A Chinese newspaper reported the story of Li, a mother from Jin Hua, Zhejiang, whose actions out of love for her 6-year-old daughter ended up being detrimental to the child’s health. Li’s family is well-off and wants their daughter to experience the life of a “rich kid.” As a result, Li often fed her daughter bird’s nest soup, believing it to be a healthy treat.
Li shared that she is very health-conscious herself. She cooks bird’s nest soup with honey once or twice a day and believes that it is beneficial for children to consume nutritious foods like bird’s nest. She also prepared her daughter’s favorite food, grilled chicken wings, every day.
Initially, Li thought that these meals were just indulging her daughter’s personal preferences and helping her eat better. However, the unrestrained eating habits she instilled in her child led to more serious problems down the line.
Unrestrained eating habits leading to serious health issues
Suspicions of early puberty in her daughter
Earlier this year, while bathing her daughter, Li noticed that the girl’s chest was developing, with noticeable breasts and hardened nipples. Compared to other children her age, Li felt that her daughter was developing faster than normal. However, seeing that her daughter was still healthy and happy, she didn’t worry too much.
However, in early March, while doing her daughter’s laundry, Li was shocked to discover a faint bloodstain on the girl’s underwear. Concerned, she immediately took her to the Pediatric Department of Jin Hua Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Zhejiang. Dr. Ha Minh Hue performed a series of tests and diagnosed the girl with central precocious puberty, meaning her body was entering puberty too soon.
Upon hearing the diagnosis, Li was devastated, stammering, “Why is my daughter experiencing early puberty? I’ve always taken good care of her and provided proper nutrition for healthy development.”
Dr. Ha affirmed, “Consuming bird’s nest soup can cause children to absorb excessive nutrients, disrupting their hormonal balance and stimulating the pituitary gland to develop prematurely. This early activation can lead to the premature development of sexual characteristics.”
Excessive nutrient intake leading to hormonal imbalance and early puberty
The normal age range for puberty in children
Puberty typically occurs in children between the ages of 9 and 13. Specifically, girls usually enter this stage between 9 and 12 years old, while boys tend to start between 10 and 13. The first signs of puberty often include breast development, increased body hair growth, and rapid bone growth.
With changes in the environment and eating habits, cases of early puberty like Sisi’s are becoming more common. According to statistics, doctors may see between 20 and 30 children with this condition during each examination. Worryingly, some children also consume excessive amounts of carbonated drinks, which can increase the risk of early puberty.
Experts advise parents to pay attention to any abnormal changes in their children. For girls, breast development or menstruation before the age of 8, and for boys, the appearance of underarm hair, mustache, or voice change before the age of 9, could indicate early puberty. When these signs appear, it is crucial to seek timely medical attention for the child.
If left untreated, early puberty can impact a child’s psychology and height. The growth plates in children with early puberty tend to close earlier due to elevated sex hormone levels, resulting in a shortened growth period. However, with early detection and treatment, children can improve their height, slow down the pace of early puberty, and minimize psychological and behavioral issues.
The impact of untreated early puberty on a child’s psychology and height
Preventing early puberty: Focus on your child’s nutrition
According to PGS.TS Nguyen Tien Dung, former head of the Pediatrics Department at Bach Mai Hospital, early puberty in children can be influenced by various factors, with nutrition playing a crucial role. Parents should limit their children’s consumption of foods like honey, soy milk, protein powder, colostrum, and sugary drinks with artificial additives, as these contain high levels of estrogen.
Additionally, parents should avoid feeding their children fruits and vegetables that are out of season, as these often rely heavily on chemicals to enhance their quality.
Children should also refrain from frequently consuming grilled or fried foods with high-calorie content, as this can lead to excess body fat, hormonal imbalances, and an increased risk of sexual behavior before the appropriate age.
Finally, experts caution against exposing children to romantic movies too early, as this can negatively impact their development. Parents should instead foster an age-appropriate sense of innocence in their children, creating an environment conducive to their holistic growth.
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