If your little one is often constipated or constipated, maybe you should pay attention returntomoderatelymwill be fibrous what he consumes. This is because fiber in food is needed by your little one so that his digestive health is well maintained.
To support optimal growth and development, children need good nutrition. Ideally, the food consumed by your child should contain carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fiber foods are needed, both by infants, children and adults, to prevent problems with the digestive system, obesity, and even heart disease.
Functions of Fibrous Foods for Children
Fiber is divided into two types, namely soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber is a type of fiber that turns into a gel-like substance when mixed with water. Meanwhile, water insoluble fiber cannot be digested by the intestines, thus making stools solid. Fiber intake also helps smooth bowel movements. These are the benefits of fibrous foods that make your little one avoid constipation.
Fiber foods generally contain few calories and have many important benefits for the digestive process, including:
- Makes your little one full longer, so he is not fussy during activities.
- Contains a prebiotic effect, which is able to maintain good bacteria in the intestines, thereby preventing infections in the little one's gastrointestinal tract.
- Helping your little one maintain an optimal body weight.
- Prevent the risk of obesity and diabetes in children.
The provision of fibrous food to children depends on their age. For children aged 1-3 years, fiber needs about 16 grams per day. While children aged 4-8 years need more fiber, which is about 22 grams per day.
Good sources of fiber for children include whole grain breads, cereals, fruits (oranges, apples, bananas, pears), vegetables (such as broccoli, spinach, potatoes, and carrots), and legumes (such as soybeans, beans, etc.) peas, almonds).
Although fibrous foods are very good for your little one's digestive health, you are not recommended to give him too much. Because eating too many fibrous foods can actually cause your little one's stomach to bloat, cramp, and gas.
Important Nutrient Intake for Your Little One
In addition to fiber, Mothers must also pay attention to the intake of other important nutrients needed by the Little One, including:
- Carbohydrates play an important role as the main source of energy.
- Protein serves to arrange cells and body tissues, form hormones, and replace damaged body tissues.
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play an important role in supporting intelligence, bone health, and preventing asthma. Including DHA, which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid has an important role for the growth and development of the child's brain.
If your little one still likes to be picky about food, so they often ignore the fibrous foods that you provide, you can look for alternatives. For example, by turning pieces of fresh fruit or vegetables into juice that is ready to be drunk by your little one.
In addition, you can also try giving fortified or fortified milk with fiber and a variety of important nutrients for your little one. But you need to remember, that milk or supplements cannot replace all the important nutrients contained in fibrous foods. So, keep giving your little one fibrous food, Mom. Do not hesitate to consult a nutritionist regarding the nutritional needs of children.
