Baby Nutrition Care

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body is not able to easily digest foods that contain lactose, or the natural sugar that is found in dairy products. Lactose intolerance is not the same as milk allergy. Milk allergy is due to a problem with your body’s defense system, called the immune system. Once lactose is in the body, it needs to be broken down into two simple sugars, glucose and galactose, to be absorbed into the blood stream.

There is an enzyme called lactase which is responsible for breaking down the lactose. Many people have a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is normally made by cells lining the small intestine. Without this enzyme they can’t break down milk sugar into simpler forms that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Lactose intolerance is not very common in toddlers under two years of age, unless the toddler has a lactase deficiency because of an injury to the small intestine. A rare cause of lactose intolerance is called congenital lactase deficiency. Toddlers with this condition do not produce any lactase.

Your toddler may need to take a calcium supplement if he/she doesn’t get enough of it from the diet, since milk and foods made with milk are the most common source of calcium for most people. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to absorb calcium, therefore, your toddler’s diet should provide an adequate supply of vitamin D.

There are many of nondairy foods that are rich in calcium. These include :

• Green vegetables such as broccoli and kale.

• Fish such as salmon and sardines.

• Yogurt

Sources of vitamin D include eggs and liver. Sunlight is also a good source of vitamin D.

It is very easy for a toddler to get constipated. This common disorder is popular among toddlers who consume lots of milk, and dairy products while leaving out fruits and high fiber foods. Constipation is generally described as the infrequent passage of stools (bowel movements) or the passage of hard stools. Any definition of constipation depends on how often the toddler normally passes stools and the normal consistency of his or her stools.

How should we help our toddlers to relieve constipation? One of the solutions is to add more fiber foods to your toddler’s diet. Here are some of the high fiber foods recommended for your toddler.

1. Apples – Apples are rich in vitamin C and consists of about 5g of fiber for an unpeeled whole apple. Bear in mind that do not peel the apple for your toddler as this will cause it loses about half of its fiber.
2. Whole Grain Cereal – Whole grain cereal would be a great choice as a breakfast cereal for your toddler. In this case, you should choose whole grain cereal that is calcium fortified and has added fiber.
3. Vegetables – Most vegetables are good sources of fiber. Vegetables like cooked carrots, corn, peas, baked potatoes are high in fiber and are good in helping constipation relief.
4. Oatmeal – Oatmeal is a high fiber food that is good for your toddler. In this case, you should make some oatmeal foods and snacks such as oatmeal cookies and oatmeal bars for them.

In conclusion, you should try to make a good habit for your toddler to take more high fiber foods instead of high fat foods. This will prevent he/she from suffering obesity problem when he/she grows up.

Soy milk (also known as soya milk) is a non dairy form of milk that is made from soya beans. Unlike cow’s milk, soy milk is 100% lactose free and therefore it is a great alternative for your toddler if he/she suffers from lactose intolerance.

According to a study, about 2.5% of toddlers are allergic to cow’s milk whereas only 0.5% of toddlers are allergic to soy milk. Toddlers can have a cow’s milk allergy, which is the result of their body not reacting well to the proteins that it contains. There are two parts of milk, – whey and caseins. Some toddlers have an allergic reaction to the proteins in both of them or just one of them. In this case, soy milk would be a good alternative for them.

Soy milk may also provide your toddler with beneficial protein, calcium, B vitamins, vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which is helpful in maintaining his/her healthy. Soy milk is also low in saturated fat and sodium, but high in dietary fiber.

Additionally, one of the other key features of soy milk is that it contains isoflavones. These are thought to be linked with a number of health benefits including the prevention of heart disease, some cancers and osteoporosis. In countries where soy milk is present in the diet rather than cow’s milk, the frequency of these diseases is much lower.

Isoflavones are antioxidants which help protect our cells against free radicles and oxidation. Isoflavones are not present in cow’s milk. Therefore, it is very important for us to provide our toddlers with soy milk as this will prevent them from developing heart related diseases and cancers when they grow up.

In conclusion, we shall include soy milk in our toddler’s diet due to its associated health benefits.

Yakult is the only probiotic product in the world that contains exclusive probiotic, Lactobacillus casei Shirota. Probiotics are friendly bacteria or yeasts that have been used for centuries as natural ingredients in health-promoting foods, and recent scientific studies support the many health benefits of probiotics. Today, more and more people worldwide are turning towards probiotics for healthy living.

Yakult is a refreshing fermented milk drink. Each tiny bottle of Yakult contains billions active bacteria of the strain Lactobacillus casei Shirota. This special strain of lactic acid bacteria is strong enough to survive gastric juice and to reach the intestines alive. It helps to maintain a healthy balance of the intestinal flora, important for good digestion.

How is Yakult made? A solution of skim milk powder, sugar and water is ultra-heat treated, then fermented using selected, live lactic acid bacteria called Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain. Flavours are added, and Yakult is then bottled and packaged.

Today, Yakult is sold in 27 countries, although its bacteria cultures are still imported from a mother strain in Japan regardless of production location. Yakult is marketed in different sizes. In Australia and Europe, Yakult comes in 65ml bottles. In the USA, 80 ml bottles are available. In Taiwan and China, it comes in 100 ml bottles.

Yakult can be taken by both children and adults. After 12 months, the child’s intestinal flora is almost identical to that of adults. Therefore, the amount of beneficial bacteria in Yakult will help to re-establish a balance of intestinal flora in children and adults alike.

Yakult can be added to cereals, smoothies, milkshakes, cheesecakes or any other cold foods. If the bacteria are subjected to extremely high temperatures they die, so do not add Yakult to hot foods or beverages.

Is constipation is an issue for your toddler? In this case, your toddler’s pediatrician may suggest you to feed your toddler with high fiber veggies and fruits and make sure that he/she is drinking enough water. Alternatively, your toddler’s pediatrician may also suggest prune juice to treat your toddler’s constipation.

Prune Juice is one of the best-known constipation home remedies. Prune juice promotes regular bowel movements by the use of simple sugars which help draw fluids into the intestine. These fluids help soften your toddler’s stool and allow for healthy bowels.

Prunes consist of a water-soluble laxative principle. It is also a good source of iron and other factors useful in hemoglobin rebuilding during anaemia. Prune juice is therefore of distinct value in cases of low vitality and all disorders arising from constipation. Prunes are also a rich source of antioxidants, and are actually ranked as one of the highest fruits in antioxidant levels. It is also an excellent remedy for a sore throat taken either plain or mixed with a little honey.

Prune juice has been used for many years to treat constipation. There has been no evidence suggesting that prune juice damages the colon. This is why it is so highly recommended. If your toddler is suffering from constipation, feed him/her an ounce or two of prune juice twice a day.