Building blocks of good nutrition
Practising the basics of good nutrition helps ensure your child’s health and wellbeing.
THE sight of overweight children in shopping malls has become increasingly common in recent years. Indeed, more children are being overfed these days. However, we should also realise that there is a significant number of undernourished children in the country.
Be it overweight or underweight, both are consequences of malnutrition, a condition resulting from an unbalanced diet. Excessive nutritional intake can lead to over-nutrition, and thus the problem of overweight.
Good guide: The Food Guide Pyramid is a basic yet effective tool to help you feed your child nutritiously.
Good guide: The Food Guide Pyramid is a basic yet effective tool to help you feed your child nutritiously.
On the other hand, inadequate food intake, which may be due to wrong feeding practices, or children being picky or having poor appetites, causes nutrient deficiencies, and consequently underweight children.
Good nutrition is vital for growth
Good nutrition during childhood is vital as it supports the needs of your growing child in many ways. While he continues to gain height and weight, he is also physically very active. He needs adequate energy and nutrients to keep up with his growth, while maintaining his bodily functions and overall health.
As your child actively interacts with the environment and people, he is exposed to a host of health threats, such as bacterial and viral infections. Good nutrition helps to keep his immune system strong, as well as promotes quicker recovery if he falls sick.
Good nutrition is also essential for a child’s mental development. Your child’s brain and nervous system need to be well nourished to function optimally. With the support of good nutrition, your child will be better prepared for active learning, and to excel academically.
by Dr Tee E. Siong.
Source : thestar.com.my/health
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