Keep Those Childhood Jitters At Bay With The Right Foods

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As a parent to three young kids aged under five, dealing with minor injuries, fevers, allergies and accidents is something I’ve unwittingly become an expert at. A big part of parenting is being a hands-on doctor-on-call and as your child grows, so does your understanding of children health and safety. A skinned knee? No, problem, a bit of an antiseptic and a band-aid over it is going to fix it just fine. Feel a rash coming on? My anti-allergy syrup comes to my rescue. Tummy feels funny? Pepto bismol will have it alright by the morning. But on the days my five-year-old is feeling blue for no particular reason, I’m often stumped for solutions.

What Is Mental Health In Children

Though it might not be something as apparent as a skinned knee, mental health in children is the single largest controlling factor that keeps your child healthy and happy. Especially in these uncertain times where fully-functioning adults need regular therapy and medication to cope with the challenges of their lives, kids also need a helping hand in order to process the working of their ever-changing world. It’s absolutely normal to feel a certain amount of anxiety as it’s our bodies’ survival instinct. However, excessive anxiety in kids can often result in personality disorders, bad food habits or even create learning challenges.

As our world becomes more complex and contorted by the day, you may at times find it difficult to keep that jovial atmosphere in your house going strong. With kids being such inherent absorbers, they pick up on not just our moods but also the news reporter’s energy. I remember when the Australian bushfires were being reported, my daughter was heartbroken on seeing baby koalas being caught up the middle of it all. Even when all my stories about them being rescued by angels wouldn’t cheer her up, that’s when I decided to make her something special that would help her feel better.

So, I logged on to the internet to look for food that is recommended for relieving stress and anxiety in children, and here’s what I could find:

Blueberries

Blueberries (how long do blueberries last?) are probably already your kids’ favorite snack but did you know that they are especially good if your little one is feeling blue? In a state of anxiety, our bodies crave for an extra punch of Vitamin C. Blueberries are known to be a great source of not just Vitamin C but also antioxidants that go a long way to not just relieve anxiety or stress, but also prevent it in the future. Recipes like a blueberry smoothie or just frozen blackberries should help your child feel better when the mood swings hit.

Almonds

Another kid-friendly snack that helps with anxiety-related symptoms, is a handful of almonds (how long do almonds last?). Almonds contain a good amount of magnesium that is said to be boost serotonin in the brain which is basically the feel-good hormone that is responsible for balancing moods. Magnesium also enhances good sleep, which is usually disturbed in kids who feel anxious and stressed. A way to make almonds delicious for your kids is to toast them lightly with a sprinkle of sea salt (how long does sea salt last?) and a bit of chocolate.

Yogurt

Yogurt being a fermented food offers probiotics that help maintain a healthy digestive system. Studies have shown that the relationship between the brain and the gut is a two-way street. Which means that a healthy gut has a major impact on a healthy mind. So, make sure you include a serving of yoghurt, preferably homemade, in your child’s daily diet. To make it a double boost, you could add a bunch of frozen blueberries to the yoghurt and watch your child enjoy it as an ice cream.

Turkey

Turkey (What wine goes well with turkey?) contains a special amino acid called Tryptophan that your brain uses to create serotonin. This is mostly why you feel sleepy and relaxed after eating a turkey sandwich or a Thanksgiving dinner. Other foods that are rich in tryptophan are oats and sesame seeds (how long do sesame seeds last?). If your child has been having trouble sleeping because of stress at school or any other reason, consider including a portion of turkey or oats in their dinner to help boost a good night’s sleep.

Avocado

I know I know, veggies often get those little noses all scrunched up and turned away. But avocado (how long does avocado last?) is one such food that has a great positive impact on mental health. It is rich in a host of B vitamin as well as heart healthy fat, all of which are beneficial for reducing anxiety symptoms. Lack of Vitamin B may be the cause of increased stress and fear in your child, and including avocado in their daily meals and help regulate their moods and keep stress at bay. To make things interesting, you can blend the avocado up along with some of your child’s favorite ingredients to create a fun smoothie that they’ll love.

These staple kitchen ingredients have proven effects on mental health, and especially on young kids. Apart from this, there are other things that you can do to ensure your child’s anxiety is at a minimum. Identify the triggers that cause stress to your child. I find that limiting their screen time and instead involving them in a relaxing and engaging activity like a puzzle, jenga or even coloring can help sharpen their focus and promote mindfulness. Practicing meditation is another great way to get your kids to stay calm and centered. The next time you are on your yoga mat, call your kids over and guide them into a short meditation. The fact is that these self-care methods can go a long way in empowering young kids to evolve into well-balanced adults.