Fast Food and Childhood Problems

Comment:

Rises seen in asthma, eczema and allergy numbers could be down to increased consumption of fast foods. 

Fast food consumption globally is still on the rise so this problem will continue to grow and affect people until this consumption is curbed. 

Research:

Research carried out in 50 countries, covering around 500,000 children has found that a bad diet, high in fats could be the reason for increased cases of allergies, asthma and eczema. 

Children who eat three or more meals a week of fast food are more at risk, for teens this was 39% increased chance, for younger children of 6-7 years it was a 27% increase. 

On the other hand the children who ate three or more portions of fruit a week cut the risk of severe asthma and eczema by 11-14%. 

These results are believed to be so because fast foods are high in saturated trans fats which affect your immunity, whilst fruit is high in anti-oxidants and have other benefits.

Especially for asthma a special diet is not usually required, though Malayka Rahman of Asthma UK says, “Evidence suggests that the vitamins and antioxidants found in fresh fruit and vegetables have a beneficial effect on asthma therefore Asthma UK advises people with asthma to eat a healthy, balanced diet including five portions of fruit or vegetables every day, fish more than twice a week, and pulses more than once a week.”

This research has growing importance as the consumption fast food is still on the rise globally. 

Read the original article here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21009654