The safety of children is a subject of much contention in our country, truth be told we could be doing a lot more to ensure this.
The prevalence of negligent childcare, abuse, trafficking and kidnapping are rampant and seem to be worsening.
As strenuous as that seems, those aren't the only issues facing our young ones. The mind of a child is an inquisitive one and this can see them hurt themselves and no area is this more apparent than children who get burnt, in fires, being left too close to stoves and things of that nature.
Omy Naidoo a registered dietitian and the founder of Nutrition Wellness Dietitians, is renowned as a media personality in the health and wellness sector.
Collaborating with diverse stations, his mission is to enhance health consciousness and promote nutritious diets across South Africa. He shares his tips to better help a child recover from a burn as diet is key to this process.
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What role does nutrition play in the recovery process for children with burn injuries?
With burns, there is a marked hypermetabolism which means the body requires a lot more calories, protein, and nutrients due to the burn. Nutrition plays a role in burn wound healing as well as helping the body deal with the stress of the actual burn. Good nutrition is essential for a good outcome.
How can a balanced diet support wound healing and reduce complications post-burn injury?
Protein plays a vital role in wound healing, as well as micronutrients such as Vitamin A, C, E, some B vitamins, Zinc, and glutamine. These help with oxidative stress caused by the burn.
What are some common nutritional challenges faced by children recovering from burns, and how can they be addressed?
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Patients unable to consume enough calories and protein due to the burn, and loss of appetite, as well as patients, need to repeatedly go back into theatre for debridement of the wound which means longer periods of starvation.
Are there specific foods or supplements that can aid in reducing inflammation and pain associated with burn injuries?
Glutamine has been shown to improve burns, along with protein supplements as well as multivitamins.
How can parents ensure their child is receiving adequate nutrition during the recovery phase
Connecting with a dietician as with burns it's impossible to guess just how much the child needs to eat. Dieticians calculate how much to consume using formulas that take into consideration the child's weight, height, percentage of body surface area burned etc.
