healthy eating Archives | Nuzest Global

The Power of Kids Good Stuff

: Alex Hamlin

How diet and supplementation support hair regrowth in autoimmune hair-loss.

A recent paper has been published in the Cureus Journal of Medicine in which an eight-year-old patient achieved remission of Alopecia areata (AA) through the use of diet and supplementation including Nuzest’s Kids Good Stuff in the regimen.

What is Alopecia areata (AA)?

AA is a common autoimmune condition targeting the hair follicles causing ‘spot baldness’ (or more extensive) hair loss in individuals. Autoimmune diseases are conditions that trigger the immune system to attack part of your own body; in the case of AA, the hair follicles are targeted, contributing to an individual’s presentation of hair loss. White blood cells attack healthy hair follicle cells, causing them to shrink and fall out. This is often present on the scalp in small patches, however, hair loss can occur over other parts of the body.

Hair loss is a physical, external sign which may indicate that something is going on within the body. Nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders and pharmaceutical drugs are just a few factors that may contribute to hair loss.

The Case Study & Case Presentation

A case study by Cliff J. Harvey published in November 2020 reports the treatment of AA through the use of combined diet and supplementation.^[^1] The patient was an eight-year-old male who presented with AA.

Advice was provided to the patient’s parents to increase zinc, vitamin A and vitamin D-rich foods, to avoid gluten and dairy where possible, and to focus on a whole foods diet reducing intake of processed ‘packaged’ foods.^[1]

The supplementation regimen consisted of our Kids Good Stuff multi-nutrient powder which is rich in vitamins A, D3, zinc and secondary antioxidant nutrients; paired with a zinc sulfate supplement and a fish oil with added vitamin D. Lifestyle advice was also given to spend 5-10 min outside daily.

Key micronutrients including vitamin D, zinc and vitamin A were supplemented through a daily dose of Kids Good Stuff. Per 15g serve the following amount of key micronutrients were provided:

Vitamin A – 400μg RE
Zinc – 6mg
Vitamin D3 – 10μg

The Results

After following the prescribed dietary and supplement regimen for two months, the patient’s hair was seen to grow back. After five months, it was reported the patient achieved complete remission, with evidence that the patient’s hair had completely recovered. Additional research suggests there is a relationship between the incidence and severity of AA and several micronutrients, including vitamin D, zinc and vitamin A.^[2]

Read the full case report here.

The Benefits of Kids Good Stuff

Kids Good Stuff is an all-in-one nutritional support formula providing the right balance of vitamins and minerals to fill nutritional gaps in a child’s diet. It’s true that even as adults, many of us don’t get all the essential micronutrients that we need to thrive from diet alone and without vital nutrients we can’t perform and feel out best – this rings true for kids too!

Insufficient intakes of nutrients increase rapidly from infancy. For example, from the age of 2-4 to 14-18, around 1/3 of males and over ¼ females don’t consume sufficient vitamin A and for boys and men, zinc insufficiency consistently rises from childhood to over 2/3 of the male population by adulthood.^[3] The major reason being, we are not getting everything we need from diet alone as diets high in refined and processed foods are favoured.

Kids Good Stuff is not a substitute for healthy, balanced meals, but is a daily supplementation to help support the health and growth of our kids. The nutrient rich formula includes microalgae, mushrooms, vegetables and high polyphenol fruit and berry extracts which provides an array of phytonutrients, trace and ultra-trace minerals necessary for proper absorption and utilisation of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients in kids. Each ingredient works together in a range of different functions, supporting all 11 systems of the body, including the integumentary system (hair, skin and nails).

Kids Good Stuff was designed specifically with children’s needs in mind. It’s packed full of vitamins, minerals and other great stuff to set kids up for a good day and to support and nourish their growing bodies.

References:

^[1] https://www.cureus.com/articles/42894-combined-diet-and-supplementation-therapy-resolves-alopecia-areata-in-a-paediatric-patient-a-case-study

^[2]ABS. Australian Health Survey: Nutrition First Results‐Foods and Nutrients, 2011‐12. Australian Bureau of Statistics Canberra; 2014.

^[3]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316992207_The_Role_of_Micronutrients_in_Alopecia_Areata_A_Review

How to Pack a Healthy Lunchbox

: Rachel Hawkins

A healthy lunchbox is important for active children. When children eat well, they have more energy and learn better as they are able to listen and concentrate for longer1, 2. A healthy lunchbox will look different for different children…after all, each child has varying nutritional requirements and their own individual taste and food preferences! With

A healthy lunchbox is important for active children. When children eat well, they have more energy and learn better as they are able to listen and concentrate for longer^{1, 2}.

A healthy lunchbox will look different for different children…after all, each child has varying nutritional requirements and their own individual taste and food preferences! With this being said, there are a few lunchbox must-haves that parents should keep in mind when planning their child’s lunch and snacks.

Our in-house dietitian Rachel Hawkins shares six tips for creating a healthy, balanced and tasty lunchbox.

1. High fibre, wholegrain carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are a major energy source for the brain and body². Wholegrain carbohydrates are higher in fibre than refined carbohydrates, so will help to sustain your child’s energy levels. Food sources of wholegrain carbohydrates include multigrain breads, wraps and pastas, and seeded crackers and crispbreads.

If your child only eats white bread, simply opt for a high fibre variety. Alternatively, slowly transition your child to wholegrain bread by making their sandwiches with one slice of white bread and one slice of wholegrain (brown) bread.

2. Protein.

Protein is an important component of a child’s lunchbox because it helps to keep them feeling full and satisfied². Protein-rich foods also help to provide other important nutrients such as iron, magnesium and B-vitamins. Protein can be found in foods of animal origin such as beef, chicken, turkey, lean ham, tuna, eggs and yogurt. It can also be found in plant foods such as chickpeas, beans, legumes, tofu, tempeh and edamame.

Adding protein to your child’s lunch box can be relatively simple. Try adding a lean meat to their sandwich, hard boiling some eggs or adding things such as yogurt pouches or homemade bliss balls such as our Brownie Bliss Ball recipe for a snack.

3. Fruit.

Fruits (and vegetables) are an important part of your child’s lunchbox as they contain fibre and important vitamins and minerals that help to keep them healthy³. Fruit in the lunchbox doesn’t have to be whole fruit like the traditional banana or apple. It can be cut up, frozen, dried or canned. Try alternating fresh fruit with dried or packaged fruit such as sultanas or peaches in natural juice. Frozen grapes and melon balls make a great lunchbox addition in the warmer months too. Aim to include one to two pieces of fruit in their lunchbox per day.

Tip: Get your children involved in packing their lunch box and ask them what fruit they would like packed each day!

4. Vegetables, legumes and beans.

Much like fruit, vegetables, legumes and beans are a fantastic source of fibre and essential vitamins and minerals, all of which help to protect against disease^3,4. Legumes in particular are a great choice for younger children as they help to meet their increased needs for iron, zinc and protein⁴. Try snack sized vegetable pieces such as cherry tomatoes, snow peas, carrot sticks or baby corn spears. Baked beans, hummus, and roasted chickpeas also make great choices.

5. Dairy or calcium-fortified dairy alternatives.

Dairy products are an important part of a child’s diet^1,2,5. They are a good source of energy and protein and contain a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which is important for building healthy teeth and bones^2,5. Unsweetened calcium-fortified dairy alternatives such as soymilk, yogurt and cheese also count here and can make good alternatives to dairy products if your child has an allergy⁵. Aim to include one serve of dairy in your child’s lunch box each day. Think yogurt tubs, cheese sticks and milk.

Struggling to add a dairy or calcium-fortified dairy alternative to your child’s lunch box? Try at breakfast time instead with this Wild Strawberry Breakfast Smoothie.

6. Water.

The body loses water through normal processes such as breathing, sweating and digestion, so it’s important that your child rehydrates by drinking fluids that contain water⁶. Aim to include a bottle of water in your child’s lunchbox every day. Better yet, put a frozen bottle of water (that will melt into a cool drink) in their lunchbox to help keep their food cool. If you struggle to get your child to drink water, try to make it more interesting by flavouring it with fruit or putting it in a fun water bottle. Sugar sweetened drinks such as fruit juice, cordial and soft drink should be kept out of the lunchbox and limited to every other day if on the menu.

10 Healthy Eating Tips to Get You Back on Track this New Year, Minus the Diet.

: Rachel Hawkins

If eating healthier is one of your top 2020 New Year’s resolutions, tackle your goal from a different perspective this year by following these 10 bite-sized healthy eating tips! The New Year offers an opportunity to eliminate bad habits and establish healthier routines. And while the New Year brings renewed motivation, this is often short

If eating healthier is one of your top 2020 New Year’s resolutions, tackle your goal from a different perspective this year by following these 10 bite-sized healthy eating tips!

The New Year offers an opportunity to eliminate bad habits and establish healthier routines. And while the New Year brings renewed motivation, this is often short lived, with many people abandoning their resolutions faster than Usain Bolt can run one hundred meters.

New Year’s resolutions typically don’t work out because people set too big of a goal for themselves. Big goals make it difficult to know where to start and as a result, motivation is lost quickly. Instead, long term success is found by setting smaller goals that can be achieved gradually over time.

1. Forget the diet.

Diets are notorious for being unnecessarily restrictive and difficult to maintain long term. There is no such thing as a perfect diet, so stop trying to achieve one. According to an article in healthwisdomsecrets.com , all foods have a place in a healthy diet…work on creating balance, not restriction.

2. Veggies are king, fruits are queen.

Vegetables and fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants. Research shows that people who eat vegetables and fruits live longer and have a lower risk of developing chronic disease. Aim to eat 5 serves of vegetables and 2 serves of fruit every day!

Struggling to eat a serve of veggies at breakfast? Try our easy Breakfast Bruschetta recipe.

3. Love thy wholegrains.

Eating wholegrains as part of a healthy diet has been found to lower your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and gastrointestinal disease. Wholegrains such as brown rice, wholegrain bread and pasta, oats and buckwheat are a great source of fibre which helps to keep your digestive system working properly. Aim to eat 4-6 serves of wholegrains every day!

4. Don’t skip on protein.

Proteins are essential nutrients. They are the building blocks of all of the cells in our body and are needed for growth and repair. Protein containing foods help to reduce cravings and promote a feeling of fullness…both of which are favourable if you are trying to lose weight! Protein can be found in foods including meat, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds and quality protein supplements such as Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Powder.

5. Eat more legumes.

Legumes are a group of plant foods that contain lentils, beans and peas. They are packed full of protein and fibre and contain an array of vitamins and minerals. Due to their nutritional profile, legumes can be considered a vegetable (thus contribute to your 5 a day target) however they are also a fantastic source of plant-based protein making them a great alternative to meat and fish.

6. Stop fearing fats.

Fats have many important functions in the body including insulation of the body and organs, regulating inflammatory and immune responses and aiding in brain development and function. Mono- and poly-unsaturated fats are considered ‘healthy fats’ as they are beneficial for our heart health. Healthy fats can be found in foods such as oily fish, olive oil, nuts, avocado and chia seeds.

Looking for a healthy dinner recipe? Try our delicious Zucchini and Sundried Tomato Frittata recipe.

7. Optimise your gut health with pre- and pro-biotics.

Pre- and pro-biotics support the body in building and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome is believed to be beneficial for our immune, mental and digestive health. Prebiotics are found in fibre rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains. While probiotics occur in many fermented foods, including yogurt, sauerkraut, and tempeh. Aim to eat these every day to help your gut health flourish.

8. Drink up!

Water is vital for so many bodily functions. It helps to regulate your body temperature, assist your organs in flushing out toxins and aids in the circulation of blood and nutrients around the body. The average adult requires 2L of water per day to stay hydrated, so remember to drink up!

9. Eat mindfully.

Have you ever eaten a meal so quickly that you’ve gotten to the end and wondered where it all went? Switch off your screens and start paying attention to what you are eating at mealtimes. Eating in a more mindful way helps to increase meal satisfaction and has also been shown to promote weight loss and reduce binge eating.

10. Be Kind to Yourself.

Making healthy changes to your diet doesn’t happen overnight. It requires a lot of hard work and persistence! Remember to strive for balance and be kind to yourself throughout the process and beyond.

If you enjoyed these healthy eating tips, read about our top “5 exercise and lifestyle tips to create a happier and healthier you this New Year”.