Scenario: Close to 95% parents routinely demand tonics or appetite stimulants from their pediatricians, especially after recovery from an infection/ illness.
Fact: Good appetite is a sign of well-being. It is natural, therefore, that it will be reduced whenever the child is ill (barring exceptions like diabetes, where appetite increases). Appetite will be naturally restored once the underlying disease has been treated. Not surprising, therefore, that our standard textbooks of medicine and pharmacology, have no mention of appetite stimulants. Treat the underlying illness and the appetite will come back. To make up for weakness, increase in the intake of normal balanced diet- this is what we were taught. Indian market is flooded with hundreds of such formulations which sell on the wrong beliefs (peculiar to Indians that such tonics are beneficial). Beware of alcohol in these concoctions which might give feeling of false well being. These are not even manufactured in most countries of the developed world. The marketing gurus took advantage of the Indian psyche and designed these bottles long-necked to resemble a giraffe -symbolic of tall height, a trait that many parents want in their child. We fell prey to such gimmicks.
Further: Drugs labelled 'tonics' are fake and are not recommended. But there are some which contain Iron. These re the beneficial ones and essential to Indian children as close to 80% of Indian women and children are anaemic. These are called 'haematinics' (not tonics). A good haematinic should contain an Iron salt equivalent to 20-30mg of elemental Iron per 5mL of syrup or 50-100mg per tablet (or capsule) for adults. (Cheaper ones are as good as more expensive ones). Dosage must be exacted for each individual as Iron can be toxic in overdose. So- NO SELF MEDICATION, PLEASE.
If a child does not eat well,this can be because of one or more causes:
1. True disease: In this case, get the disease diagnosed and treated
2. Force-feeding leading to food rejection: Never force feed your child.
3. Child having eaten few pieces of candy/chocolate/chips/other junk food just before mealtime: Junk food ruins balanced meals. Parents should propose the condition to the child that a good meal will be ended by sweet dish (one piece of chocolate/candy etc). Young children should not set conditions that they will eat the meal after they get to eat the junk food!
4. Big NO to feeding while watching TV.
5. Starting from breastfeeding, feeding should be child-guided and on demand. Don't follow the clock too strictly.
6. Meal-time behaviour disorders are usually coupled with general indiscipline which is a part and parcel of what we call 'spoilt child syndrome'. To correct this, parents/family are given counselling on one on one basis.
To summarize, appetite stimulants and tonics are useless/unneeded. These are sold mostly in India. Lack of health education, tendency to look for shortcuts and a 'pill for every ill' culture prevalent in our country is propagated by qualified doctors and quacks alike.
Outdoor Play and exercise are the best known appetite stimulants to my knowledge and belief!
Fact: Good appetite is a sign of well-being. It is natural, therefore, that it will be reduced whenever the child is ill (barring exceptions like diabetes, where appetite increases). Appetite will be naturally restored once the underlying disease has been treated. Not surprising, therefore, that our standard textbooks of medicine and pharmacology, have no mention of appetite stimulants. Treat the underlying illness and the appetite will come back. To make up for weakness, increase in the intake of normal balanced diet- this is what we were taught. Indian market is flooded with hundreds of such formulations which sell on the wrong beliefs (peculiar to Indians that such tonics are beneficial). Beware of alcohol in these concoctions which might give feeling of false well being. These are not even manufactured in most countries of the developed world. The marketing gurus took advantage of the Indian psyche and designed these bottles long-necked to resemble a giraffe -symbolic of tall height, a trait that many parents want in their child. We fell prey to such gimmicks.
Further: Drugs labelled 'tonics' are fake and are not recommended. But there are some which contain Iron. These re the beneficial ones and essential to Indian children as close to 80% of Indian women and children are anaemic. These are called 'haematinics' (not tonics). A good haematinic should contain an Iron salt equivalent to 20-30mg of elemental Iron per 5mL of syrup or 50-100mg per tablet (or capsule) for adults. (Cheaper ones are as good as more expensive ones). Dosage must be exacted for each individual as Iron can be toxic in overdose. So- NO SELF MEDICATION, PLEASE.
If a child does not eat well,this can be because of one or more causes:
1. True disease: In this case, get the disease diagnosed and treated
2. Force-feeding leading to food rejection: Never force feed your child.
3. Child having eaten few pieces of candy/chocolate/chips/other junk food just before mealtime: Junk food ruins balanced meals. Parents should propose the condition to the child that a good meal will be ended by sweet dish (one piece of chocolate/candy etc). Young children should not set conditions that they will eat the meal after they get to eat the junk food!
4. Big NO to feeding while watching TV.
5. Starting from breastfeeding, feeding should be child-guided and on demand. Don't follow the clock too strictly.
6. Meal-time behaviour disorders are usually coupled with general indiscipline which is a part and parcel of what we call 'spoilt child syndrome'. To correct this, parents/family are given counselling on one on one basis.
To summarize, appetite stimulants and tonics are useless/unneeded. These are sold mostly in India. Lack of health education, tendency to look for shortcuts and a 'pill for every ill' culture prevalent in our country is propagated by qualified doctors and quacks alike.
Outdoor Play and exercise are the best known appetite stimulants to my knowledge and belief!
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