Although soy milk is plant-derived, its nutritional content is similar to cow's milk. Soy milk is not only a good substitute for cow's milk, it's also good for you.
What is lactose intolerance?
Children who are lactose intolerant are not able to digest lactose, a sugar found in cow's milk. The small intestine produces a digestive enzyme called lactase. Lactase breaks down lactose, lactose is made up of two molecules called glucose and galactose that bind together that your body can then absorb and turn into energy.
Lactose intolerant children do not produce enough lactase, so when they consume foods containing lactose, the lactose remains undigested until it is passed into the large intestine. It then begins to ferment inside the colon. This can cause gastrointestinal symptoms including gas, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Children with lactose intolerance can sometimes eat small amounts of lactose, but it depends on the severity of their lactase deficiency. The best way for children with lactose intolerance is to avoid dairy products. However, in doing so, parents can overlook important nutrients found in milk such as calcium. Calcium is especially important for children when they are growing and needs calcium for strong bones.
Soy milk is very good for the baby's digestive system
It requires calcium in milk, but cannot drink milk. What you will do? A great solution is soy milk. Most soy milks are fortified with calcium and are also packed with other important vitamins for growing children.
Soy milk is made from soybeans that have been soaked, ground and mixed with water. Once soybeans do not come from an animal source, there is no cholesterol and very little fat. Although soy milk is plant-derived, its nutritional content is similar to cow's milk. They are similar in protein, vitamins A, D, Riboflavin, and B12 to cow's milk. Soy milk is not only a good substitute for cow's milk, it's also good for you.
Soy milk has many health benefits for children and families, including lowering cholesterol, protecting against osteoporosis, and some types of cancer. Switching to soy milk is easy. Most kids love the taste of soy milk. You can start by adding vanilla flavor or adding chocolate to milk or drinking milk with cereal. You can also make a soy milk smoothie, freeze it, serve it with hot chocolate, or even cook with it.
Another tip for switching to soy milk
As with any new food, your child may need to try drinking soy milk a few times before deciding to change it completely.
Try mixed soy milk with things your baby likes. For example, if your baby likes bananas try making a banana smoothie with soy milk.
Give your baby the right to choose. Take your baby to buy milk with you, show him all types of soy milk and let him choose the one he wants to try.
Be positive if your child doesn't like it. Because some children will be happy to keep drinking milk, but some other children have problems when food is restricted by their diet.
The whole family should drink soy milk with the baby.