From Emma Hedley, Liz Price and Isobel Troskie, Mental Health Co-ordinators.
In simple terms, poverty is not having enough money or access to resources to enjoy a decent standard of living. Historically, poverty in the UK was defined as either primary or secondary: Primary poverty means not having enough money to meet basic needs. It can also be considered as ‘living below the poverty line.’ Secondary poverty is when people earn just enough money to afford the necessities. But they spend part of it on “coping mechanisms” to deal with financial and work-related stress. Therefore, they end up struggling to make ends meet. People born into poverty are much more likely to remain poor. Some people might escape it, but for the majority, hard work isn’t the solution when the economic system works against them. This is what constitutes the cycle of poverty. Overall, poverty is about exclusion.
In its most extreme form, it’s the inability to access what you need for a decent life. Relatively speaking, in more developed countries, it’s being excluded from what constitutes normal daily life.
For many of our looked after children who have suffered poverty learnt behaviour may play a part. They may try to self-regulate by smoking and drinking because this way of copying is what was modelled to them. They are unlikely to have been given the opportunity to develop their taste buds and to experience different flavours and textures. It is much harder to learn new skills and embrace change after the usual development milestones of weaning, however it’s not impossible.
Enabling looked after children to eat healthily is often fraught with challenges, it is not as simple as providing good nutritious food. Fussy eating, lack of routine, a trauma history, sensory sensitivities, body shaming and unrealistic images on social media, can all make supporting healthy eating a challenging task. However, if we are armed with good information, we can all contribute in creative and meaningful ways.
Impact of a poor diet on physical and mental health
A British Heart Foundation study found that those who ate the most ultra-processed food were 24 per cent more likely to experience serious heart and circulatory events including heart attacks, strokes and angina. Diabetes UK found that those with type 2 diabetes, under the age of 40 are more likely to have characteristics associated with inequalities. The National institute for Health published evidence of a link between a diet comprising of highly processed foods and illness in later life including many cancers, pneumonia and early onset osteoporosis.
In recent years, there's been an increase in cases of rickets in the UK. The number of rickets cases is still relatively small, but studies have shown a significant number of people in the UK have low levels of vitamin D in their blood. (NHS 2022) Many young people leaving care suffer with low mood and energy levels. In part this is due to the trauma they have suffered but ruling in or out vitamin D and iron deficiencies with a blood test will allow diet to be addressed as a potential contributing factor.
There are numerous studies which show that cognitive and emotional function improve with good nutrition through a life span. Research shows that eating foods rich in Omega 3 have a positive effect on brain function after six months, making us feel and function better, and protect us from cognitive decline. Eating fibre, tryptophan, iron, calcium, phosphorous and vitamin B decreases depression almost immediately and reduces stress and anxiety. A study of older people at risk of dementia (the UKs biggest killer) showed that those taking vitamin B supplements and having a high intake of omega 3 had a 50% reduction in brain atrophy.
Food Allergies
Children from low-income families are more likely to have undiagnosed food allergies. Symptoms caused by food allergies may also lead to an inability to consistently feel well enough to be able to confidently access education or employment.
The cost of buying non allergenic food is significant; for example, a litre of milk can be around £1; whereas the equivalent for lactose free is £1.97.
Leaving and after care ‘Cooking on a Budget’ programme
The Leaving and after care teams have delivered a ‘Cooking on a budget’ programme. The young people have learnt skills in Chinese and Indian cookery and eating healthily on a budget. Another programme is planned for June.
Top Tips
- Be playful and creative with food! This is a great way of engaging children to try new and healthy foods
- Model healthy cooking and eating habits with foods rich in Omega 3, fibre and fruits and vegetables
- Keep processed and ultra processed foods to a minimum
- Ask the LAC nurses for their support on healthy eating
- Get advice from trusted websites (some listed below)
- Spark your own interest in food and cooking by researching new recipes
Useful websites
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eating-a-balanced-diet/