Kompas.com – The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck and plays an important role in various body functions, including growth, metabolism, energy level, and overall development.
This gland produces hormones that affect almost every organ in the body. However, a sudden hormonal imbalance can cause thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism (thyroid less active) and hyperthyroidism (thyroid is too active).
According to Amit P. Ghawade, a pediatric and neonatology consultant in Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, there are indications of thyroid disorders in children.
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Some of them are sudden addition or weight loss, sensitivity to temperature, loss of appetite, fatigue, poor growth, rapid heartbeat, constipation, and thinning hair.
One factor that has a big influence on children’s thyroid health is eating patterns. If not considered properly, poor eating patterns can cause lack of nutrition that plays an important role in the thyroid function.
How to eat the child’s thyroid health pattern
This is how eating patterns affect children’s thyroid health:
1. Iodine deficiency
Iodine is an important mineral needed for the production of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, which is characterized by fatigue, weight gain, and slow growth.
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Therefore, make sure the child gets enough iodine intake from daily food, such as iodized salt, fish, and dairy products.
2. Important nutritional deficiency
Children who tend to be picky about food are more at risk of experiencing deficiency of essential nutrition, such as selenium, zinc, and iron.
Illustration of children eat vegetables. In commemorating the 2024 National Nutrition Day, Idai said that the safety of children’s food is one of the risk factors for stunting that must be considered.This nutrition plays a role in supporting the function of the thyroid gland in order to produce and regulate hormones well.
Lack of nutrition can cause mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and delays in development.
3. Inflammation due to unhealthy eating patterns
Many children who like to eat processed foods or packaging containing saturated fat, high sodium, and preservatives.
This content can trigger inflammation in the body that has a negative impact on the function of the thyroid gland.
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Chronic inflammation can also inhibit the production of thyroid hormones, so that children become more easily tired and easily offended.
To prevent this, parents must familiarize children from eating healthy and nutritious foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and healthy protein.
