To Your Health
October, 2007 (Vol. 01, Issue 10) |
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When to introduce solid foods is determined best by the maturity of the digestive system and should never start with "baby cereal." Many authorities discourage grains until a child is at least one year old.
It should be further noted that when a baby has a full set of teeth, saliva secretion increases, which is essential for digesting carbohydrates. Until then, a baby might have problems digesting carbohydrates, causing gas and colic.
Gerber, Heinz, Beech-Nut or What?
Baby food has become a $1.25-billion-a-year industry in the U.S. and Canada. The average parent believes the boastings of manufacturers' slogans. The average parentalso will somehow trust that there is something special about "baby food" that makes it better than fresh fruits, vegetables or proteins found at the local grocer. This simply is not true.
A recent study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (www.cspinet.org) showed that baby food is more water and filler than food. Take, for instance, Gerber's and Heinz's most popular item, "Bananas and Tapioca." Both brands had only 50 percent bananas; the rest was water, sugar and modified starch. Baby food bought in jars at the store is just high-priced junk food.
What's Best for Baby?
Until a child is 6 months old, breast milk is best; after that, it's advised to begin on simple fruits and vegetables, preferably the organic variety. Introduce one new item at a time over several days; first, to see how the baby responds to each new food item and, second, to allow the baby's digestive system to adapt to the change.
When it comes to fruits, it's best to start with pears, peaches or apples that can be cooked and then mashed into a sauce. Avoid berries, as they can cause allergic responses. Melons are a great raw fruit because they are watery and easier for the child to mush in their mouth. Bananas aren't bad, either, but realize they are binding and might interfere with the child's regular bowel movements.
The recommended vegetables to start with are: steamed carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini, squash and other easily softened veggies. Once again, introduce them separately, giving a few days for the baby to adjust to each new food item.
Parents should be advised to avoid wheat right away, as well as white-flour products. White flour (bread and pasta) has gone through a bleaching process, which leaves little or no nutritional value in the product.
In addition, it's wise to avoid all milk prod-ucts at least until after age 1. Dairy productsproduce mucus and often create allergic res-ponses, not to mention they are filled with hormones and antibiotics. Rice milk and almond milk are better substitutes, but as with all other food items, should be introduced slowly.
In Summary
Breastfeeding is best. However, if not possible, seek a healthy alternative for your child. Your baby is growing and developing at an astonishing rate, and it's vital that the building blocks you provide are the best they can be. Talk to your doctor for more information about holistic newborn nutrition and supplementation options.
Claudia Anrig, DC, practices in Fresno, Calif., and is on the board of directors of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, an organization that can answer your questions regarding the value of chiropractic care during and after pregnancy.
