Iodine and Selenium: Superheroes for Your Child’s Health!

As a parent, you want to ensure that your child is getting all the nutrients they need to grow up strong and healthy. Two nutrients that often fly under the radar are iodine and selenium. But these two trace minerals are like tiny superheroes, working behind the scenes to keep your child’s body functioning at its best. Let’s dive into why iodine and selenium are important in helping manage stress, how much of these nutrients your child needs, where you can find these nutrients in everyday foods.

Nutrition and Stress Management

Good nutrition isn’t just about physical health—it’s also vital for mental well-being. When your child gets the right nutrients, their body is better equipped to handle stress. A well-nourished brain is more resilient and can manage stress more effectively.

For maximum health, it is important to become skilled in handling stress according to the Creator’s principles

Why Are Iodine and Selenium Important?

Iodine  is crucial for your child’s growth and brain development. It’s a key component of thyroid hormones. A lack of iodine can lead to problems with learning and memory, as well as physical growth delays. 

Selenium  is another important nutrient that supports your child’s immune system. It also works in tandem with iodine to ensure the thyroid gland functions properly. 

Stress can increase thyroid hormone levels.

Thyroid hormones and stress hormones, like cortisol, are connected through the body's stress system.The same parts of your brain control both your adrenal and thyroid hormones.

When these hormones are in excess it opens the door to run away infections , cancer, anxiety and mental instability.

One of the important keys to achieve a healthy lifestyle is to eat a diet and live a lifestyle that promotes a healthy balance of these hormones. When the two hormones are in balance we experience excellent health physically, mentally and emotionally.

 How Much Iodine and Selenium Do Children Need?

The amount of iodine and selenium your child needs depends on their age:

- Iodine : Children aged 4-6 years need about 90 micrograms (mcg) per day. Those aged 7-12 years need around 120 mcg per day.

-Selenium: Children aged 4-6 years need about 20 mcg per day, while those aged 7-12 years require around 30 mcg per day.

These amounts might seem tiny, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to your child’s health!

 Where Can You Find Iodine and Selenium?

Luckily, you can find iodine and selenium in a variety of everyday foods:

- Iodine Sources:

  - Dairy Products: Milk, yoghourt, and cheese are excellent sources of iodine. A single glass of milk can provide a significant portion of your child’s daily needs.

  - Fish and Seafood: Seafood like cod, haddock, and shrimp are rich in iodine. Even some types of seaweed can be an iodine powerhouse!

  - Iodized Salt: Many households use iodized salt, which is a simple way to ensure your child is getting enough iodine. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much salt isn’t healthy either.

- Selenium Sources:

  - Nuts and Seeds: Brazil nuts are a fantastic source of selenium—just 2 to 4  nuts can provide all the selenium your child needs for the day!

  - Fish and Eggs: Tuna, sardines, and eggs are good sources of selenium. Try incorporating these into meals or snacks.

  - Whole Grains: Foods like brown rice and whole-wheat bread contain selenium, making them great additions to your child’s diet.

Nutrition and Stress Management

Both iodine and selenium play roles in brain health, which means they can help your child stay calm and focused during challenging times. A balanced diet that includes these nutrients, along with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help keep your child’s mood stable and their stress levels in check.

 Fun Food Tips!

- Get Creative with Snacks: Mix some yogurt with fresh fruit for a tasty, iodine-rich snack.

- Seafood Fun: Try making fish fingers or a tuna sandwich for a selenium and iodine-packed lunch.

- Nuts : Swap out chips for a small handful of mixed nuts (including a Brazil nut or two) as an after-school treat.

By ensuring your child’s diet includes sufficient iodine and selenium, you’re setting them up for success—both in school and in life. Remember, good nutrition is one of the path to success in life.