Ask

Happy Tummy Expert

1 year ago

Dear Sweety, Thank you for the question

Adolescence or teen age is acritical period of our lives in which our body undergoes rapid changes, growth and development. It is very essential to consume a healthy balanced diet with adequate amount of protein and other nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin D etc., which will help support growth, development, pubertal changes and strong bones.

An adolescent girl should take enough calcium rich foods in her diet to support the increase of bone density and maintain healthy strong bones. Some of the calcium sources include milk, cheese, paneer, Ragi, curd, yogurt.

Reference weight and height for an 18-year-old female is 48.1-59.5kg and 155.3-166.9cm respectively.

Physical growth and development of an individual involves various factors like Genetics, Gender, Nutrition & Physical activity. Consuming well balanced diet with all food groups in appropriate amounts will help you reach all your daily nutrient requirements and maintain a healthy development. 

Some of the essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D etc, contribute to the development and maintenance of strong, healthy bones. Some of the good sources of these nutrients include milk & milk products, egg, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes.

Recommended daily allowance for calcium is 1050mg and for Vitamin D is 600IU (15mcg) per day for 18-year-old female

Healthy skin & Hair reflects overall good health that requires, dietary modifications, regular physical activity, stress management and adequate sleep along with proper hydration.

Here are a few tips for Hair & Skin health.

• Inadequate intake of protein can result in hair changes that include hair thinning and hair loss. Some of the sources of high protein include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds etc.
• Low intake of iron may also cause hair loss. The richest sources of heme iron in the diet are lean meat and seafood and non-heme sources include nuts, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, and fortified grain, milk, whole grains, legumes and dry fruits etc.
• Zinc is a mineral that plays important roles in immune function, protein synthesis, cellular division. It’s necessary for hair follicle function and helps protect against hair follicle shrinkage. It also helps promote hair follicle recovery Plant products such as – whole grains, legumes such as chickpeas, groundnuts, lentils, Nuts & seeds like cashews, pumpkin seeds, almonds etc. Animal products such as- meat, seafoods (fish, prawns, crab, chicken, eggs, milk and milk products.
• Omega -3 & omega-6 fatty acid may help promote hair growth by working towards follicle proliferation. Some of the most common sources of omega 3 & 6 are Fish, nuts and seeds such as walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.
• Micronutrients like Vitamin A, E & C help to build and maintain healthy skin. The best dietary sources include Orange-yellow fruits and vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits like berries, oranges, lemons, kiwi, nuts and seeds etc.
• Vitamin B6 and Zinc Found in meat, fish, poultry, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds may help in reducing acne by regulating hormones implicated in the development of acne.
• Drink adequate amount of water to maintain hydration

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions please contact your Health care professional or any registered dietician.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

0 Reply