Although not included in the group that is susceptible to contracting the Corona virus, the risk of children to be infected with this virus still exists. Therefore, it is important for Mother to always pay attention to the nutritional intake of children during the COVID-19 pandemic so that their immune system remains strong.
One basic prevention to ward off the Corona virus is to increase endurance, especially by eating healthy foods every day. It aims to improve the immune system so it is not easily attacked by bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, including the Corona virus.
This Nutrition for Children Must Be Fulfilled During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The suggestion to always eat nutritious foods does not only apply to adults, Bun. Children are also strongly encouraged to regularly eat healthy foods so they don't get sick easily. In addition, healthy eating will also support the process of growth and development.
So, what nutrients are needed to prevent children from Corona virus infection during the COVID-19 pandemic? The following is a list of recommended nutrients that are always on the child's diet:
1. Protein
Protein is a macronutrient that is needed by the child's body and should not be missed, regardless of whether there is a pandemic or not. These nutrients play a role in building muscles and various body tissues, building and repairing damaged tissue, maintaining the immune system, and as a source of energy.
To obtain these benefits, Mother can provide food that is a source of protein, such as meat, eggs, nuts, fish, and milk and its processed products, both in the main meal menu and snack Little while at home.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acid intake is also no less important for children. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that we really need but cannot be produced by the body, so it must be obtained from food.
Omega-3 has benefits to increase intelligence and focus, strengthen the immune system, and make you sleep better. Omega-3 is also thought to have a good effect on mood and mental health of children. This is important because the changes that occur during the COVID-19 pandemic can trigger anxiety in children.
Some sources of omega-3 that Mother can choose include fish, such as anchovies, salmon, and sardines; nuts, such as almonds and walnuts; and grains, such as flaxseed and chia seed.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known to strengthen the immune system and improve the health of the respiratory system. This is important, especially in the current COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, because it can increase calcium absorption in the intestine, vitamin D also plays a role in building and maintaining healthy bones and muscles.
The body naturally produces vitamin D when the child is in the sun. However, in the midst of a pandemic like today, children may be less exposed to sunlight because they must remain at home to break the chain of transmission of the Corona virus.
Therefore, to avoid vitamin D deficiency, give your child a variety of foods that are fortified with this vitamin, such as spinach, cabbage, soybeans, sardines, salmon, and oatmeal and cereals.
4. Calcium
Even if it has to be at home, the child must naturally remain active during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to stay active, your child certainly needs nutrients that can strengthen bones and support nerve and muscle function. Well, this function can be obtained from calcium.
Lack of sun exposure and vitamin D production during the COVID-19 pandemic can have a direct impact on calcium levels in a child's body. Therefore, in addition to providing Little Food a source of vitamin D, Mother also needs to make sure her food contains enough calcium.
Foods high in calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, edamame, green leafy vegetables, oranges, beans, and tofu. These foods can be if you become the main food or snacks.
In addition to foods with nutrients above, Mother can also multiply food choices that are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are an excellent ingredient for a child's body power because they can protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals and soothe inflammation.
Several types of antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, E, and flavonoids, can easily be found in a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits.
Tips for Meeting Children's Nutrition Needs
The nutrients above are needed by the child's body to stay healthy, especially during this pandemic. However, providing a source of nutrition for children is not always easy, especially if your child likes to be picky eater.
The following are some tips you can do to meet the nutrition your child needs, namely:
- Be a good example for children in eating healthy foods.
- Create a food menu every day so that children are not bored and interested in eating.
- Serve food at the right time, i.e. when he is hungry.
- Encourage the child to cook together in the kitchen so he can learn to appreciate the food that is served for him.
Adequate intake of children's nutrition can reduce the risk of children to contract various diseases, not least COVID-19. Although the tips above seem easy to do, in fact the drama when giving food to children is still there. When you experience it, be patient and don't despair.
In addition to giving him healthy food every day, also teach your child about precautions to avoid being exposed to the Corona virus, such as routine washing hands with soap and running water, staying home to play and learn, and keeping a distance with family members or people who being sick.
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