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For the first time in the modern age, experts are concerned that today’s children might not outlive their parents, largely due to the changes in the modern American diet. While human genetics evolve slowly over generations, our food supply has undergone a rapid transformation in the past 75 years. This shift has introduced new challenges for our bodies, which are not fully adapted to processing the various chemicals present in many of today’s foods. These substances can contribute to inflammation, leading to a range of serious health issues.
Snack foods, particularly those popular among children, can be especially concerning. For instance, snacks like Hot Cheetos or Takis, often consumed with hot sauce, may irritate the stomach lining and lack the nutritional value that growing bodies need. These dietary habits can be linked to common health complaints, including stomach pain, nausea, low energy, and even poor self-esteem associated with obesity—all of which highlight the importance of nutrition in maintaining overall well-being.
Our taste buds developed at a time when all food came from nature, which explains our natural preference for sweets. In the wild, sweet foods were usually safe, and early humans, who didn’t always know when their next meal would come, were inclined to eat whenever possible. Today, this understanding helps us see why certain snacks are so appealing—they’re designed to tap into these natural instincts with sugar, salt, fat, and larger portions. By being aware of this, we can make more informed choices that support our health and well-being.
Raising awareness about the impact of food on our health is crucial. It’s concerning to see young children with conditions like fatty liver disease, elementary school students with gastritis, and teenagers facing diabetes and inflammatory bowel diseases—many of which can be mitigated with a balanced diet.
Education plays a key role in helping people make healthier food choices. For example, while smoothies might seem like a healthy option, it’s important to understand how processing food can change its nutritional profile. Blending ingredients, for instance, can reduce the benefits of fiber, which is essential for regulating the body’s sugar levels and digestion. Recognizing the difference between whole foods and their processed counterparts can lead to better dietary decisions.
Supporting the health of our children involves more than just individual choices—it requires a collective effort. Parents can benefit from accessible information on nutrition, and society can create environments that make healthy choices easier. Simple changes, like offering only nutritious foods in schools, could have a significant impact. Over time, children will adapt to healthier options if those are the only choices available.
One practical approach to improving family diets is to focus on shopping around the perimeter of the grocery store, where fresh and less processed foods are typically found. Additionally, paying attention to food labels and opting for products with fewer and recognizable ingredients can make a big difference.
By prioritizing education and creating supportive environments, we can help ensure that the next generation grows up with the tools they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Cindi Condos is a family nurse practitioner caring primarily for pediatric patients struggling with obesity at MCHC Health Centers—a local, non-profit, federally qualified health center offering medical, dental, and behavioral health care to people in Lake and Mendocino Counties.