When I first started searching out possibilities for my PCOS symptoms, I came across Insulite Laboratories. I wasn’t able to get their system (international shipping hiccups), but I did sign up for their newsletter. A while ago, they sent an interesting article about how frequent childhood ear infections could contribute to obesity.
“…New research suggests that frequent childhood ear infections may be linked to weight gain or obesity later in life. A study says the infections may damage a vital taste-sensing nerve in kids, resulting in a preference for rich foods and making children prone to weight gain as adults.
People with a serious history of childhood ear infections appear to be about 70% more likely to be obese than those with no history of the condition, according to preliminary research at the University of Florida College of Dentistry in Gainesville.”
Now, I would usually dismiss this because we don’t need something more to blame, we need solutions. But the thing is, I suffered from ear infections as a child. One in particular kept me sobbing in bed for five days. (My parents wouldn’t take me to the doctor.) The pain was nearly unbearable and I spent more time with my ear on the heating pad than not. Which is why I found this interesting…
“Those who suffer harm to the crucial chorda tympani nerve — which runs through the tongue, along the side of the face and behind the eardrum on its way to the brain — may not realize why they can’t stay away from fatty foods that pack on the pounds.”
I’m certainly not looking for an excuse for what I do or anything like that, everything is already done and I’m working on it, but imagine taking special care to instill good, healthy habits in children who have frequent ear problems. There are a lot of possibilities.
If you’re interested in reading the rest of the article, click on the more tag.
