700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts About Nutrition & Fitness

Posted by: Hiren Patel, MD on Jul 17, 2026

One of the best and easiest ways to keep your kidneys healthy is by drinking plenty of water.

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3 jars of baby food on a blue table
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Homemade Baby Food: Is It Worth the Effort?
Homemade baby food can save money and offer fresh variety—but it isn’t necessarily healthier than store-bought options. Learn when babies are ready for solids, how to safely prepare homemade foods, and current recommendations for introducing allergens and different feeding approaches.
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Homemade Baby Food: The Danger of Botulism
Botulism is a disease caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria produces a substance called botulinum toxin, which works at the cellular level, causing muscle paralysis.

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Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

Starting an Exercise Program

Apr 30, 2026

If you don’t love exercise, you’re not alone—but finding activities you actually enjoy can make all the difference. Learn how to start small, build a routine that fits your life, stay motivated, and turn movement into something you look forward to. Read More

Homemade Baby Food: The Danger of Nitrates

Apr 16, 2026

Many parents want to make homemade baby food. And why not? But danger lurks in that good-looking meal, primarily in the form of nitrate contamination and botulism. Read More

mother breastfeeding infant

Should Parents with Diabetes Breastfeed?

Apr 13, 2026

Parents who have diabetes of any kind are similar to other new parents in many ways. But according to a study here at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, they are less likely to breastfeed their newborn baby in the hospital and continue breastfeeding for at least two months. Read More

Little girl eating at a lunch table.

The Power of Pause: Helping Kids Eat Mindfully

Feb 24, 2026

Racing through meals can leave kids and adults feeling overly full and uncomfortable. Mindful eating—using our senses, slowing down, and building simple family habits—can help everyone eat at a comfortable pace, notice fullness, and enjoy food more. Read More

A person stands in front of a market-style produce display, holding an empty plastic bag while selecting vegetables. The shelves are filled with assorted fresh items, including bell peppers, squash, leafy vegetables, and jars arranged in rows above the produce. The scene appears to be inside a small grocery or farm market, with wooden crates and price tags visible. The image is in black and white.

Understanding Orthorexia: When "Healthy Eating" Becomes Harmful

Feb 18, 2026

Orthorexia is a term used to describe an intense fixation to only eating foods considered “healthy” or “clean.” Unlike other eating disorders that focus on how much food is eaten, orthorexia centers on food quality and perfecting nutritional intake. Read More

young child standing on a scale while a nurse is recording his weight beside him

When To Be Concerned About Your Child's Weight

Jan 28, 2026

Weight can be a tough topic—especially for kids. Learn how to recognize when weight gain might signal a health concern, how to create a supportive home environment around food, and when to partner with your child’s pediatrician or the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition for extra help. Read More

young child holding a bowl of strawberries

Ketogenic Diet: An Ancient Treatment in Modern Times

Jan 28, 2026

For some kids with epilepsy, seizure medications don’t provide full control—so doctors may turn to specialized medical diets like the ketogenic diet. Learn how this high-fat, low-carbohydrate approach works, which foods are included and avoided, possible side effects, and why it should only be started under the guidance of an expert epilepsy care team. Read More

feet on a scale

The Warning Signs of Eating Disorders

Jan 19, 2026

Eating disorders look differently in every patient, which can make early detection tricky; however, there are some themes that unite youth with eating disorders that I would like to share. Read More