Puberty is not easy for anyone, whether you are the child or the parent. Puberty is a very important one phase, since not only does the body change, but there is also a complete transformation in the brain.
The term puberty comes from the Latin word “puberatus”, which means sexual maturity. Girls are somewhat earlier in development and growth, as puberty usually occurs between the ages of 8 and 11. Boys, on the other hand, go through puberty between the ages of 10 and 16.
In the last 150 years, the age of puberty has been falling steadily. In the 19th century, girls got their first menstrual period on average between the ages of 15 and 17. We still do not fully understand why puberty occurs earlier in evolutionary terms. However, environmental factors, diet, fast food, or a lack of physical activity may be at fault.
Changes in puberty are triggered by sex hormones. For boys it’s mainly androgens like testosterone and for girls it’s estrogens. The hormonal and mental changes in adolescents are usually uncertain.
During puberty, skin impurities, strands of hair, “stuffy” sweat and extreme physical changes often occur. Thus the adolescents often withdraw, become defiant, and test limits.
The transformation process of the brain is more extensive than the change of the body, because it leads to the creation of new nerve structures in the brain. Among the hormonal changes, various nerve cells die; in others, connections are severed, new networks linked and the neural wiring optimized.
Magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids and iron help better through puberty.
Nutrition influences puberty
A study by Imogen Rogers of the University of Brighton proves the connection with nutrition. It could be proven that girls, which eat a lot of meat in childhood, come earlier to puberty than others that eat less meat.
Studies by Anette Buyken, nutritionist at the University of Paderborn, can also show a connection with food quality and the protein content. In short: fast food, fructose and excessive calories should be avoided during puberty. Instead, adolescents should eat healthy fish and exercise in fresh air.
Vitamins and minerals are of particular importance during puberty.
Supporting puberty
Even though there is no pill for puberty, a few tips and tricks can help you get through this phase. A healthy and balanced diet can positively influence the needs of the growing organism. Vitamins and minerals are of particular importance in this phase of life.
Adolescent girls in particular have an increased iron requirement, which usually cannot be sufficiently met through their diet. Omega-3 fatty acids also help to support the transformation process in the brain. Magnesium is an anti-stress mineral, which can also be of great advantage in this phase of life, even for parents.
