Child Nutrition

Nutrition and Autism: How Dietary Changes Can Improve Behaviour in Children

Every parent of a child on the autism spectrum eventually asks the same question: can food help my child? The honest answer is that nutrition supports the child in real ways, even though it is not a cure. At Dietitian Anuradha, we always approach this gently and holistically, never with rigid miracle claims. What the Research Actually Says Conclusive research on exactly which nutrients improve behaviour in children with autism spectrum disorder is still missing. But some patterns are interesting: According to a review published on ScienceDirect, these nutrient patterns are promising leads rather than settled conclusions. The Truth About Gluten-Free and Casein-Free Diets This is where many parents get misled. The Gut-Brain Connection The link between the gut and the brain, called the gut-brain axis, plays an important role in these children. Many experience: In such cases, certain helpful bacteria found in probiotics can support digestion and comfort. A calmer gut often means a more comfortable, settled child. Common Nutrition Challenges in Autistic Children A Holistic Approach Works Best Food is only one piece of the picture. Other supports matter just as much: The treatment of a child with autism has to be holistic, bringing food, therapy, movement and rest together. For structured support, read more about our child nutrition approach. Conclusion For a plan built around your child’s needs, routines and food preferences, book a consultation with Dietitian Anuradha. This article is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.

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Child Nutrition, Diabetes, Thyroid, & Other Hormonal Issues

Type 1 Diabetes Diet for Kids: Indian Meal Plans for Stable Blood Sugar (2026 Guide)

A good type 1 diabetes diet for kids does not mean boring plates. Think dal-chawal with a smart twist. As a Kolkata-based dietitian, I have helped many families stabilise blood sugar using everyday Indian foods, not expensive imported ones. Type 1 diabetes is fully insulin-dependent, which means the child’s pancreas cannot make insulin at all. At Dietitian Anuradha, we start every family here, because once you understand the why, the diet finally makes sense. What Type 1 Diabetes Actually Means When the body works normally: In a child with type 1 diabetes: Why a Type 1 Diabetes Diet for Kids Is So Important Is Type 1 Diabetes Scary? What a Type 1 Diabetic Diet Really Is Carbohydrate Counting Is the Real Tool Since all dairy and plant foods carry carbohydrate, the practical answer is to count the carbohydrate in each meal. Average carbohydrate per serving: A qualified dietitian can teach you serving sizes for your child and how to do carbohydrate counting, so you can balance glucose against insulin doses with confidence. Diet and Lifestyle Rules That Matter Conclusion Connect with Dietitian Anuradha for a detailed, personalised plan. We monitor your child together and learn the concepts over a few months, and then you are set for life. This article is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.

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Child Nutrition

Childhood Obesity: Shocking Causes and Simple Fixes for Busy Parents

Childhood obesity in India is no longer a problem that begins with rebellious teenagers. It is starting as early as five years of age. At Dietitian Anuradha, these are the exact conversations I have with families every week, so let us go through them one by one. The Real Causes of Childhood Obesity 1. Pampering 2. Elective C-sections 3. Low Birth Weight Hidden Hunger and the Baby Fat Myth Nutrient deficiencies (hidden hunger) The baby fat myth How Screens Replaced Playtime There are more causes worth discussing, but those are best explored in a session specific to your child. Simple Fixes Busy Parents Can Actually Follow Conclusion For a plan built around your child’s habits and challenges, book a personalised consultation with Dietitian Anuradha. This article is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.

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Child Nutrition

Celiac Disease in Children: Gluten-Free Nutrition Guide

It is devastating for any parent to learn their kid has an autoimmune condition, and celiac disease in children hits especially hard because it restricts wheat, a family staple in most Indian homes. When the diagnosis comes, a clear gluten-free nutrition plan becomes the most important thing you can put in place. At Dietitian Anuradha, we help families turn that overwhelming first week into a calm, workable routine. What Celiac Disease in Children Really Is The Bad News: Gluten Is Everywhere Wheat is a staple across north and central India, and children naturally want to eat what the rest of the family eats. Remember though, wheat is not the enemy, gluten is. Grains that contain gluten: Hidden sources to check on labels: Watch packaged foods too: The Good News: India Gives You Plenty of Options India is so rich in variety that your child still has a long list of safe foods, even for something as basic as roti. Nutrition Challenges to Watch For If celiac disease is not yet diagnosed, continued gluten can cause: If you can spot the pattern of when symptoms appear, take it to your paediatrician and explain everything clearly. Left unrestricted, the child may face: Infants, toddlers, older children and teens can each show slightly different symptoms, which is why professional child nutrition guidance matters so much here. Elders, Neighbours, Google and Chat GPT Building a Balanced Plate for Celiac Disease in Children The goal is optimum nutrition so growth and development reach their full potential. The only real change is the cereal. Everything else on the plate stays the same. Round it off with enough physical activity, proper sleep and rest, playtime and education for all-round development. Sharing Is Not Caring for Celiac Kids Conclusion For a plan built around your child’s tastes and needs, book a consultation with Dietitian Anuradha. Stay safe. This article is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.

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Child Nutrition

Child Nutrition for Body Aches: Foods That Help

Your kid is growing every day. Sometimes you will notice slow growth, but at certain age brackets, the growth is rapid. That period is called the Growth Spurt period. Kids will be happy to grow faster, but along with it comes the pain. Growth & Development Main stages of growth Key macronutrient needs (India-context) Protein requirement (ICMR-NIN 2020): Typical energy distribution recommended for children: Critical micronutrients and roles Nutrient Main role in growth Important food sources Iron Hemoglobin synthesis, cognitive development; marked increase in adolescence (especially girls).  Green leafy vegetables, pulses, jaggery, fortified cereals, meat, eggs. Calcium & vitamin D Bone mineralization, growth spurt support; requirement rises sharply in adolescence.  Milk, curd, paneer, small fish, fortified dairy/non‑dairy, sunlight + fortified foods. Zinc Immune function, appetite, growth velocity; deficiency → stunting and infections.  Pulses, nuts, seeds, dairy, eggs, meat. Vitamin A Vision, mucosal integrity, immune defense; deficiency → increased infection risk and night‑blindness.  Liver, eggs, dairy, orange‑yellow vegetables, green leafy vegetables. Practical nutrition guidelines for Indian children From ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines and IAP-type recommendations: 0-6 months 6-24 months 2-5 years 6-18 years What to focus on Simple messages to remember: Other Points in Indian Context Growth and development might not be the only reason for your child’s pains. 1. Vitamin D deficiency 2. Protein deficiency 3. Anaemia 4. Lack of physical activity Final Word This article is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.

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Child Nutrition

Kids Getting Frequent Infections

Kids getting frequent infections is a big worry for parents. No one likes to see their child suffering every now and then. Let’s discuss the challenge and what we can change to avoid this situation. Challenges with kids getting frequent infections Frequent infections mean lower weight, growth & development Infections take longer to heal There are three reasons for this: The child doesn’t drink adequate water The child doesn’t sleep Parents panic Solutions for kids getting frequent infections a) It starts during pregnancy The solution doesn’t start when the kids get sick. It starts when the child is born. Studies have shown that if, during pregnancy, the mother: then the child has better immunity compared to peers. b) Do not overprotect c) Start a balanced diet at weaning d) Let the child be active e) Build a water habit When the child gets sick 1. Family support 2. Know your child’s safe foods 3. Small and frequent meals Final Word This article is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.

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Child Nutrition

4 Reasons that cause Stunted Growth in Kids

Are you worried about your kid’s stunted growth? We will discuss 4 reasons that cause stunted growth in kids. 1. Absence of balanced diet 2. Lack of Physical Activity Why it matters: The screen problem: What to do: Kids naturally wish to be energetic, you just need to create the environment. 3. Lack of sleep Why sleep affects growth: Creating the environment: Support the new mother: 4. Ultra processed foods Final Word This article is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.

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Child Nutrition, Gut-Health

Kids Gut Nutrition: Eat Smart Feel Better

Kids face multiple gut-health issues these days, which makes kids’ gut nutrition very important. 1. Kids are not born with Earth Schedules The challenge: Get help: Try to fix the sleep schedule by the end of the first year. Why is that important for gut health? What happens without a sleep schedule: When school starts: What to do: 2. They need to drink water How much water has to be given? 3. Kids need fiber too! The common notion is: let them eat whatever they want, at least the tummy is full, they will learn to eat healthily once they grow up. A friend in her late 20s had a baby recently. She said, “Meri habits to kharaab hai diet mei, mei baby ki achi daalungi.” Since she didn’t ask for advice, I couldn’t give it. But I am pretty sure the kids will also learn to eat noodles, not salads. Final Word This article is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.

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Child Nutrition

Picky Eater Kids

Parents face challenges in feeding kids. The general myth is that picky eating is a problem of today’s world. But that’s not true. I am not saying you give up on your career. Absolutely not. A working mom sets a good example for her kids, and kids also get to become more self-reliant. That is a beautiful form of parenting. One gets a lot of advice from family & friends, but most solutions seem to increase a mother’s work. Let’s discuss a few pointers that might actually help for toddlers and younger kids. What does an infant do with any object given to it? Takes it in the mouth. Every person is born with some Taste Preferences The Child is observing the Environment They will also learn Tantrums Praise everyday food Do not make the child sit and eat an entire meal for 2 hours Let them eat with their own hands Don’t make fancy dishes frequently These pointers are for kids below 12 years of age, starting from weaning. Parents who take counselling with me have said these points, along with our counselling discussions, have not only helped the kids but also eased work for working parents. Teenagers are Different The challenges with teenagers are not always taste. They are influenced by society, friends, cousins and social media. A few pointers for teenagers: 1. Plan early childhood habits well 2. Become “friendly parents” 3. Sometimes be strict parents 4. Let them cook Final Word This article is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.

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Article, Child Nutrition, Uncategorized

How to make a diet chart for a 3-6 year old child?

A food guide by Dietitian Anuradha Children between 3 and 6 years of age go through an important phase of growth and development. As a parent, giving your child the right balance of foods rich in vitamins, minerals and energy is essential for their overall health and immunity. Creating a well-planned diet chart for a 3-6 year old is not complicated. At Dietitian Anuradha, we believe in keeping it simple, nutritious and tasty, using ingredients easily available in every kitchen. 3-6 year nutritional requirements What to include in your child’s daily diet: Ideal Meal Schedule for Children (3-6 Years) Creating structure helps children eat better. Here’s a simple routine: Meal Time Suggested Meal Early Morning (7:00 AM) Warm milk with a few soaked almonds or raisins Breakfast (8:30 AM) Vegetable upma / besan chilla / aloo paratha + curd Mid-Morning Snack (10:30 AM) Seasonal fruit (banana, apple, chikoo) Lunch (12:30 PM) Rice + dal + ghee + sabzi + small salad or curd Evening Snack (4:30 PM) Vegetable poha / dhokla / alu-chana chaat Dinner (7:00 PM) 1-2 phulka + paneer or dal + veggies Food tips for picky eaters Children can find it hard to eat everything on their plate. Here are some parent-friendly tricks: Healthy Homemade Snack Ideas Foods to Avoid These foods are low in nutrition and can affect digestion, energy, immunity, brain development, and growth over time. Final Thoughts from Dietitian Anuradha Want a personalized diet chart for your child based on their taste preferences, growth or medical needs? Book a consultation today with Dietitian Anuradha and give your child the gift of lifelong health. This article is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.

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