Parents need to know how to keep their child's digestive system healthy,sCause healthy digestion affects the growth and development of children. In addition, digestive system disorders can affect the child's immune system or immunity.
When the digestive system is problematic, the child will usually be fussy. Symptoms that can arise are very diverse, ranging from abdominal pain, nausea, difficulty defecating, diarrhea, to vomiting. The digestive system is also closely related to the immune system. If not taken care of properly, children can be more susceptible to disease.
Various Ways to Do
There are various ways to maintain the health of a child's digestive system. Here are some of them:
- Meet the fiber needs of childrenMake sure your child's fiber needs are adequate for their age. Children aged 1-3 years need about 16 grams of fiber per day and children aged 4-6 years need about 22 grams of fiber per day. Meet the fiber needs of children from high-fiber foods, such as apples, cereals, pears, kidney beans, carrots, and yogurt.
- Cmeet the needs of fluid intakeChildren's fluid intake needs to be met according to their needs. Because in the digestive system, water is useful in breaking down food, dissolving minerals and nutrients in food, and softening stools. Adequate fluid intake can prevent constipation in children.
- Give children nutritious foodNot only provide foods that are high in fiber, you also have to make sure that your child eats healthy foods. Avoid giving fast food or junk food, because apart from not containing enough nutrients for the needs of the Little One.
- Choose the right milk
Also make sure the milk you choose contains fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). Both of these ingredients are prebiotics that are beneficial in maintaining digestive tract health, by maintaining the good bacteria that live in the intestines. In addition to containing FOS and GOS, don't forget the content of various vitamins and minerals in milk. This is useful in supporting the health of the digestive tract and supporting its growth and development.
Benefits of a Healthy Digestive System for Children
Healthy digestion in children brings a variety of benefits, such as:
- Mestrengthenbody enduranceAbout 70% of the body's immune cells are located in the digestive tract. Children who have a healthy digestive system tend to have a good immune system.
- Helps absorption of nutrientsHealthy digestion helps children absorb the nutrients they need for their growth and development. With good absorption of nutrients, children can also grow healthy.
- Support growth which optimalA healthy digestive system in children will help absorb nutrients, so children can grow more optimally.
- Supports brain developmentThe influence of gastrointestinal conditions on brain development is now getting more and more attention. It is known that children who have good digestion are faster in responding to something.
- Keeping the moodThe health of the digestive system also affects mood. Children with digestive disorders are usually more fussy, so learning and playing activities, even sleeping time, can be disrupted.
You can do the various ways above to maintain the health of your little one's digestive system. If your child often has indigestion, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician. The doctor will find out the cause and provide the right treatment for your child.