How to get right nutrition on a budget: Doctor gives tips

MANILA, Philippines — For Filipinos, health is the foundation of a vibrant life. 

Yet, nutritional deficiencies often plague the population from an early age. A significant number of studies, including the Department of Health’s National Objectives for Health Report 2023-2028, highlights the critical need to address childhood malnutrition, a significant contributor to vitamin deficiencies. 

Dr. Joselyn Eusebio, Specialist for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, shared at the recent Erceflora “Batang Matatag Campaign” launch that undernutrition is one of the main issues Filipino children face.

"If during the first 1,000 days the child is undernourished, it's hard to reverse. In that window of opportunity, all the necessary factors or ingredients to optimize the development of our brains should be given, consequently the development of the children are provided," she said.

These issues, if left unchecked, can cascade into adulthood, increasing the risk of chronic diseases like Diabetes and heart conditions. 

In the Philippines, studies have also shown that many adults do not meet the recommended daily intake of essential nutrients. For instance, the World Bank report on undernutrition in the Philippines indicates significant gaps in nutrient intake among the population, contributing to the country's concern for undernutrition. Additionally, research published in the Nutrition Journal points out that Filipino adults often consume diets lacking in important nutrients, which correlates with increased risks of diseases such as Hypertension and Diabetes, among others. 

The World Health Organization, however, states that many of these deficiencies are preventable through nutrition education, a healthy diet, and supplementation, where needed.  

In celebration of Nutrition Month in July and National Wellness Month this August, it is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the importance of proper nutrition, which is still possible to achieve even if one is on a budget, said Eusebio in a Philstar.com interview.

“'Di ba, ang gulay naman is healthy and nutritious? And hindi naman siguro mahal ‘yung mga seeds at kung saan sila kukuha ng mga itatanim. That’s one and then