Proper nutrition in childhood determines the health of the brain

A diet high in fat and sugar at an early age provokes persistent changes in the functioning of the brain regions responsible for eating behavior. The consumption of harmful foods during the period of active growth of the body leaves a hidden trace in the nervous system, which persists into adulthood. A study on biological models has shown that excess calories and sugar in childhood impair the functions of the hypothalamus. This part of the brain plays a key role in controlling appetite and maintaining energy balance, and its failures lead to the development of improper eating habits in the future.

Proper nutrition in childhood determines the health of the brain

It has been established that the consequences of early malnutrition do not always manifest themselves immediately through excess weight. Even if a person subsequently switches to a healthy diet and his body weight returns to normal, changes in neural pathways may persist. This creates an increased risk of developing obesity in the long term, as the brain continues to send incorrect signals about hunger and satiety.

An important discovery was that the negative effects of diet can be neutralized through exposure to the intestinal microflora. The use of certain strains of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium longum, significantly improves eating behavior. Such microorganisms act on the brain pointwise, helping to restore the disrupted mechanisms of appetite regulation.

In addition to probiotics, prebiotic fibers, which are found in natural products, have a positive effect. These include onions, garlic, asparagus, and bananas. The inclusion of these components in the diet from an early age contributes to the formation of a stable microbiome that supports the health of the nervous system and helps to resist external stress factors.

This information highlights the importance of food quality in a modern environment saturated with high-calorie and nutrient-poor food. Regularly encouraging children with sweets or using fast food as a reward creates taste preferences that are extremely difficult to change in adulthood. Supporting healthy microflora from birth has been recognized as an effective strategy for maintaining cognitive health and proper metabolism.

The development of new methods of weight correction through work with intestinal bacteria opens up great opportunities for the prevention of metabolic disorders. Understanding how the early age diet programs brain function allows for a more conscious approach to the formation of family food traditions.

Published

February, 2026

Category

Medicine

Duration of reading

2-3 minutes

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