Weight not gain

Question

My son is 5years old but his weight is 14 kg , he eat the all good food , fruits . No chips and no chocolate, no junk food . My question is why my son not gain weight ? Please sir tell me

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Hello Abhishek, If a child is eating properly but not gaining weight, it may be due to issues like malabsorption,     where the body isn’t absorbing nutrients efficiently, often caused by conditions such as celiac disease or food allergies. A high metabolism or hyperthyroidism can also lead to rapid calorie burning, making it hard to gain weight. Additionally, very active children may burn more calories than they consume. Chronic infections, parasites, or ongoing inflammation can increase the body’s nutrient demands, hindering weight gain. Sometimes, growth spurts prioritize height over weight gain. If these concerns persist, it’s important to consult a pediatrician to rule out underlying issues and ensure healthy growth. Here are some gentle and commonly recommended Ayurvedic formulations for toddlers to help with weight gain and overall nourishment:

1. SUVARNAPRASHAN :
Ingredients: Gold ash (Suvarna bhasma), honey, ghee, and herbs like Brahmi and Shankhapushpi.
Benefits: This is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation given to young children, including toddlers, to enhance immunity, improve digestion, and support healthy growth. It is typically administered in very small doses, often on auspicious days, and helps in overall physical and mental development.
2. CHYAWANPRASH 
Ingredients: Amla (Indian gooseberry), ghee, honey, and a blend of herbs.
Benefits: A very small, child-specific dose of Chyawanprash can be given to toddlers. It boosts immunity, improves digestion, and provides essential nutrients for growth. Many brands offer versions specially designed for children.
3. SHATAVARI Kalpa:
Ingredients: Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), cardamom, and sugar.
Benefits: Shatavari Kalpa is known to improve digestion and help in overall nourishment. It can be mixed with milk and given in very small doses to promote healthy weight gain in toddlers.
4. DRAKSHAVALEHA:
Ingredients: Grapes (Draksha), honey, ghee, and digestive herbs.
Benefits: This is a mild, nutritive formulation that helps enhance digestion and supports weight gain in children. It is often prescribed in very small amounts to ensure it is safe for toddlers.
5. BALA Taila (Bala Oil):
Use: This is an external oil made from Bala (Sida cordifolia) that can be used for Abhyanga (oil massage).
Benefits: Daily oil massage with Bala Taila helps strengthen muscles, improve circulation, and promote healthy growth in toddlers. Regular massage also supports digestion and overall well-being.
Important Considerations for Toddlers:
Always consult an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner before giving any supplements to a toddler to decide the dosage. Ayurvedic treatments for young children require careful consideration of their delicate digestive system (Agni) and growth needs.
Ensure that the formulations are in child-safe doses, as toddlers require much smaller, milder doses compared to adults or older children.
Prioritize a balanced, nutrient-rich diet alongside these supplements, as Ayurveda emphasizes holistic treatment through food, lifestyle, and gentle herbal support.
Always prioritize professional advice for your toddler's specific needs, as each child’s constitution is different.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

To support your 5-year-old son's healthy weight gain, it’s important to enhance his diet with nourishing foods and consider Ayurvedic formulations. Incorporate calorie-dense options like ghee (1 teaspoon with meals), nuts (such as almonds and walnuts), and full-fat dairy products like yogurt and paneer. Ayurvedic remedies can also be beneficial; for example, Aswagandha (Withania somnifera) can improve strength and vitality, and can be given as Aswagandha churna mixed with honey (consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for dosage). Additionally, Madhukalpam, a traditional formulation, helps enhance appetite and promote weight gain. Consider using Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) mixed with warm milk for nourishment. To support digestion, Triphala churna (1/4 teaspoon before meals) can improve digestive fire, while a pinch of ajwain in food can stimulate appetite. Establishing a regular meal schedule with three nutritious meals and two snacks daily is vital, along with encouraging physical activity to boost appetite. Gentle oil massages with sesame or almond oil can also improve circulation and relaxation. If his weight gain remains a concern, consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner for a tailored treatment plan would be beneficial, along with regular pediatric check-ups to monitor his growth and rule out underlying health issues.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Hey there, sounds like you're puzzling over why your kiddo isn't bulking up despite eating healthy foods, right? It's understandable to be concerned, but there can be a bunch of reasons for this.

For starters, every child is unique—growth rates can differ widely. What's going on inside your son might just be part of his natural pace. But if you're worried, checking a few things out might help.

First, let's talk digestion. In Ayurveda, agni, the digestive fire, needs to burn bright. If your son's digestion ain't strong, he might not be absorbing all he needs from that great food. Maybe check if he's experiencing any tummy issues, you know, bloating, discomfort, or irregular bowel movements.

Now, it might also be about his Vata dosha (or even a Vata-Pitta imbalance). Kids, especially when they're at the age of growing, have a tendency toward this. Signs like being overly active, sometimes restless, or having dry skin might point to this imbalance affecting weight.

To support his digestion, I'd suggest trying to incorporate warm, cooked meals more often, including easy-to-digest grains like rice with ghee to strengthen his tissues (dhatus). Ghee is great, smooths out Vata and boosts agni. Warm soups or stews work wonders too.

Try including nourishing foods that improve ojas and immunity, such as soaked almonds or a small amount of dates. Consider trying a warm glass of milk with a pinch of turmeric before bedtime.

Don't worry too much about numbers! Kids can surprise us and suddenly gain weight as their bodies see fit. But definitely keep an eye if worried, get checked for allergies or underlying issues by a pediatrician if you're suspecting other health conditions. Hope things get clearer soon!

Weight not gain - #348

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