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JUNK FOOD IS POISONING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE!When in the world did the term Junk Food stop meaning just that; food that is junk? The titles we have given these high-calorie, low-nutrient altered foods are just kind euphemisms! In case you missed it, China took a ton of criticism for producing and distributing inferior products; everything from food to toys, and the United States media is having a field day. Unfortunately, this is just another case of “the pot calling the kettle black” as we seem to market the most unhealthy and toxic products in the world and pass it off as a “free” market place. Mattel, and rightly so, took quite a bit of heat for the production and distribution of toys that have been painted with lead paint. There was a recall on all of these toys, over 700,000, and all the young children who seemed to put those toys in their mouth will be saved from this toxic product. But what about products that your child comes across every day that are far more dangerous than the lead paint on “little Johnny’s” favorite toy truck? Here is a short-list of some favorite junk food; four poisons that the young people of the United States come across, and may consume daily, but unfortunately these poisons have been deemed as “acceptable” and “okay” in mainstream America. 1. Hot Dogs: Interestingly enough some children are rewarded for good behavior with a hot dog (or junk food)! It wasn’t long ago that everybody knew that hot dogs were made with inexpensive processed meats and preserved with cancer causing sodium nitrite. But, hot dogs are cheap, and can be cooked quickly by microwaving (which just adds insult to injury), so how can something so easy be so bad, right? It doesn’t make any sense that hot dogs are now an accepted food staple for children. It seems a little hypocritical to be up in arms about lead paint on toy cars but to allow a young child to consume a couple hot dogs weekly. Give me baseball and Chevrolet, but hold the hot dogs please! 2. Fast Food: Another product that parents reward their children with for good behavior! The last thing a parent wants to do is create a psychological association between good feelings and junk food, but that is exactly what is happening in America today. Do a little experiment and mark off each of the following ingredients that your child is consuming weekly by having a steady diet of fast food: homogenized, hydrogenated, altered, chemical additives, taste enhancers, processed sugars, and petrochemical food coloring. If your child is struggling with anything from their complexion to attention issues, start here, not with drugs.Give your child a chance, completely minimize their exposure to fast foods, or junk foods, which lead your child feeling like, well, junk! 3. Soda: There is absolutely no debate that soda promotes obesity and diabetes. But did you know that the phosphoric acid in soda destroys bone health? If you want your child to struggle with bone density issues early on in life, keep a six pack in the refrigerator at all times. Diet sodas can actually be worse as the “artificial” and “chemical” sweeteners have been linked to neurological disorders and learning disabilities. Once again, what is the point in drugging your child if you have not removed sodas from their everyday nutritional regimen? 4. Sports Drinks: Now some may be surprised that sports drinks have made this list. But you shouldn’t be, let me explain. Sports drinks either end up being overly expensive sugar water or expensive salt water. These drinks are not “just” going to be healthy because they are considered SPORTS drinks. Ever take a look at what these supposed healthy drinks are made up of? Once again we see a similar list of processed sweeteners, petrochemical coloring, plus inexpensive synthetic micronutrients. Plus, the majority of these drinks are loaded with calories which will lead to a plethora of sugar and energy level issues, let alone childhood obesity. Now, if you have a child who sweats PROFUSELY for over two hours a day, sports drinks (diluted, of course) may be an option (not necessarily though), but if not, your child should just increase their water intake. If you or your child is concerned about potassium; add a banana and/or potato to the day daily intake. There is a good chance that any of the above junk foods may be promoted by your child’s favorite athlete. Very few athletes are going to care about the health of your children more than the width of their wallets, so the responsibility comes down to the schools and the parents. Please make every effort to help the children in this country
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