Riddhima Kapoor Sahni feels there is “a lot more awareness” regarding diet and nutrition today than when she gave birth to her daughter, Samara, in 2011. Opening up about the same, she said: “Every mother knows what is best for her child. I didn’t give Samara salt and sugar for a year and a half. Kabhi kabhi relatives chaka dete the (sometimes, relatives used to give her a taste) in the excitement of meeting a baby in the house. But I tried my best to keep her away from these. It’s all about building up your immunity. These days, of course, there is a lot more awareness,” Riddhima said.
Taking a cue from her admission to Fit Tak, let’s understand how no salt and sugar in the initial years helps children.
Dr Poonam Sidana, director, neonatology and paediatrics, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said introducing salt and sugar into a child’s diet at a very young age should be approached with caution and awareness, especially when considering its impact on immunity and long-term health.
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“During the first year of life, a child’s kidneys are still maturing and are not well-equipped to handle added salt. Excessive salt intake during this crucial developmental stage can strain the kidneys and potentially increase the risk of developing high blood pressure later in life,” said Dr Sidana.
Here’s why no sugar is advised (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Additionally, introducing salt too early may influence the child’s taste preferences, increasing the likelihood of craving salty, processed foods as they grow older. These foods are commonly linked to lifestyle diseases, such as obesity and hypertension, which are also rising among younger populations.
Similarly, the early introduction of added sugar, particularly in the form of table sugar, offers no nutritional benefit and may harm the child’s developing immune and digestive systems, stressed Dr Sidana.
“Sugar provides empty calories that contribute to unnecessary weight gain, reduced physical activity, and dental issues such as cavities. More importantly, high sugar intake can disrupt the balance of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in the gut, which plays a crucial role in immunity. The intestine is considered the largest immune organ in the body, and a healthy gut microbiome is critical for preventing allergies, supporting brain and lung health, and regulating inflammation,” said Dr Sidana.
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Therefore, excessive sugar in early childhood may impair immune function and increase the risk of chronic conditions.
Instead of added sugar, sweetness in a toddler’s diet can be safely and nutritiously introduced through natural sources, such as fruits and raisins, which contain fructose, handled differently by the body, and coupled with beneficial fiber and nutrients, advised Dr. Sidana.
A diverse diet including fruits, vegetables, pulses, and age-appropriate textures ensures the child gets adequate sodium naturally, without the need to add extra salt. “This approach aligns with the concept of the “first 1,000 days,” which emphasises the importance of nutrition from conception to a child’s second birthday in shaping long-term health outcomes,” said Dr Sidana.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.