Harmful Effects of Sugar-Salt for Infants: There is often a debate in the house on when, what, and how to feed the little children. Especially where grandmothers rely on old experiences, doctors guide on the basis of scientific information. The case of salt and sugar is also similar. Doctors clearly say that neither salt nor sugar should be given to the child till one year, but the elderly often refuse to believe this.

These days, such a dispute happens between Rama and her mother-in-law every day. Ever since Rama's nine-month-old daughter started eating solid food, this debate has been going on. The doctor has instructed not to give salt or sugar. But the child's grandmother believes that the child will like food without taste. Rama's logic is simple - "How will the child miss something which he has never tasted?"

This debate is not just in one family, but is commonly seen among every new parent and grandmother. So what is the truth? Let's know why doctors advise taking such a strict stand regarding salt and sugar.

Why should salt not be given?

Dr. Rajiv Chhabra, Chief Pediatrician of Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, said that the kidneys of small children are not fully developed. If they are given excess salt, their body are unable to expel it, and it can prove harmful to their health. Early consumption of salt takes children away from natural tastes. Later on, they start liking fruits and vegetables less and get into the habit of eating salty food. Excess salt also expels calcium from the body, which can weaken the bones. Doctors say that mother's milk or formula milk itself gives sufficient sodium to children. Therefore, there is no need for extra salt.

Why should sugar not be given?

Dr. Parimala V. Tirumalesh, Senior Consultant, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, says that giving sugar at an early age makes the child habituated to the sweet taste from childhood. The effect of this is that they start liking natural flavors, such as fruits and vegetables, less. Sugar can also damage the teeth and gums of children, even before the milk teeth emerge, and cavities can occur.

Apart from this, due to the rapid increase in blood sugar level, children become irritable, sleep is disturbed, and in the long run, the risk of obesity and diabetes also increases. According to Dr. Chhabra, if children get less sugar for the first 1000 days, then the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure in the future is greatly reduced.

Why do the elderly consider it necessary?

Grandmothers often say that even in the olden times, salt and sugar were given to children. But the difference is that the food of that era was mostly organic and unprocessed. Nowadays, packaged food already contains hidden salt and sugar, so it becomes a double risk for children.

What is the right way?

Doctors suggest that children should be kept away from salt and sugar till the age of two. Instead, it is better to give them the natural sweetness of fruits like banana, mango, apple, and the real taste of vegetables. After 12 months, these can be introduced gradually in very small quantities, but it should not be a part of the main diet of children. Giving salt and sugar to the child is not just a matter of taste, but is related to the foundation of their health and future.

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