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Happy Tummy Expert

2 years ago

Dear Karthik, Thank you for reverting back with your query

Ages 1-6 years witness gradual and continuous growth and development. During this period it is important to take care of all nutritional needs and give children a nutritionally adequate & well-balanced diet, to ensure that growth and development is achieved optimally
Regular gastritis, excess burping, bloating can be a symptom of gastrointestinal digestive issues such as indigestion, constipation, IBS, intolerances etc., and/or due to an underlying health condition which may require medical attention.
Certain food intolerances can cause bloating and stomach pain after consuming specific foods. In lactose intolerance it is seen after consuming milk and milk products like cheese, paneer etc. And in gluten intolerance it is seen after consuming, wheat, rye, barley etc. For further diagnosis and assistance kindly contact your child’s paediatrician
Here are a few guidelines for general digestive health of your child:
- Give small frequent meals at regular intervals
- Ensure the intake of well-balanced diet which includes all food groups .
- Try to include whole grains like wheat, millets and multigrain in your child’s diet as they are a good source of fiber and other nutrients.
- Vegetables including green leafy vegetables and locally available seasonal fruits should be part of their daily menu.
- Talk to your child and let him know that food should be eaten slowly and chewed well.
- As the child to avoid lying down immediately after your meal consumption
- Drink at least glasses of water per day
- Keep a gap of minimum 2-3 hours between bedtime and your child’s last meal
- Ensure that the child follows a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

Pre- schoolers have an established daily routine and need regular mealtimes to be part of this routine. Parents should provide suitable foods at mealtimes, including morning and afternoon snack. Food should be attractively presented and should be in bite sizes to ease the child’s meal times. Make the food colorful and attractive, to engage the child and keep him/her interested in trying out the food.

Here are a few dietary guidelines for children to be considered

• The diet should include a variety of foods and ensure inclusion af all food groups. As teaching the child to eat everything on his plate will help him enjoy optimal health.
• Make the plate colorful by including variety of fruits and vegetables
• Food should be slightly seasoned so that they taste better and the child takes it well.
• Child should never be forced to eat more than he can take
• Food preference of the child should be taken into consideration by Emphasize on the child's likes and dislikes
• Foods like tea and coffee should be restricted as they overstimulate the system.
• Home based diet provide adequately for growth and development of the child provided they are calorie dense and given in small frequent meals.
• Foods that can cause choking should be avoided.
• Ensure sufficient consumption of milk and milk products
• Present finger foods to preschoolers
• Encourage involvement in food preparation for easy acceptance of new foods
• Encourage physical activity for optimal growth

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact a Health care professional and your child’s paediatrician

Hope we have answered your query.
Wishing you a great day ahead

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