The Wellness Report
Pre-Teen Health

Pre-Teen Health

Consider the lifestyles of the pre-teens and teens in your life.  Most kids lead a busy lifestyle with the daily pressures of peer groups, school demands, perhaps sports or other outside activities.  Good eating habits and sound sleep are critical during this time period but do not always occur.  Unfortunately, fast food and "junk food" are not unusual diets for pre-teens and teens these days.

So what can we do to make sure our kids are getting the proper nutrients they need?

While you are working on their meal sources, we can help you understand what to look for in a multi-vitamin supplement for your children to help them develop both physically and mentally to their highest potential.

Consider the gender and age of your children when picking a multi-vitamin.  Gender- and age-specific vitamins are geared to the varying nutritional needs at different stages of growth and development.

More about pre-teen health
Nutrients, Diet & Lifestyle

Nutrients

Bioflavonoids  Including Rutin and Hesperidin, they work synergistically with Vitamin C to promote integrity and strength of tissues, important to development and also to immune strength.

Biotin Needed for energy reactions; Biotin production by intestinal bacteria may be interrupted by antibiotic usage.

Choline  A B-vitamin needed for brain development and neurotransmitter function.

Essential Fatty Acids Needed for healthy cellular membrane growth and repair.

Vitamins A, C, D and E  For immune support, connective tissue integrity and healthy bone development. The liver, skin and eyes are also supported by these nutrients.

Vitamin A  For growth, immune system health, bone growth and development of healthy teeth.

B-vitamins  For adrenal support, fat metabolism and energy production.

Minerals Don't forget minerals!  They are essential for growth, development and overall health.  Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Zinc all support growth and development.  Additionally, Selenium and Molybdenum are important antioxidant minerals and along with Zinc, help to support healthy skin.

Dietary Suggestions

● Always eat breakfast with protein, fruit or fruit juice and complex carbohydrates.

● For lunch, complex carbs, lean protein, fruits & veggies.

● Keep healthy snacks at home for after school time.

● For dinner, lean protein, vegetables and whole-grains.

● Eat fruit based desserts.

Lifestyle

● Eat together as a family for dinner as frequently as possible.

● Choose healthy foods when at fast food restaurants.

● Eliminate junk food in the house.