Children are not recommended to consume tea too often, says doctor

Dream - Tea is one of the favorite drinks that can be consumed by the whole family. Consuming tea can make the body feel warm and calm the mind.

However, the benefits of tea do not make it safe to consume every day for everyone. Excessive tea consumption is not good for children. This was revealed by Pediatrician, Ardi Santoso, through his personal Instagram account.

“Remember, tea is not a drink that contains nutrients,” said Ardi. Tea contains tannins that can inhibit the absorption of micronutrients needed by the body.

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According to Ardi, consuming tea too often can cause children to experience anemia or iron deficiency. “Tea interferes with iron absorption, so do not let children get used to consuming tea,” he said.

If you want to be healthier, meet your body's fluid needs with mineral water or smoothies made from fresh fruits and limit the added sugar.

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A post shared by Mas Nugroho Ardi Santoso (@ardisantoso)

Replace Crackers with Protein-Rich Snacks for a More Nutritious Child's Intake

Dream - Crackers can make a dish more delicious. Not only adults, but children also like to eat crackers.

The fat content in crackers may be beneficial for children's brain development, especially for those aged 2 years and above.

However, crackers have a very high salt content. Therefore, excessive consumption of crackers can have negative effects on children's health.

You can keep the container of crackers out of children's reach, provide them only during one mealtime, or limit their consumption every day.

Cracker Alternatives

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In addition, Pediatrician, Mesty Ariotedjo, also suggests 5 other food ingredients that can be consumed as alternatives to crackers and are high in protein.

Among them are crispy fish or chicken skin, crispy fried tempeh, anchovy crackers, and fried beef lung. Although they can be used as high-protein cracker substitutes, it does not mean that these five foods are the main course.

These foods can be healthy snacks that still need to be regulated in terms of consumption. Also, supplement your child's nutrition with other healthy food ingredients.

Avoid Giving These 5 Types of Food to Children Under 5 Years Old

Dream - When children are aged 0-5 years, their intake still needs to be considered for optimal growth and to prevent various dangerous diseases.

Choosing healthy food ingredients alone does not necessarily mean it is good for children. If the way the food ingredients are processed is not appropriate, you can endanger your child's future health.

Here are 5 types of food or drinks that are dangerous for children aged 0-5 years according to Pediatric Specialist, Mesty Ariotedjo.

1. Raw or Half-Cooked Eggs

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Consuming raw or half-cooked eggs at an early age can increase the risk of salmonellosis. This disease has symptoms of severe dehydration and severe vomiting.

So if you want to prepare eggs for your child, make sure they are boiled or cooked until completely cooked and the egg yolk has a solid texture.

2. Raw Milk

Raw and unpasteurized milk is highly at risk of bacterial contamination. Give pasteurized plain cow's milk without added sugar to children aged 2 years.

Meanwhile, for children under 2 years of age, they should consume breast milk. However, if breast milk production is insufficient, consult a pediatrician.

3. Carbonated Drinks

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Carbonated drinks contain very high sugar content. Therefore, consuming carbonated drinks can exceed the daily sugar intake needs of children. You can replace carbonated drinks with fruit juice for a healthier option.

4. Round-Shaped Foods

Avoid foods that are round-shaped and small in size, such as whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, cherries, whole nuts, popcorn, and marshmallows, as they pose a choking hazard to children.

As a result, the child's airway becomes blocked. If you want to give round-shaped foods, cut them lengthwise and avoid wide cuts to reduce the risk of choking.

5. Coffee

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Do not give coffee without or with milk to children. Usually, milk in coffee is only used for flavoring. Meanwhile, caffeine consumption is not recommended for children under 12 years old.

Caffeine consumption can cause behavioral disorders, sleep difficulties, and gastrointestinal irritation in children.