Raising Healthier Kids: The role of nutrition and exercise in child development

Healthy children don't just happen, they're raised on the proper food, sufficient play, and habits that form their future. Nutrition and exercise are two of the most vital pillars of child development. Both contribute significantly to a child's physical health, mental well-being, ability to learn, and general growth. How these factors interplay can enable parents to make better decisions for their children.

Why Does Nutrition Matter?
Good nutrition refers to providing the body with the proper amount and type of food required to develop and operate well. For children, nutrition plays an even bigger role since their bodies and brains are still developing. Skipping meals or eating too much junk food daily can contribute to issues such as poor focus, lethargy, and obesity.

Sometimes, children also experience malnutrition, which is where their body doesn't receive the proper nutrients, even if they are consuming enough calories.

Brain development: Iron, omega-3 fatty acids, which are in fish, and vitamins B12 and folic acid contribute to creating a healthy brain. A healthy child has improved concentration and finds it easier to learn.

Physical development: Protein from eggs, milk, and beans, calcium from milk, and vitamin D are necessary for bone and muscle development.

Without sufficient amounts of these, a child might not grow as tall or as strong as he or she could be.

Immunity: Fruits and vegetables give children vitamins A and C, which protect them from getting common diseases such as colds and flu.

Importance of Physical Activity
Physical exercise is equally as essential as healthy eating. Kids should have at least an hour of vigorous or moderate exercise each day. This can be walking, dancing, playing at the park, or even active video games. Physical exercise on a regular basis benefits children in numerous ways.

Stronger muscles and bones: Running, jumping, and exercise from sports and other activities develop muscles and bones and make them stronger and enable children to grow as well.

Healthy weight: Physical exercise burns off excessive energy and eliminates unhealthy weight, thus decreasing chances of obesity as well as type 2 diabetes.

Improved mental health: Physically active bodies lift the mood by releasing the feel-good chemicals into the brain and reduce stress as well as anxiety and signs of depression.

Enhanced concentration and learning: Research indicates that children who are physically active perform better academically. Exercise enhances concentration and memory.

How Nutrition and Exercise Work Together?
Nutrition supplies the body with the fuel it needs to function, and exercise enables that fuel to be utilized to strengthen, to improve stamina, and to enhance coordination.

Combined, they help brain growth, immunity, and good health. A child who eats well and is active has a better chance of remaining attentive, having lots of energy, and growing strong bones and muscles, setting the stage for a healthy body and mind for a lifetime.

In short, raising healthy children is not about drastic changes but small, regular steps. Proper nutrition and regular movement can nurture all phases of a child's life, ensuring they become healthy, intelligent, and happy individuals.

(Article Courtesy: Dr. Shabana Parveen, Clinical Nutritionist, Artemis Hospitals)

Video