Nutritional Blog

Benefits of porridge for children   A good breakfast is important for a child’s development; however many children are getting a less than nutritious breakfast (with many skipping breakfast altogether). We want the best for our children. We want them to get the most out of school. We want them to develop, grow, learn and play.  For this to happen, it is vitally important that our children get each day of to the best start. This means a healthy balanced breakfast.     For hundreds of years, a healthy breakfast for a child was generally nothing more than a bowl...

Children’s Nutrition Part 1 Different nutrients are needed for a balanced diet. Nutrients are made up of Macronutrients (big) which are essentially carbohydrates, fats and proteins and Micronutrients (small) which are vitamins and minerals. Different foods have different micronutrients and macronutrients. Water Staying hydrated is important to ensure all our nutrients are absorbed properly. Dehydration causes fatigue and lack of concentration. In general, children should aim to drink about 6 to 8 glasses of water per day to in addition to what is obtained through diet i.e. soups Lunch School lunches should be nutritionally balanced, they should include at least...

Infant nutrition   As a pharmacist and a parent, I have observed a lot of misinformation and confusion around infant nutrition. Many parents struggle to make informed decisions about what to feed their babies, which can have serious consequences for their child's health and development. The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of infant nutrition, including the different types of infant formula, the benefits of breastfeeding, and some general guidelines for introducing solid foods.   Breastfeeding   Breastfeeding is the recommended method of infant feeding and has numerous benefits for both the mother and baby. Breast...

Common Nutritional Problems in Ireland How food choices can prevent them   Ireland like other developed countries, faces several common nutritional challenges. Nutrition plays a vital role in overall health, and addressing these problems is crucial to ensure the well-being of the population. This article will try shed light on some of the most prevalent nutritional problems encountered and how some simple food choices and habit changes relating to food can help prevent them.   The top nutrition related health problems   1. Obesity Obesity has become a major public health concern in Ireland over the past few decades. A...

How sugar can reduce brain power (and Omega 3’s may increase it) There is lots research and evidence of the negative effects of too much sugar on weight, diabetes risk, liver function and even cancer risk. A recent study shed some light on negative effects of sugar on the brain and the positive effects of omega 3’s. Researchers at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) did research on lab rats. Before the study, the rats needed a few days to learn to navigate a maze set up by researchers. Then some of the rats were given diets rich either high...