How do I Explain to Kids the Importance of Salt to the Body?
Many kids are not primarily concerned with their health. However, kids are quick to pick up on the habits and customs of others, especially parents, grandparents and other family members. If, as a parent, you are worried about salt intake, your children will likely grow up with the same concerns. While controlling salt in your diet is essential, you must also explain to your children the important role salt plays in the human body. This arms them with the information to balance their thinking regarding salt.
Instructions
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Place a touch of salt on the tip of the kids' tongue to teach them about the salt sensor on their tongues.
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Explain to your kids how to balance the good with the bad. While too much salt can spell numerous health problems such as heart disease and stroke, also be sure they understand salt's relation to heat stroke, muscle cramping and dehydration. Too little salt, which is also an electrolyte, hinders the body's ability to properly cool and regulate core temperature, according to Organic Facts.
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Set an example for your kids. Cut out highly processed packaged foods in favor of fresh meats, fruits and vegetables. Forgo the fast food drive-through and opt for chicken and potatoes on the grill. The majority of salt overload comes from fast food and highly processed food, and limiting them sets a great example and also sets your kids up for good adult eating habits.
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Tips & Warnings
According to HelpGuide.org, relating information to kids in an immediate way helps them to understand better than trying to convince them of long-term health benefits and risks.
Balance is key in everything. Teach balance to keep kids from going overboard and setting themselves up for salt-related problems.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit salt cellar image by Edsweb from Fotolia.com
