Heart Defects

All parents and caregivers are aware of the fact that one of the most impactful and the best ways to ensure their loving child’s long-term health is by a perfectly healthy diet. It is important to know that what children consume in the early years of childhood not only influences their immediate well-being but also scales up the foundation for their heart health as adults. Interestingly, did you know that the human skeleton is completely replaced with a new one in place in the body approximately every ten years? This cellular regeneration process is responsible for providing our bodies with everything they need, especially superfast growing children with the right amount of nutrients to support lifelong overall and heart health. Dr. Manvinder Singh Sachdev is an experienced Pediatric cardiologist who is available at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon to make the lives of kids with heart defects better than before. In this blog, we will know about the best diet options for growing kids to develop healthy hearts as adults when they grow up.

The Developing Building Blocks of a Healthy Heart

Knowing the Process of Cellular Renewal

There are approximately 37.2 trillion cells in the body and every cell in our body is continuously being replaced with new ones and the food we consume provides the essential elements to support this process of renewal. More than 2 million cells die every second and 2 million more are produced every second to maintain a healthy balance of life. The quality of the food we consume directly affects the quality of our cells. For growing children, whose bodies are constantly growing and developing rapidly, this connection between food and health is even more critical than in adults. It is important to know that by providing kids with nutrient-rich foods, their bodies will also develop healthily and their heart muscles will also remain strong.

Key Nutrients for Heart Health

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Some of the best sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids are Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Some major benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids are it is crucial for heart health, they help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of developing heart disease in the future. Including Omega-3 Fatty Acids in a child’s diet will support the development of a healthy cardiovascular system as they grow.

2. Fiber

Whole grains, fruits (apples, berries, oranges), vegetables (broccoli, carrots), and legumes (beans, lentils) are the best sources of fiber. The major benefits are, that it helps regulate blood sugar levels and lowers cholesterol, both of which are extremely important for heart health. In addition to that, fiber also aids in healthy and proper digestion which helps to maintain a healthy weight.

3. Antioxidants

Some best sources of Antioxidants are fruits (blueberries, strawberries, oranges), vegetables (spinach, kale, tomatoes), and nuts (almonds, pecans). The benefits of Antioxidants include, they protect the body’s cells from many kinds of damage. This protection also helps in offering better immunity to the cardiovascular system, thus, reducing the risk of heart disease.

4. Vitamins and Minerals

Some Key Vitamins and Minerals are Vitamin D, Vitamin E, magnesium, potassium and calcium.

The best source for vitamins and minerals is many including dairy products, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, bananas, avocados, and fortified foods. The benefits of consuming these vitamins and minerals include the vital role they play in maintaining optimal heart health. For example, potassium helps to regulate healthy blood pressure, and magnesium is very essential for competent muscle function, including the heart’s involuntary muscles.

Some Fun and Engaging Ways to Promote Healthy Eating in Kids:

1. Involve Kids in Meal Preparations

It is good to let kids lend a helping hand with the nutritious meal preparation. This can be a fun and practical way to teach them about different foods, their types and uses and the importance of nutrition present in them.

Example Activity: You can organize a “build your own salad snacks time” where kids can choose their toppings from a variety of healthy options of fruits and vegetables.

2. Health Education Through Fun Facts

It is necessary to share some interesting facts about the food to be consumed so that kids can learn about nutrition in a more engaging manner. For example, you can explain to kids how the body regenerates its cells with the food we eat and why the right foods are important for development.

3. Make Healthy Food Attractive for Kids

It is important to present healthy foods in an attractive and fun way for kids to eat enthusiastically. Parents can use colorful fruits and vegetables to create visually appealing plates that are packed with necessary nutrition.

Conclusion: Eat Right From the Start and Develop a Healthy Heart

In summary, the food consumed by children today will shape their future health as adults. Hence it is important to provide a nutritious diet which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals to develop a healthy heart and maintain overall well-being. It is also necessary for parents to encourage balanced meals, limit processed foods, ensure proper hydration, make healthy snacks available, and teach about portion control to develop heart-healthy habits from a young age. If the kid suffers from any heart problem soon after birth or during childhood it is advised to consult a doctor who is an expert in Pediatric Cardiology. Dr. Manvinder Singh Sachdev is the Director and Head of the Department of Pediatric Cardiology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon he has solved many kids’ complicated heart problems and is one of the best doctors for kids’ heart medical consultations. Remember only by engaging children in practical meal preparation and educating them with fun facts can make the healthy eating habits being developed effectively, these habits will then pave the way for their future health and heart health as well.