5 Foods That Can Strengthen Toddlers’ Immunity
Toddler Growth
Reviewed by
Dr. Fadhli Rizal Makarim
February 10, 2021
5 Foods That Can Strengthen Toddlers’ Immunity
Halodoc, Jakarta – It’s no secret that an excellent immune system is able to protect the body from various attacks by viruses, bacteria and other bad microorganisms. In short, if the immune system is strong, the disease will disappear.
So, how do you strengthen the immunity of toddlers? There are several ways that mothers can try, one of which is through food intake that can strengthen the body’s immune system. So, here are foods that can strengthen toddlers’ immune systems.
Also read: 6 Easy Ways to Improve the Immune System
- Breast milk intake
The most effective and simple way to strengthen the immunity of toddlers is through the intake of breast milk (ASI). According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health – Directorate of Health Promotion & Community Empowerment, there are several benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for babies, one of which is preventing disease.
Exclusive breast milk for babies given by mothers has an important role, namely increasing the baby’s immune system. So, it can prevent babies from contracting various diseases that can threaten the baby’s health.
Breast milk contains immune-forming antibodies. Well, this substance helps it to fight bacteria family dentist bells corners and viruses. As a result, babies are less likely to suffer from diseases such as diarrhea, allergies, respiratory infections and constipation.
In addition, according to the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), breast milk contains antibodies against various types of viruses. Examples include poliovirus, coxsackievirus, echovirus, influenza virus, reovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rotavirus, and rhinovirus. It has been proven that breast milk inhibits the growth of these viruses.
In addition, research by the World Health Organization (WHO) proves that breastfeeding until the age of 2 years can reduce child mortality due to diarrhea and acute respiratory infections. Well, that’s the reason why breast milk can be used as a way to strengthen the immune system of toddlers.
- Zinc
Apart from breast milk, how to strengthen the immunity of toddlers can also be through zinc intake. According to IDAI, zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence of diarrhea and pneumonia, support linear growth and have a positive effect on reducing mortality related to infectious diseases.
Zinc supplementation can be given routinely for at least 2 months every 6 months, in infants aged 6-23 months. Apart from supplementation, mothers can also meet zinc intake in children under five through various foods. Examples include oysters, meat, nuts, eggs, potatoes, and milk.
- Iron
Iron intake can also be used as a way to strengthen the immune system of toddlers. According to IDAI, iron has an important role in brain growth and development, increases endurance, as well as concentration and learning achievement.
Death knows what iron-rich foods mothers can give to toddlers? There are a variety of things, from liver, shellfish, meat, poultry, oysters, milk, fish (salmon, sardines or tuna) to vegetables such as spinach, kale or broccoli.
Also read: Various Healthy Foods for Toddlers to Grow Optimal
- Vitamins C and E
How to strengthen the immunity of children under five can be through intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells in the body, which are tasked with fighting germs that cause infection. Vitamin C is also rich in antioxidants to reduce inflammation and prevent damage to body cells due to free radicals.
Want to know what foods are rich in vitamin C and can you give them to toddlers? Among them are oranges, guava, mango, strawberries, kale, broccoli, and papaya.
Apart from vitamin C, intake of vitamin E can be used as a way to strengthen the immunity of toddlers. Vitamin E is rich in antioxidants which maintain the performance of the immune system. Vitamin E can be found in spinach, broccoli and nuts.
- Omega-3
Lastly, a way to strengthen the immunity of toddlers can also be through consuming omega-3. Omega-3 is a type of essential fatty acid, namely a fatty acid that the body cannot produce itself, so it must be consumed from outside.
Omega-3 plays an important role in the immune system, and is able to control inflammation in the body. Omega-3 is found in many salmon, oysters, cod and mackerel fish.
Also read: Beware, the immune system decreases with age
Want to know more about how to strengthen the immunity of toddlers? Or have other health complaints? Mothers can ask the doctor directly via the Halodoc application.
Apart from that, mothers can also buy vitamins that increase their children’s immune system in the Halodoc application so they don’t have to bother leaving the house. Very practical, right?
