Nutrition has always been the basis of a healthy, well-developed body.
It is important to know and understand that nutrition should be diversified and adapted according to the developmental stage of the body.
Balanced nutrition, carefully selected and adapted to needs, is vital for maintaining good health.
A healthy body responds promptly and effectively to the constant stresses to which it is subjected.
In particular, during the child’s growth, if the necessary nutrients are not provided, the body does not develop according to its potential.
Thus, the immune system does not respond as effectively to factors that upset the body’s balance.
Depending on the developmental stage of the body, the diet should broadly be as follows, with the possibility of varying according to the doctor’s instructions:
Classification
During the prenatal period, the mother-to-be must attach particular importance to nutrition to ensure that the fetus receives all the nutrients it needs to start life healthy.
Folic acid is important for the harmonious development of the baby’s nervous system and is found in green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and cereals. A diet rich in calcium helps build bones.
Vitamin D deficiency also leads to changes in the oral cavity, so teeth will have brittle, thin enamel that is susceptible to bacterial attack, while jaw bones will be soft, spongy and at risk of easy fracture.
After the birth of the baby, the breastfeeding period follows, during which the baby will be fed by grasping the mother’s breast.
The milk is expressed through sucking movements, thus satisfying hunger.
Breastfeeding is recommended for at least the first 6 months of life, as breast milk contains all the nutrients the body needs to develop harmoniously.
From the age of 6 months, feeding can become varied, as the baby gradually gets used to other textures and tastes.
The transition should be gradual.
At the same time, it is also worth trying to give up the bottle, as prolonged use can lead to bottle tooth decay, especially if the liquids it contains are sweetened.
The first years of a child’s life are those in which he or she is experimenting, adapting to the environment and the reflex to bring anything to the mouth is present.
It is therefore important for parents to guide how their child is fed, to cover the body’s needs and at the same time not to overdo it.
Heavy consumption of sugar-containing products should be avoided to prevent carious pathology.
The consumption of carbonated drinks should also be limited or even stopped.
Food rewards should be avoided by parents as they can do more harm than good.
Parents should insist on the consumption of dairy products, proteins and a fixed meal time.
Even in adulthood, a balanced diet should be maintained and the nutrients consumed should be in relation to weight, physical activity and some general illnesses that can occur at a certain age.
