Kids should eat right

Kids should eat right and often to avoid acidity, fatigue

Somita Pal l Mumbai

Schoolchildren falling prey to acidity or complaining about fatigue and loss of concentration is mainly because of micro-nutrition deficiency and a long time gap between meals, doctors said. They said micro-nutrition deficiency such as lack of iron and B12 is a common problem among schoolchildren and can be tackled by following basic rules.      “The biggest problem is the gap between meals and children going to school on an empty stomach. Children often skip breakfast and then there is a long gap before they eat in the recess,” said Dr Archana Kher, consultant paediatrician at SevenHills hospital. “An imbalanced diet also makes children vulnerable to infections, fever and fatigue,” said Dr Nitin Shah, consultant paediatrician at PD Hinduja hospital. Dr Kher agrees. “Out of 10 parents, five admit that their child eats more junk food and an imbalanced diet. Also, there is invariably a gap between meals. Simple things like ensuring your child has a fruit every day will help in building his/her immune system and fight diseases,” she said.      Experts said schoolchildren especially need energy-rich food because they are growing and very active. “There should be a progression towards an adult-style healthy diet, but with continued emphasis on food with a high energy and nutrient content. The progression should be gradual by increasing intake of food rich with fibre and reducing fatty food from the diet. Also, there should an increase in the intake of food with starch content. Investing a little time for your child’s health is crucial and there can be no excuse for not doing that,” said Dr Mukesh Sanklecha, consultant paediatrician at Bombay hospital.      Dieticians say making small changes in one’s lifestyle can make all the difference. “Ensure you give nutritious food to your child at least six days a week. As a reward, reserve one day for him/her to have junk food,” Dr Kher said. Doctors said schools should be more proactive in spreading awareness about eating right. Some schools have already instructed parents and students not to carry junk food or aerated drinks in the school premises. Others have consulted dieticians and come up with a diet plan to be followed by parents while giving tiffin boxes to their children.

Published Date:  Jun 23, 2012   Courtesy(visited on (12.7.12)

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