A new study suggests that children who overeat have a higher risk of developing certain cancers in adulthood. Using a national database of health information, the British researchers determined which of the children who participated in that study had developed cancer as adults. They found that higher levels of energy intake in childhood increase the risk of the later development of cancer, not including cancers related to smoking -- these include cancer of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, respiratory tract, and urinary tract.

For each increase of 250 calories in a child's typical daily diet, there is a 20% increased risk of death from certain cancers, the researchers calculated. The findings confirm the importance of optimal nutrition in childhood and suggest that the unfavourable trends seen in the incidence of some cancers may have their origins in early life.

British Medical Journal February 14, 1998;316:499-503

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

Start your children early on with the right food. Of course they should be breast fed, but after they are off the breast milk, offering the correct foods will be important. After five years old you have lost your opportunity for major changes.

Many parents don't realize that you can withhold food for a short time and as long as you or anyone else does not offer them other foods, their appetite for the food will dramatically improve in 24-48 hours. Always implement the changes in love and NEVER force your child to eat anything. The most important changes will be to stop all fluids but water.

This is the single greatest problem that kids have. Milk, juice, and soda are their biggest enemies. Sugar, which is related to the juice and soda, is next on the list. If you can severely restrict sugar and limit nearly all fluids to pure water you have given an enormous health benefit for your child.