Importance Of Nutrition For Children

Nutrition is a science which defines the elements and nutrients present in food to make it suitable for human consumption. It includes absorption, digestion, assimilation, absorption, metabolism, metabolism and secretion. The term ‘nutrition’ was first used by the Greek physician Hippocrates and was defined as the ‘practice of feeding.’

Nutrition can be broadly classified into three categories according to their effects on the body’s system: mechanical, biological and behavioral. Mechanical means that the effects are natural to the body and can be seen without interference.

Biological means that the effects are caused by an external agent and are either permanent or temporary. Behavioral means that the effects are caused by the mind and affect the body only temporarily. The effects of nutritional programs on human health can be divided into two major categories: short-term and long-term. Short-term effects occur only for a short time.

Short-term effects of nutrition on the body can include enhanced physical strength, improved resistance to diseases and injuries, higher energy levels, better mental health, etc. Long-term effects of nutrition include better resistance to infections, increased metabolic rate, enhanced immune system, healthier skin and general health. Long-term effects can also include enhanced brain function, enhanced memory and mental sharpness, etc. If long-term effects are not adequately addressed, these results can result in diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Nutritional deficiency can occur due to a number of reasons and these main factors include underdeveloped digestive system, poor absorption, improper assimilation, low blood sugar, etc. Lack of proper nutrition can also result in birth defects. There are also several conditions which affect the absorption of nutrients, such as malabsorption, which are caused due to lack of proper digestion, and anemia, which is caused due to low iron level in the blood. Inadequate nutrition also leads to the weakening of bones, muscles, tissues, and organs. Not to mention the smaller issues like acid reflux, indigestion, or heartburn which, although can be sorted with a Zantac, can still be rather uncomfortable to deal with.

To reap the full benefits of good nutrition program, the first step should be to educate oneself about nutrition. A basic knowledge about the basic nutrition can help to avoid complications and develop a healthy lifestyle, and thus improve the overall health of the individual.

There are many benefits of good nutrition such as improved energy, faster recovery from wounds and illnesses, better immune system, stronger muscles and tissues and enhanced body system, increased weight control, better skin and hair texture, and resistance to diseases and infections, etc. However, all of these benefits are only available if the individual obtains the right balance of nutrients required for the development of good health. Inadequate nutrition can have serious effects on the human body and thus, it is important to get the appropriate balance of nutrients from the food that we eat and supplements that we take.

In addition, nutrition helps to maintain the body’s ability to function normally. By improving the body’s ability to produce adequate amounts of energy, it also reduces the possibility of diseases such as cardiovascular and cardio-vascular diseases. When the body is functioning properly, it improves the function of other organs as well, especially the immune system. These benefits are also essential for maintaining the good quality of life. Hence, a nutritious diet can significantly improve the health of individuals.

It is important to recognize the importance of providing proper nutrition to the child with a special concern if the child is suffering from underdeveloped digestive system or weak muscles. It is important to ensure that the child gets enough fiber and the proper amount of water in their diets. Nutrients such as Vitamin D, Calcium, Zinc and Magnesium can be provided by certain food sources such as fish, eggs and milk products. Children who suffer from anemia should also receive the needed amount of nutrients through their diet.

A good nutrition program also consists of ensuring a balanced consumption of all forms of nutrients as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The best diet to achieve this purpose would be the one containing foods that provide the most amount of all nutrients needed for the growth and development of the child. Good nutrition also involves taking supplements.

As children grow up, their diets may change drastically depending on their physical and emotional state. For this reason, it is important to consult an experienced pediatrician and consult a dietician, who will suggest a proper diet for the child depending on the child’s age and stage of growth. It is important to follow these recommendations religiously so that the child will not develop chronic diseases later in life due to malnutrition. Proper nutrition can also prevent and even reverse the development of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart diseases in children.

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