The pediatrician named the risks of improper nutrition of the child

Frequent colds, poor academic performance, and behavioral problems in children are often associated with a lack of nutrients, rather than laziness or personality traits. Svetlana Zhuchkova, a pediatrician and gastroenterologist at the Sechenov Center for Motherhood and Childhood, told Izvestia about this on the International Pediatrician's Day, which is celebrated on November 20.

According to the doctor, studies by Sechenov University have revealed a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in almost all the examined children. These substances are critically important for brain development, immunity, and overall well-being. During the experiment, the addition of fish oil from wild Kamchatka salmon to the children's diet led to significant improvements: participants were less likely to get sick, had easier infections, their memory, attention, sleep and appetite improved, and anxiety decreased.

"Vitamin D has a similar positive effect, which not only strengthens bones, but also reduces the recurrence rate in bronchial asthma and rheumatoid arthritis," said Zhuchkova.

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To accurately diagnose deficiencies, the Sechenov Center for Motherhood and Childhood uses advanced mass spectrometry analysis developed under the Priority 2030 program. This method allows you to identify nutritional deficiencies even in infants through the analysis of breast milk, avoiding blood sampling. Doctors pay special attention to children with underweight, stunted growth, lethargy and frequent illnesses.

"A monotonous diet, especially with a predominance of carbohydrates, cottage cheese and sweet yoghurts instead of full-fledged products, adversely affects the development of the nervous system and immunity. In the center's practice, there was a case when two years of eating exclusively milk, cookies and instant porridge led to a sharp deterioration in behavior and loss of speech skills in a child," the pediatrician warned.

A balanced diet is especially important for children with severe rheumatic diseases, bronchial asthma and polyvalent allergies, as an improper diet worsens the course of diseases.

Among other effective ways to strengthen the body, the doctor identified hardening in a comfortable mode and regular exercise. Winter sports such as figure skating or non-professional hockey are especially useful for children with chronic nasopharyngeal diseases. Swimming, athletics, martial arts, and team games are also recommended to develop not only physical fitness, but also social skills.

Important markers of health problems are both deficiency and excess body weight, changes in behavior, emotional state and academic performance. Heredity also plays a significant role: if a child has bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus or psoriasis in the family, the risk of autoimmune diseases increases. The formula for a child's health, according to the expert, is simple: a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adherence to the daily routine and timely medical examinations.

Earlier, pediatrician, PhD Rabiyat Zainiddinova said that the complete exclusion of sugar from the diet of children will not lead to a healthy generation that does not suffer from hypertension and diabetes, as this is influenced by other signs.

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