Banish Teenage Blues Australian Natural Health, Volume 7. No. 3, Author: Amber Plum, p.p 56 - 58

It’s a sobering paradox. The teen years are the peak of physical fitness and resilience to disease. Yet from childhood to adolescence, illness and mortality rates increase threefold. “It really is hard being a teenager,” Isabel, 16, tells Australian Natural Health. “Some days it seems like you’re on top of things then the next thing you know, you’re drowning.”

Some of this turbulence it now seems is due to the nature of the teenage brain itself While we tend to think of adolescents as having fully formed, adult brains, American neurologist Dr Jay Giedd has found that teen brains are actually relatively immature. From around 11, the brain experience an extraordinary overhaul with many neurological connections being pruned and others strengthened. It’s a tumultuous process with great impacts on teens’ hormonal states, thinking processes and sleep cycles

One result is the likelihood for teens to process information and makes decisions with the amygdala, a small area at the back of the brain that governs emotions, impulse and instinctive reactions. As teens grow, the decision making process gradually moves to the pre-frontal cortex, home to judgement and inhibition control. This process isn’t complete until around age 25. Put simply, a teenage brain just isn’t capable of adult-like planning, organisation, and impulse control.

Simultaneously, a pubescent surge in testosterone literally swells the amygdala in males and females. “Adolescents are actively looking for experience to create intense feelings,” says Dr Giedd. “It’s a very important hint that there is some particular hormone-brain relationship contributing to the appetite for thrills, strong sensations and excitement.”

Phenomenal social pressures compound the challenge. “Everyone has problems being themselves when fitting in is such a big deal,” says Holly, 15. “It’s like that for everyone. Then there’s academic pressure, people constantly telling you to do better.”

“Most teenagers cry a lot more than is really healthy,” adds Isabel. “Even guys do although they usually won’t admit it.”

But what does this have to do with health? Quite a lot, as the biggest health issues for teenagers are linked to mental and emotional states. In Australia, accidents are the top cause of teen death, followed closely by suicide. Eating disorders, headaches, anxiety and insomnia are listed as major areas of concern. In fact, mental health issues are responsible for 65 – 70% of the burden of disease for young people. 14% of young women are affected by serious depression, and one in 10 experience severe anxiety.

Given these trends, holistic approaches to health are essential. Simple therapies that address mental, emotional and physical states hold huge benefits for teens. And understanding some part of what teens go through can put the focus on helping rather than fighting them. As professionals and adolescents themselves point out, affection and attention are needed more than ever, although the ways they try to express this, have changed.

Similarly, it’s important to keep expectations realistic. Teens tend to stay up late and sleep in because biological factors trigger this (including the sleep regulating hormone, melatonin), not because they’re lazy. Facts like these often go unacknowledged by the adult world. Hearteningly, parents’ attitudes have a lasting impact. “Start with yourself in terms of what you show by example,” says Dr Geidd. “The teen brain is pretty adept at learning this way …things that a parent says in the car can stick with them for years.”

Nutrition

Much is unknown about the specificities of foods and teenage bodies. Why for example, do trans-fats cause hyperactivity in teens when they’re soporific for adults and children? What we do know is that adolescents have heightened nutrient requirements for brain growth, hormonal changes, and bone, organ and tissue development. Iron needs increase by 50% during adolescence for both sexes, more for athletes, and vitamin A needs can double from late childhood to the early teens.

Often, says Melbourne nutritionist Kylie Thomas, teenagers don’t get enough of what they need. “Most get much less than their recommended amount of calcium, which is important for more than just strong bones. Iron is also a problem for many girls.” Overeating is rarely a problem when food is healthy, so let your teen eat as much fruit, vegetables and whole grains and he or she likes. Healthy calories are essential for physical growth and emotional stability. And while it’s hard to eat when you’d rather be sleeping, breakfast is essential.

On the other hand, sugar exacerbates just about every teenage health issue, from mood swings and irritability, to acne, insomnia and headaches. It stresses the organs involved in hormone regulation, and diminishes the body’s absorption of other vitamins. Although teens love sugar, cutting back makes adolescence easier for everyone.

Under a nutritionist or naturopath’s advice, vitamins and minerals can help teens deal with a range of health issues. Zinc and Vitamin C can be taken in therapeutic doses to help acne, and the B vitamins can help stabilize mood and guard against depression and irritability. Vitamin B is sometimes used to treat insomnia. Similarly, calcium and magnesium help prevent aches and pains such as growing pains, menstrual cramps and headaches. When the headache is stress related, vitamin C is one of the ultimate aids.

Meanwhile, some common prescriptions for teens like antibiotics, painkillers and oral contraceptive, can change vitamin requirements. It’s important to discuss this with your health care provider.

Yoga

Yoga increases poise and confidence by aiding balance, posture strength and energy. For teens, this positive experience of the body can improve attitude, body image and self-esteem. However, yoga also addresses specific health concerns. It tones and balances the glandular system (including sex glands), helping with hormonal stability. Yoga improves skin condition by aiding blood circulation and the elimination of impurities and it’s powerful a tool against stress. “It’s a good outlet for things like hate and anger,” says Isabel. “You think about everything but nothing, and it clears your head. I always sleep better afterwards.”

Be sure to tell your yoga instructor if you are menstruating as this affects the poses you should use.

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