Children begin to develop their defenses, so taking care of their diet is essential to prevent diseases.
The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together as a defense system to protect the body and fight off viruses, fungi, or bacteria that attack organs. In newborns, their defense comes in the first months from their mother’s genetics, although they begin to form their own little by little.
Although some say that there is no way to strengthen children’s immune systems, the truth is that there are no magic remedies. Still, there are useful tips, specifically in food and lifestyle, that can help the little ones develop their defenses to avoid falling ill or recovering faster.
In this paper writing article, we share ten nutritional tips to strengthen children’s immune system, which help the little ones. Although it is always advisable to have an expert pediatrician’s opinion and take care of the required treatments for children in case they are necessary.
10 dietary tips to strengthen children’s immune system
- Cook food
The best thing in the infantile diet, especially in that of the smallest, is to offer them cooked foods to raw. Instead of a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, porridge, or purees of fresh vegetables are recommended.
- Decrease sweetbreads
Although it is advisable to add bread to infants’ diet, it is best to reduce the number of sweetbreads, cream, or pastries. As these can be a supplement that satiates the little ones and does not nourish them enough, besides providing carbohydrates of rapid absorption, saturated fats and sugars in excess tend to affect health.
- Separate their cutlery
As children’s defenses are being formed, it is essential to take care of hygiene, and therefore, the little ones should have their cutlery and glasses. This way, the health of children will be better taken care of.
- Add probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria that help prevent gastrointestinal disorders and work in the microbiota, stimulating beneficial microorganisms to reduce the risk of suffering diseases. In the little ones, you can add them in yogurts that have lactobacilli and bifidobacteria and fermented milk, also in banana, wheat, garlic, or onion, these last two after six months of age.
- Use virgin olive oil
Virgin olive oil has natural antibacterial properties that improve intestinal health, in addition to improving cognitive functions, preventing cancer and diseases such as type 2 diabetes, among many other benefits. But one of its significant contributions is to strengthen people’s immune systems, so do not hesitate to use it in preparations.
- Add bee pollen
Bee pollen is a very nutritious food commonly used as a food supplement due to its high content of proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Among its tremendous benefits for the little ones is strengthening the immune system affected by a low diet. You can add it as a supplement to your little one’s diet after two years of age.
- Fruits and vegetables which have a lot of vitamin C
Add foods rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. This product is suitable for children of a certain age. Because some babies can choke on the seeds or peels, so babies prefer porridge. After three years, you can offer fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits (oranges or tangerines), guava, kiwi, spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower.
- Foods with vitamin A, D, and E
The age parameters apply similarly to the previous point. Vitamins A, D, and E play a fundamental role in the immune system response, so add tomatoes, beets, carrots, dairy products, fatty fish such as salmon or sardines, dairy products, and eggs well as sunbathing.
- Selenium, copper, iron, and zinc
These minerals are necessary to prevent diseases of the immune system, respiratory tract, and skin and digestive tract infections. Foods should be added according to the age of the child. After age three, it is recommended that fish and seafood, nuts, meat, green leafy vegetables, dairy products, eggs, and legumes such as peas or lentils be added.
- Add honey
Bee honey is a source of energy, has natural antibacterial properties, is rich in various vitamins, folic acid, minerals (calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, and magnesium). Great as a sweetener to relieve coughs or symptoms of dry coughs, colds, and inflammation. This product should be used after one year of age of your child.