In adults, the immune system is fully developed. But unlike the Little One, their immune system only begins to develop after birth, so the Little One needs additional food from outside to increase endurance.
In the first month of life, Little is still protected by antibodies obtained from the blood of the Mother. However, these antibodies will increasingly disappear along with the formation of the immune system of Little himself. This happens when the body is exposed to antigens.
The formation of the immune system of the Little One
There is a difference in your little one born spontaneously and cesarean section. In spontaneous births, the digestive system is exposed to the physiological flora of the Mother when passing through the birth canal. Whereas for those born by cesarean section, the digestive system is not physiological – unless given breast milk.
While Little is born by cesarean section and not given breast milk will have different flora bacteria in the digestive system. As a result, Little has a deficiency in the development of the immune system, especially those associated with allergies.
Little will be more susceptible to antigens that are inhaled and have asthma than those born spontaneously. The risk will be much higher if his parents also experience allergies.
The immune system of the little one who is still weak causes it to become infected easily and more often to get sick. While Little is the immune system that has developed well, the risk of infection is much lower.
Exposure to antigens with the same structure over and over again will cause the disease not formed, one example is chickenpox. Unlike the case with antigens whose structure can be different like influenza viruses. A child can get influenza infection many times.
Foods that increase your child’s immune system
Therefore, it is very important to maintain your child’s immune system so that it does not get sick easily. One way to increase it is through proper food intake. Here is an example of food for your little one so you don’t get sick easily:
- Yogurt
Yogurt contains a lot of probiotics, which are good germs that are very useful in maintaining the body’s digestive system. These germs also play an important role in helping the body fight disease. A study found that Little Kids who consume yogurt have a 19 percent lower risk of fever, ear infections, and sore throat. - Kefir
Drinks made from kefir grains also contain probiotics. That is why this drink can also enhance the immune system of the Little One. - Walnuts
Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids which have many benefits for the body. One of them is to help the body fight disease. A study proves that omega 3 can reduce respiratory infections in infants. Walnuts can be consumed directly or mixed with cereals and other snacks. - Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are certainly very good for health. Choose those that are rich in vitamin C to boost your child’s immune system, especially in helping to ward off colds and flu. Some examples of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C are citrus, strawberries, paprika, and broccoli. - Lean meat
Mother may not know that this food can improve the system that fights body diseases. First, lean meat has protein that is important for maintaining strength. Second, lean meat also contains zinc which can help white blood cells fight infection. - Milk
To further enhance support for the immune system of the Little One, Mother can also provide additional intake of milk.
When your baby’s immune system is not fully developed, give him the right food intake to increase his endurance.