Nourished Knights Perspective on Childhood Chronic Diseases: Understanding the Growing Concerns and the Impact of Diet

Hey there, fellow parent,

As I sit here thinking about the future and the well-being of our kids, one thing continues to stand out to me: the alarming rise in childhood chronic diseases in America. It’s hard to ignore the growing number of kids battling health issues like asthma, obesity, diabetes, food allergies, and mental health struggles. And while these conditions have many contributing factors, one thing is becoming clearer—our children's diets play a huge role in the rise of these diseases.

In this post, I want to dive deeper into the impact of what our kids are eating, how our food is grown + treated, and why it’s more important than ever to be mindful of what we feed our little ones.

The Growing Problem of Childhood Chronic Diseases: Diet’s Role

We’ve all heard about the chronic diseases affecting kids today. Conditions like asthma, obesity, type 2 diabetes, food allergies, and mental health struggles are increasingly common. But behind many of these diseases, there’s an underlying issue that’s contributing significantly: the food our children are eating.

1. Obesity

Childhood obesity is a significant concern, with about 1 in 5 children aged 6 to 19 years classified as obese. A major contributing factor in this epidemic is diet. The typical American diet is packed with sugary snacks, processed foods, and fast food, wreaking havoc on our kids’ waistlines and health. Fast food is loaded with unhealthy fats, sodium, and sugars—all things that contribute to weight gain and long-term health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

2. Mental Health Issues

Rising mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and ADHD among children have prompted many to question what’s causing this surge. Nutrition plays a significant role in mental health. Studies have shown that diets high in processed sugars, artificial additives, and trans fats can impact brain chemistry, potentially contributing to mood swings, cognitive issues, and even more severe mental health conditions. Proper nutrients from whole foods like leafy greens, healthy fats, and lean proteins are vital for brain health, yet many kids aren’t getting them.

3. Type 2 Diabetes

When we were kids, type 2 diabetes was primarily seen in adults. But now, it’s increasingly being diagnosed in children, particularly those who are overweight. The number of children with diabetes is rising, and it’s directly linked to poor diet choices. Processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates contribute to insulin resistance, leading to type 2 diabetes.

4. Food Allergies

Food allergies have also been on the rise, with about 1 in 13 children affected. The modern food supply is full of genetically modified (GM) foods, additives, and preservatives that some experts believe could be linked to the increase in allergies. In particular, the overuse of certain chemicals in our food processing and agricultural practices may contribute to the rise in immune system dysfunction, making kids more susceptible to allergens.

5. Asthma

Asthma is on the rise in children, affecting roughly 1 in 12 children in the U.S. But what’s

contributing to this increase? Environmental factors like pollution, of course, but also the food we eat. Studies suggest that poor diets—particularly diets high in processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables—can influence the immune system, making kids more prone to respiratory conditions like asthma. And with the increase in food allergies (which often accompany asthma), many kids are exposed to triggers they might not even be aware of.

How Our Children’s Diets Are Impacting Their Health

So, why is this happening? The simple answer is: we’re feeding our kids the wrong foods. But the deeper issue is how the foods we feed our children are grown, treated, and processed. Let’s take a closer look at the modern food system.

1. Processed Foods and Sugar

Processed foods, including sugary snacks, fast food, and sodas, are loaded with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. These foods are not only contributing to obesity, but they also wreak havoc on the immune system and gut health. Studies have shown that diets high in sugar can lead to inflammation, which can contribute to conditions like asthma, eczema, and even diabetes. And when kids get used to eating high-sugar, low-nutrient foods, their bodies crave them, leading to unhealthy eating habits.

2. The Role of GMOs and Chemicals in Our Food

The rise of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and pesticides in our food supply is another factor that can’t be ignored. The food we eat today isn’t the same as the food our grandparents ate. The overuse of herbicides like glyphosate, used in growing GM crops, has raised concerns about the long-term health effects on children. Some studies suggest that chemicals like glyphosate can disrupt the gut microbiome, contributing to chronic conditions like asthma, allergies, and even obesity.

3. Lack of Nutrients in Modern Crops

It’s not just about what we’re feeding our kids; it’s also about what’s in the food we’re eating. Our soil has been depleted of many vital nutrients due to industrial farming practices. Modern agricultural methods focus on quantity over quality, and this has resulted in produce that’s less nutrient-dense than it used to be. The lack of key vitamins and minerals in the food we eat, such as magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, can contribute to a weakened immune system, poor brain function, and overall health problems in children.

4. The Impact of Artificial Additives

Another issue with today’s food is the use of artificial additives and preservatives, which are commonly found in processed foods. Many of these chemicals are used to extend shelf life, enhance color, or improve flavor. But studies have shown that some of these additives, such as artificial colors and flavorings, can cause hyperactivity, behavioral issues, and even allergic reactions in sensitive children. Some studies also link artificial sweeteners like aspartame to mood disorders and headaches in kids.

What Can We Do to Protect Our Kids?

The good news is that as parents, we have the power to make changes. We may not be able to control every aspect of our children’s food environment, but we can make conscious choices to protect their health.

1. Focus on Whole, Unprocessed Foods

The first step is to prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods over processed options. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats should be the foundation of our kids' diets. It’s also important to minimize or eliminate sugary snacks and drinks, which are contributing to obesity and other health issues.

2. Support Organic and Non-GMO Foods

Whenever possible, buy organic foods and choose non-GMO options. Organic produce tends to have fewer pesticides, and it’s often grown with more sustainable methods that preserve soil quality. If organic isn’t always possible, try to buy from local farmers or choose foods that are labeled “Non-GMO.”

3. Minimize Artificial Additives

Read labels carefully and avoid foods with artificial additives, preservatives, and colorings. Opt for real flavors in your drinks and foods, such as a squeeze of lemon or lime in club soda, real vanilla extract in plain yogurt, and whole, unprocessed ingredients whenever possible. By limiting exposure to these chemicals, we can help reduce the risk of allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and other health concerns.

4. Get Your Kids Involved

Finally, getting your kids involved in the process can help them develop a healthy and balanced relationship with food. Let them help with meal planning, grocery shopping, and even cooking. When they understand where their food comes from and how it nourishes their bodies, they’re more likely to make healthier choices.

Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Impact

The rise in childhood chronic diseases in America is undeniable, but we have the power to make a difference. By paying attention to the quality of the food our kids eat—whether it's choosing more whole foods, supporting sustainable agriculture, or minimizing chemicals and additives—we can help protect their health for years to come. It’s about making small, mindful changes today that can lead to big improvements in our children’s health tomorrow.

Sending you all our support as we navigate this together; two fellow moms who are learning and striving to battle for our children’s health every day.

Sources consulted in writing this blog:

Journal of Asthma – Studies linking childhood asthma and diet, especially with an emphasis on processed foods and low vegetable intake.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) – Overview of type 2 diabetes in children, its rise, and the connection to diet.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Studies on the relationship between food additives, genetically modified foods, and food allergies in children.

Psychiatry Research Journal – Studies linking processed foods, artificial additives, and the rise of mental health conditions in children.

Environmental Working Group (EWG) – Information on the impact of pesticides, GMOs, and herbicides on children’s health.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health – Studies on the health effects of artificial colors, preservatives, and sweeteners on children.