Change your child's diet to reduce the need for organ transplants

Nearly half of obese children will become obese adults. National Institutes of HealthObesity in adults can set the stage for other health problems, some of which are caused by type 2 diabetes. study In a study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers also found that most adults with type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Shelley Grave, RN, Transplant Coordinator Loma Linda University Transplant Institute“Type 2 diabetes is the number one cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and hypertension is another contributing factor to chronic kidney disease and ESRD. Both diagnoses can be related to obesity, and both can be treated with dialysis or other medications,” says Dr. Kidney transplantation” says Mr. Grave.

While diabetes can be genetic, Grebe says there's a lot parents can know and do to reduce the chances their children will suffer from type 2 diabetes-related health problems, such as kidney and liver damage, as adults.

1. Obesity affects the liver Obesity can damage the liver by causing a condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD can lead to scarring of the liver. As cirrhosis progresses, Liver transplantationRisk factors for NAFLD are obesity, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.
2. Obesity and diabetes affect the kidneys. Obesity is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes According to the National Institutes of Health, the more weight you carry, the more strain your organs are put under. Saturated fats, found in bacon, French fries, fried chicken, and many other fried foods, are known to increase cholesterol. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process that results from cholesterol deposits within the artery walls, which then turn into plaque that can block blood flow to organs, leading to many health complications, including organ failure.
3. Changes in diet can have a big impact. A patient's weight can sometimes be controlled through diet. Greve says that even if diabetes is not hereditary, diet can increase the chances of getting it. She recommends eating foods that the body is designed to digest and convert into energy. She also advises avoiding foods that contain preservatives as much as possible, as they slow down the digestive process and cannot be converted into energy, which can be stored as fat. Fresh foods from natural sources such as seeds, legumes, plants, vines, and roots are healthy choices and should make up the majority of the food we consume. This is best for overall health and lowers the chances of obesity-related health problems.
4. exercise. Calories from carbohydrates and healthy fats like avocados and eggs are what our bodies use for energy. If we don't burn the calories we eat, our bodies store them as fat. Excess body fat can lead to obesity and diabetes, which can have negative consequences down the line. “Not only should you eat healthy, but you should also stay active,” says Grebe.
5. A small change in the number on the scale can help you move out of the danger zone. Greve says that for many people, losing 10 percent of their body fat can change their path to type 2 diabetes. That 10 percent loss can lower their hemoglobin A1C out of the prediabetic range. Once they reach that goal, she says it's important to maintain the weight loss to prevent the progression of prediabetes, which can lead to insulin-dependent diabetes. She also encourages her patients to continue the diet and exercise changes that led to that 10 percent weight loss, so they can continue to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

These are all small steps and facts for parents to keep in mind when thinking about their child's health. If you are concerned about your child's weight or eating, contact Loma Linda University Primary Care to talk to one of our primary care physicians. 909-558-6600You can also make a reservation online. My ChartThis is just one way Loma Linda University Health puts your health within your reach.