Boost your child's immunity with 4 simple tips.

The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together. In each person, this system is stronger or weaker due to factors such as age, diet, and lifestyle.

A healthy immune system can reduce the risk of viral and bacterial infections, fight off pathogens, shorten treatment time, and speed up recovery after illness.

At birth, babies' bodies are weak and their immune systems are not yet fully developed, so their resistance to disease is low. Even at the same age, with the same care and living environment, some children get sick when faced with external pathogens such as epidemics or changes in weather, while others do not.

This is due to differences in the immune system. Children who are frequently ill and prone to infections may have a weak immune system and poor nutrition.

Numerous studies have shown that a deficiency of protein or amino acids in the diet can impair immune function, reducing the ability to fight off invading viruses and bacteria that cause disease.

Amino acids absorbed by the body from proteins play a crucial role as the main components of antibodies, helping the body fight infections, performing immune functions, and are components of enzymes and hormones involved in the body's metabolic processes.

Therefore, to have good immunity, be less prone to illness, and develop well, children need a sufficient, diverse, balanced, and appropriate diet according to their age.

Breastfeeding

Mothers should breastfeed their babies as soon as possible after birth, and exclusively breastfeed for at least the first 6 months. Breastfeeding until 24 months of age or longer and vaccinations are the best ways to protect the health of infants and young children.

Breast milk is the best natural food source for infants, containing all the necessary nutrients in balanced proportions suitable for their digestive and absorption systems. Breast milk also contains antibodies that help boost the baby's immune system and fight off infections. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months also provides antibodies from the mother to the baby, reducing the likelihood of illness.

Proper complementary feeding

In addition to breast milk, other foods should be introduced to infants. The World Health Organization recommends that infants begin complementary feeding (solid foods) at 6 months of age (due to increased nutritional needs, as breast milk alone is insufficient to meet the child's developmental requirements).

We must be careful not to introduce complementary foods too early or too late, or to ensure adequate quantity, quality, and hygiene, as this can lead to malnutrition and illness. The period from complementary feeding to weaning is the most critical time for malnutrition in children. The principle for introducing complementary foods is to start with small amounts and gradually increase, and to progress from liquid to solid foods.

During the first six months of life, infants receive antibodies through breast milk, so they are less susceptible to illness. However, after six months of age, the body produces its own antibodies, resulting in a weakened and underdeveloped immune system. Any supplementary food must be stored and processed in a manner that ensures food safety and hygiene.

Depending on age, supplementary meals must ensure the provision of sufficient essential nutrients from the four food groups:

- Carbohydrates (glucids), mainly rice, wheat flour, cereals, potatoes, cassava, etc.

- Protein group, mainly meat, fish, shrimp, eggs, milk, beans, peanuts, sesame seeds, etc.

- The group of fats (lipids), mainly oils, fats, butter, etc.

- Vitamins and minerals, mainly found in vegetables, roots, and fruits...

Providing children with sufficient and balanced nutrition will help them develop well. Conversely, insufficient or excessive food intake can lead to malnutrition (underweight, stunted growth) or obesity.

We need to feed children enough protein-rich foods, especially those with high biological value such as meat, fish (carp, snakehead fish, basa fish, salmon, herring, etc.), eggs, milk, and seafood. In addition to protein, vitamins and minerals will boost the body's immunity and resistance, making disease treatment more effective.

In particular, B vitamins (B1, B6), vitamins C, D, E, and zinc play an important role in boosting the body's immune system.

At the same time, encourage children to eat more fruits and vegetables to provide plenty of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, C, E, iron, zinc, selenium, etc., which help boost immunity, fight infections, and speed up the healing of injuries.

Fruits and vegetables rich in these vitamins are usually yellow or red, such as carrots, tomatoes, pumpkins, oranges, mangoes, papayas, and watermelons. Dark green leafy vegetables include water spinach, sweet potato leaves, red amaranth, spinach, and broccoli.

Give her enough water to drink.

Drinking enough water is one of the ways to boost a child's immunity. Water helps transport white blood cells throughout the body and eliminates harmful toxins through sweat glands.

Drinking enough water each day helps boost metabolism and provides essential nutrients to cells. The amount of water a child needs to drink daily depends on their age, weight, and level of physical activity.

Make sure your child gets enough sleep.

A deep and sufficient sleep is essential for a child's development, supporting increased immunity and aiding in intellectual, height, and weight development, as well as promoting a relaxed state of mind. Therefore, parents need to ensure their children get 8-11 hours of deep sleep, depending on their age.

The sleeping schedule is as follows:

- Children aged 4-12 months: sleep 12-16 hours.

- Children aged 1-2 years: sleep 11-14 hours.

- Children aged 3-5 years: sleep 10-13 hours.