In a recent inquiry to Doctor Vikatan, a reader asked, "My daughter is 10 years old. She only eats if all the dishes contain yogurt. She asks for curd to touch everything, like Idli and Dosa. Even when she was sick, she would ask for curd rice."
The reader wants to know more about probiotics and their effect on a child's health when consumed in excess. She posted another question regarding heating the curd and eating.
"Can I give curd and buttermilk when my child is sick? Is it true that heating won't cause problems?"
Responding to this concern, Chennai-based nutrition consultant Lekha Sreedharan, specializing in children's health, answers, "It is good to give curd to your daughter with all the food. Idli and dosa can be served as a side dish with any food, but curd should not be her main dish. Be clear and careful about that matter."
For those seeking to know the health benefits of curd, Dr. Lekha Sreedharan offered practical suggestions:
The diet for children should be balanced, including vegetables, fruits, and pulses in every meal.
Curd can be given even when the child is sick; there is nothing wrong with it.
Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which are good bacteria for the gut. It improves gut health and regulates digestion. Apart from this, calcium and vitamins present in yogurt are also helpful for the health of children.
There is no need to heat them for children who always want curd and buttermilk. Curd and buttermilk should always be fresh.
Avoid giving fermented curd and buttermilk. Refrigerated curd or buttermilk should be avoided for children.
Curd or buttermilk can be given on all days as long as it does not cause any health problems for the baby; it is not wrong.
About Doctor: