and mentally alert at the same time. Apart from this there are more significant benefits attached to enough sleep.

Growth: Research has found that the growth hormones is secreted when your kid sleep deep, that’s why rest and sleep is vital for children’s growth. For the kids to grow they need energy. Maximum energy that kids take from milk and food should go into their growth. This is best used when kids are resting or asleep since all the energy is diverted towards growth.
Brain development: Sleep boosts brain development. According to a Canadian study (published in 2008 Sleep), children who get less than 10 hours of sleep in night before age 3 are more likely to develop language and reading problems. Kid’s brain stores what they have learned during the day, when they sleep.
Health: While sleeping, the brain releases infection fighting protein called cytokines. A good sleep during night also helps to boost your kid’s immune system and fight off invading bacteria or viruses. (Know some foods for brain development of kids)

Just as adequate sleep has its positive effects on kid’s health and brain development, sleep deprivation affects kids negatively. Some of the symptoms of lack of sleep are irritability, increased stressed, forgetfulness, difficulties with learning and memorising. All these can also result in low motivation over time.

Causes of Sleep Deprivation

Emotional factors such as stress and mood disorders

Health issues (like suffering from cold and cough)

Day time naps which delay night sleep routine and REM sleep (important for brain functioning)

Poor sleep hygiene e.g. nightmares or disturbed sleep

Frequent awakening during night or talking during sleep

Sleep is not just about quantity but quality is important too. There are some tips which can help kids to get recommended and good quality night sleep:

setting up a bed time routine (a regular bed time routine starting around the same time each night encourages good sleep),
limited screen time and avoiding mobile phones by kids at least an hour before bed time,
dark bedroom and not too distracting,
limited bright lights,
minimal sound,
no caffeine drinks (energy drinks and cola),
reading story books also helps kids to sleep deep

Studies suggest that including below mentioned food can help kids sleep well. Sleep is attached to melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain at the onset of darkness, which initiate the sleep cycle. Since melatonin can be found in variety of foods, including them in your kid’s diet can help in sound sleep.

Foods for quality night sleep:

1. Pista

Pista: Most nuts have a good amount of melatonin. Pistachio is among the highest. Melatonin is a hormone that can help to sleep. Pistachio contains 660 ng of melatonin per gram, which makes it hit the sleep inducing jackpot. It is also packed in protein, vitamin B6 and magnesium, all of which contribute to better sleep.

2. Banana

This beloved fruit is a perfect sleep aid. Banana is loaded with potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6 and carbs that can improve the quality of sleep and helps to sleep well. It reduces stress, alleviate muscles cramps and regulate sleep-wake cycle by producing happy hormone (serotonin) and sleep hormone (melatonin).

3. KiWi

The other great fruit for sleeping purposes is kiwi. Eating 1-2 medium sized kiwis before bedtime will help to sleep well, longer and peacefully.

4. Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouse. High in fiber, they are also low in saturated fat and a good source of vitamin A, C and B6, as well as Potassium and magnesium. Vitamin B6 not only helps serotonin production (happiness hormone), but also stimulates the sleep inducing hormone melatonin. So, it’s not surprising they are perfect sleep aid.

5. Milk

According to studies, the presence of serotonin (happiness hormone) in the brain can help to calm us down and initiate sleep. Healthy serotonin and melatonin levels in our central nervous system often depend on the presence of tryptophan (a protein found in food that helps with mood and sleep) which is naturally found in both cow’s milk and almond milk. Offering a luke warm glass of milk to your kids before bed time can help kids to fall asleep quickly.

6. Chamomile flower

Another drink thats good for kids is chamomile flower brewed in water. For centuries, it has been used for medicinal purposes to calm the mind and mildly induce sleep.

7. Oats

Oats: Oats contain tryptophan too, which relaxes the body before falling asleep. It is important to get enough of it for good sleep. Oats are also rich in melatonin which makes it perfect sleep aid.

Products:

India’s First Tasty Kids Nutrition fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.

CHECK MORE PRODUCTS FOR:

Immunity, Gut health, Digestion, Weight, Brain development, Speech delay, Epilepsy, Eye health, Hormones, Sleep, Hyperactivity, Bones and Overall growth