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Happy Tummy Expert

11 months ago

Dear Lavanya, Thank you for the question

The gut microbiome constantly changes, from birth throughout adulthood, and several factors affect its development. The intestinal microbiota can affect development of the brain, immune system, and lungs, as well as body growth.  The intestinal microbiome plays an important role in childhood development.

Growth and development are natural phenomena that occur throughout the human life cycle. The rate at which an individual grows and develops and attains certain milestones differs from person to person. Physical growth and development of an individual across stages involves various factors like Genetics, Gender, Nutrition & Physical activity.

Deviation from pre-set milestone markers can be an early sign for malnutrition or obesity, food allergies, or asthma or any other underlying health conditions, 

We request you to kindly contact a specialized health care professional such as a paediatrician for further treatment and management.

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 and prevent risks of malnutrition. 

The RDA for protein requirement is 12.5g/d and energy is 1010kcal/day for children 1-3 years of age

Here are a few dietary guidelines for children to be considered

• The diet should include a variety of foods and ensure inclusion of 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/she can take.
• Food preference of the child should be taken into consideration by emphasizing on the child's likes and dislikes
• Foods like tea and coffee should be avoided as they may overstimulate the childs body system.
• Small foods that have risks of choking should be avoided.
• Ensure sufficient consumption of milk and milk products
• Include energy dense foods, keeping in mind the daily needs. Some of the energy dense   foods include Whole wheat, multigrain millets, dairy products, nuts, colocasia leaves, banana, raisins, pulses/lentils etc.
• Try to increase the serving size and portion size gradually and systematically
• Include healthy fats from nuts and seeds.
• As the child to avoid lying down immediately after your meal consumption
• Keep a gap of minimum 2-3 hours between bedtime and your child’s last meal
• Encourage physical activity for optimal growth
• Ensure that the child follows a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

For more information and sustainable growth and for customised and personalised meal plan 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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