Health. Cognitive impairment, not for those who eat well as children

Expert: Nervous system inflammation linked to obesity development

ROME – Eating well as a child can protect adults from cognitive decline and obesity. Scientific studies suggest, in fact, that the onset of systemic inflammation that affects the nervous system may be closely linked to the development of obesity and that a healthy diet reduces the risk of neuroinflammation.
“Childhood is one of the most critical periods for the psychophysical development of the individual. During this phase, which begins with birth and ends with puberty, the physiological need for micro and macronutrients increases exponentially and eating habits acquire vital importance – says Annalisa Noce, associate professor of Nephrology and director of the School of Specialization in Nephrology at the University of Rome Tor Vergata – The lifestyle and eating habits adopted during childhood can persist throughout life and therefore have a significant influence on health and well-being in adulthood. Furthermore, the transition from childhood to adolescence is often associated with changes in eating habits that frequently veer towards less healthy choices. Therefore, it is important to promote healthy eating habits starting from early childhood and to focus, in particular, on the transition period to adolescence”.
The latest epidemiological data suggest that childhood and adolescent obesity still represent a widespread public health problem, even if they seem to be slightly decreasing compared to previous years. The latest report published by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) estimates that in Italy 19% of 8-9 year old boys and girls are overweight and that 9.8% are obese, with a rate of severe obesity reaching 2.6%. While for adolescents, at a national level, 18.2% of them are overweight and 4.4% are obese.
“It has been demonstrated that a healthy diet during the primary age of children reduces the risk of health problems related to nutrition itself, such as obesity, dental caries, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, not only in children and adolescents but also in adults – adds the expert – In fact, children and adolescents who adopt healthy eating habits during childhood and adolescence are more likely to maintain their state of health in good condition, and therefore to be at a lower risk of developing chronic-degenerative diseases in adult life. English: Furthermore, it has been shown that obesity, both in childhood and in adulthood, is closely related to the onset of a systemic inflammatory state and, in particular, with neuroinflammation”.
“Therefore, it is clear that healthy behaviors learned from a young age could be crucial to achieving and maintaining a good state of health, to reduce systemic inflammation affecting the nervous system, and to prevent, therefore, cognitive deterioration in adult life. Among the substances with anti-inflammatory action – continues Professor Noce – palmitoylethanolamide (Pea, very effective in ultramicronized form) deserves a special mention, that is, an endogenous molecule, free from side effects, contained both in foods of animal origin, such as egg yolk and cow’s milk, and in those of plant origin, such as soy, peanuts and legumes”.
How, then, can we teach children and young people to adopt healthy eating habits and lifestyles, in order to achieve a healthy adult life? “Of course, the first step must be taken by families. Children are led to imitate the habits of their parents or guardians, who must transmit to them the culture of food and well-being, starting from the table. Secondly, through the implementation of food education courses in schools. The school environment, in fact – concludes Noce – represents a suitable place for the promotion of healthier lifestyles and, on a global level, interventions in the school environment aimed at promoting healthy eating have made possible a gradual change in eating habits, promoting good and healthy dietary practices”.