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My daughter is our old and is underweight. She eats everything then also weight is not increasing. Her age is our and weight is 16 kg
Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition
Doctors' responses
I understand your concern regarding your daughter’s underweight condition. At the age of 8, it is essential to ensure that her digestive fire (Agni) is functioning optimally to absorb nutrients effectively, as poor digestion can often be the root cause of inadequate weight gain. Ayurveda suggests that an imbalance in the digestive system, particularly a weak Agni, may lead to improper assimilation of food, resulting in underweight despite eating well. To support her growth and weight gain, I recommend incorporating warm, easy-to-digest, and nourishing foods such as soups, stews, and whole grains like rice, oats, and quinoa, along with ghee (clarified butter), which strengthens Agni and promotes healthy tissue development. Including grounding, protein-rich foods like lentils, dairy, and nuts can further support healthy weight gain. You may also consider Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, which helps in building strength, promoting healthy weight, and improving digestion. Regular light massage with warm sesame oil can stimulate her metabolism and improve circulation. Additionally, ensuring she gets adequate rest and stays active through gentle play can also support healthy growth.
When it comes to your daughter’s weight gain issue, it might not be just about quantity when it comes to food, but more about quality of what she’s eating and how her body is processing it. A few pointers from an Ayurvedic angle can be helpful.
First, let’s think about her Agni - which in Ayurveda, is about one’s digestive fire. Sometimes the digestion isn’t strong enough to actually process and assimilate all the nutrition, so you could consider giving her something like Jeera water (water boiled with cumin seeds) in the morning. It’s gentle to kids, and aids digestion. Just a few sips, not too much.
Sometimes, underweight concerns are due to a Vata imbalance. Foods that are grounding and nourishing can help. Try adding a little ghee to her meals. It’s soothing for the tummy and helps in gaining healthy weight. When ghee’s with honey or jaggery, it enhances nourishment. But, super important, mix it fresh, don’t store or make, in large quantities.
Milk can be a wholesome part of her diet, but make it more nourishing by simmering it with a pinch of turmeric or saffron. Give this either in morning or evening depending on her daily routine.
If she’s a fussy eater, small, frequent meals could be good – maybe mashed sweet potatoes or cooked banana with a drizzle of honey. These are easy on the stomach and packed with nutrition.
Beyond food, daily gentle massage with warm sesame oil can support weight gain. A light massage before bath encourages deeper relaxation and balance.
Just remember, each kid is unique and growth rates vary. If this issue persists or you’re really concerned, please consult a pediatrician too. It’s crucial to rule out any underlying conditions that might need medical attention. Hope this leads to some healthy changes for your daughter’s routine.
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