add liver health to your back-to-school list: a nutritionist’s guide for back-to-school meal planning
while the liver might not be top of mind when thinking about kids’ health, its role in their overall well-being is critical.
2 minute read
the healthy liver pantry features recipes that focus on liver-friendly ingredients and provide realistic meal and snack options that are both delicious and beneficial.
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as the back-to-school season approaches, it’s essential to consider what our kids are eating, especially given an alarming health trend: the rising cases of liver disease among children. while the liver might not be top of mind when thinking about kids’ health, its role in their overall well-being is critical.
fatty liver disease is particularly concerning. it currently affects 25 per cent of canadians, and this figure is expected to increase by 20 per cent by 2030. once rare in children, fatty liver disease is becoming more common, now affecting one in five children. this rise is largely due to dietary and exercise habits and increasing rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation and damage that can result in more severe conditions, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. despite having similar incidence rates to diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, liver disease does not receive the attention it deserves. currently, almost no foundational liver education is taught in schools.
the good news is that healthy eating and exercise are proven preventative measures. as a holistic nutritionist with the canadian liver foundation (clf), i believe it’s time we focus on the connection between what our children eat and their liver health. eating habits play a pivotal role in maintaining liver health and preventing fatty liver disease.
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liver-friendly foods for kids should emphasize whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. these foods support liver function and help protect against disease.
to help parents make healthier choices, the clf has launched the healthy liver pantry, an online resource offering easy, nutritious recipes that fit into busy family life. these recipes focus on liver-friendly ingredients and provide realistic meal and snack options that are both delicious and beneficial.
as we send our kids back to school, let’s ensure they’re equipped not just with school supplies but also with the knowledge and habits that will support their health. by embracing liver-friendly foods and practices, we can set them up for a healthier future.
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