While we frequently take great care to shield our young children from dangerous pathogens both inside and outside the home, getting them the correct nourishment is crucial for enhancing their immune systems.
Proper nutrients are the key to boosting your child’s immunity. Overall nutrition is important – well-nourished children do not get ill as often as undernourished children as undernutrition weakens the immune system. So, you must ensure that while your child sleeps, her/his body is effectively repairing itself.
The immune system of a toddler develops stronger during the early years of life.
As parents, we are responsible for providing the right nutrition for our children to help them develop well-balanced eating habits.
As per the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of India’s report on malnutrition, in the year 2021, 32.5%–35% of children under the age of five were malnourished. The report recorded the percentage of stunting and wasting, apart from malnutrition, in children. An improper diet causes poor nutrition in children.
A lack of certain nutrients can expose your youngster to illnesses and infections and limiting your child’s food intake can result in malnutrition. Do not rob your child of the ability of “immuno-nutrients” to fight off illnesses and infections!
Why is nutrition important for immunity?
Childhood nutrition is linked to a healthy life and adulthood. Children will have more energy to study, play, move, grow, and experience everything that life has to offer if they eat a well-balanced diet and feel well.
The importance of nutrition in childhood influences how your child grows up in the future. Providing nutrient-dense meals to children early in infancy improves cognitive health and avoids the emergence of chronic disorders later in life.
Even though you may see your child becoming a picky eater (it is a normal behaviour in growing toddlers, if not excessive). Understanding the healthiest foods to help increase immunity may help you plan meals for your child, whether it’s a dinner or an after-school snack.
Giving your toddler the proper diet for maximum nutrition will safeguard him or her from diseases or infections that your child may be susceptible to throughout the early years of growth and development.
Some of the important nutrients to feed your toddler during these years include:
- Carbohydrates:
The protein-sparing function found in carbohydrates adds protein to the diet, which is essential for your child’s growth and development. Some of the rich sources of carbohydrates include cereals, rice, potatoes, yams, etc. - Protein:
Protein helps in muscle building. It contains amino acids that help in the formation of cells and muscle tissues, thereby boosting your toddler’s immune system. Milk, eggs, chicken, fish, and beans are some good protein sources for your kids. - Fats
Fats provide energy, and essential fatty acids are important for the structure, composition, and permeability of cell membranes. These are good fats that help fight infections. Spinach and lentils are two iron-rich foods. - Vitamins
Vitamins play a significant role in providing overall nutrition to your toddler’s body. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium, which increases bone density. Vitamins A, B, C, and E help boost the immune system, thereby maintaining the fighting ability of your toddler’s body. - Minerals
Minerals are essential for the overall growth and development of your child. Iron induces the production of that surplus oxygen in body cells. A lack of iron content in your child’s body can lead to irritability and anaemic paleness.
Encourage good hygiene habits, encourage them to be physically active, and engage them in activities. By implementing these practices, you can help boost your child’s immune system and help them stay happy and healthy.
In conclusion, building a strong immune system in preschool kids is essential for their overall health and well-being. While there are several ways to boost immunity, providing a balanced and nutritious diet is one of the most effective. Vedam’s meal plan is an excellent choice for parents looking to ensure that their child is receiving the right nutrition to support their immune system.
With a focus on whole, unprocessed foods and a variety of fruits and vegetables, Vedam’s meal plan is designed to provide children with the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. In addition to a healthy diet, parents can also encourage regular exercise, adequate sleep, and good hygiene practices to further support their child’s immune system. By prioritizing their child’s health and taking these simple steps, parents can help their little ones stay healthy and happy all year round.
