Did you know that that at least 50 different brain chemicals are affected by food intake during the first 1000 days of life? This is because the “1000-day Window of Opportunity” is a crucial moment for all human beings due to the long-term effects on one’s cognitive and physical development. This period covers prenatal care, the entire pregnancy stage, and the early childhood years of an individual. Learn more on how you can naturally boost your child’s immune system during his/her 1000 days of life.
It starts with you
Both the mom and dad should do their best to live a healthy lifestyle. This is especially true for mothers; what they eat can influence the way a fetus processes its food, and it may also affect the quality of their breastmilk. As a mom, make sure to eat food that’s rich in vitamins and nutrients; you can also consult a doctor to provide recommendations about food intake during the pregnancy. If you’re the dad or a family member, change your diet and go for healthier options to support your wife during the pregnancy stage.
Breastfeeding is still best
Medical studies suggest that breastmilk contains fatty acids which helps reduce the risk of pediatric obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Breastfeeding your child for up to two years of age lowers the chances of developing non-communicable diseases in adulthood. Do your research on how to breastfeed your child and how to properly store your breastmilk for future consumption.
Complementary feeding
As your child grows, he/she will demand more nutritional support, and this is where complementary feeding comes in. Complementary feeding is a transition stage from exclusive breastfeeding or a formula-based diet to eating solid food. It is a critical moment that may define your child’s body mass index (BMI) and body fat for the next years of his/her life. Introducing adult food to your child should come into the picture after their sixth month.
Introduce fruits and veggies early
Children tend to grow an early liking for fruits and vegetables if they are introduced to their diets once they start eating solids. Experiment with preparation methods (blending, mashing, fun cuts) to entice your child to eat a variety of fruits and veggies. Incorporate different flavors into his/her everyday meals to spark your child’s interest in eating healthful food.
Encourage exercising and sleeping well
Promoting and living a balanced lifestyle as a family creates a positive atmosphere for your child to grow up in. Regular physical movements and getting enough sleep can help control childhood obesity. In terms of sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends the following hours of sleep for your young one:
- 1-2 months old: 10.5 to 18 hours
- 3-11 months old: 12 to 14 hours
- 1-3 years old: 12 hour
General disclaimer
Always consult your doctor before taking any medicine. Your doctor will be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
