The question of the title concerns many parents who want to fast during these days, but do not know what to do and more so, if a young child can follow the fast. In the scientific article below you will be informed about whether a child could and should (from a medical standpoint) fast, from what age, and if there is any risk. Lastly you will read about the benefits of fasting for the organism of a child.
By Chrysanthis Lathira, pediatrician
We are in the days of Lent and many Greek
families are fasting, that is, they are abstaining from meat and anything
derived from animals. When asked if children can fast and if this habit can
cause health problems, I say yes, children can follow the fast of their
parents, especially during school age, that is, after the 5th or 6th year of
their life.
Fasting is an excellent opportunity to
participate in a vegetarian diet even for a few days, in which they will
include among their foods legumes (a rich source of protein of high biological
value), vegetables (a source of fiber which helps in the smooth functioning of
the intestines), olive oil rather than animal fats, raw nuts and dried fruits,
seafood (rich in proteins and minerals), and abundant fruits (a source of
vitamins and antioxidants). Besides the nutritional benefits of fasting, a
child can also practice restraint and put limits on what they want.
Probably some parents wonder whether their child
is getting enough protein and calcium during fasting. Meat (red or white) is
the most abundant protein food, but it can be replaced during the days of
fasting with legumes (ex. lentils) combined with cereals (rice or
quinoa), thereby increasing the absorption of iron. Protein-rich foods are nuts
and grains such as oats, rye and soybean products. Calcium can be ingested with
seafood, almonds, sesame seeds, tahini and halva.
After fasting comes the celebration of Easter
and the kids in the spirit of the holidays consume eggs, plenty of meats and
lots of sweets. The sudden change of diet from fasting to the uncontrolled
consumption of Easter meals can cause gastrointestinal issues in children as
well as adults. The adjustment of foods from fasting must be done with caution.
Children and adults do not have to eat everything in one day they were deprived
of during fasting. Particular attention should be given to children who suffer
from juvenile diabetes and are overweight.
The traditional mageritsa (lamb) soup in the
late evening of the Resurrection of Christ helps to prepare the digestive
system to feast the next day. On Easter day at the holiday table there should
be present a prevalent amount of fresh vegetables to accompany the lamb. For
young children it would be better to consume the lean part of the lamb (the
leg). The meat of the lamb can be enriched with an abundant amount of oregano
which is rich in antioxidants and protects from dangerous nitrosamines which
produce in meat. Also, do not forget the lemon which helps in the absorption of
iron. It is good for children not to consume animal offal but fresh salads and
measured quantities of roasted meat. Easter eggs should be limited to just one
a day since their overconsumption increases blood lipids. A child can safely
consume three to five eggs a week. Measure is needed regarding the sweets that
fill most homes, with the traditional tsoureki having a special honor in the
days of Easter.
Let us not forget that most sweets contain
hundreds of calories and cause weight gain, because they are rich in sugar and
fat. Consuming chocolate eggs of course are a temptation especially for young
children, which can cause weight gain and food allergy.
In summary, the transition
from fasting to festive diet should be done in moderation and with small
quantities. Otherwise it will cause digestive discomfort such as vomiting and diarrhea,
as well as food allergies, weight gain and the onset of metabolic disorders
such as increased blood sugar and high cholesterol levels, hyperlipidemia. The
eating habits of parents are a role model for children teaching their children
the extent and quality of a diet so they may be healthy adults.
Source: http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/search/label/Health
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