Foods that help strengthen children's immune system

The article was professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Dang Huy Toan - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital

Parents should create a healthy diet for their children from an early age so that they have a strong immune system to fight off infections. Parents should try a variety of new recipes with foods that strengthen the child's immune system and help them eat well every day.

These are considered the best immune-boosting foods for children because they contain a lot of essential nutrients. Nuts are a great source of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and omega fatty acids. Different nuts bring many benefits as well as different flavors, so you should give your child a variety of nuts such as: walnuts, chestnuts, almonds,...
How to feed your child: It is best to use nuts in powdered or soaked form for young children. For children older than 3 years old, you can give them whole grains / crushed nuts or make simple chocolate nut bars at home. Be careful, though, as nuts can pose a choking hazard. Also, consult your doctor in case your child shows signs of an allergic reaction to nuts.

Cheese is a food that many children love and is also one of the foods that strengthen children's immunity due to its high zinc content. Zinc produces antibodies to fight infections very effectively. You can give your child cheese, but make sure you don't choose processed cheese.
How to feed children: Cheese can be combined with many foods, including baked potatoes, sandwiches,... Children also often like pasta and pasta so you can make this dish with cheese for your child.

Mushrooms are also rich in zinc, which boosts immunity. What's more, mushrooms also have antibacterial and antiviral properties. However, before giving it to your child, you must consult a doctor because mushrooms are very allergenic foods.
How to feed your baby : There are many variations to the mushroom dish, experiment with curries, pasta,... Mushroom rolls with other vegetables are also a good and nutritious snack for the evening.

This bright red-orange fruit contains a lot of beta carotene - a nutrient that helps the body convert into Vitamin A. Thanks to that, the mucous membrane of the body is also promoted, making it harder for bacteria to attack. Therefore, carrots are a great choice to boost children's immunity and protect them from everyday infections.
How to feed your baby : If your baby is just starting to eat solids, you can give them pumpkin pureed carrots. For older kids, you can try this Indian halwa carrot cake recipe. Children can also eat raw carrots as a snack, after they have been washed and sliced.

Strawberries, blackberries and blueberries,... are a rich source of vitamins, boosting immunity for toddlers. Although not many children are allergic to berries, it can happen. Parents should watch out for symptoms such as skin rash, vomiting, diarrhea or facial swelling when giving these fruits to their babies.
How to feed children: Berries can be processed into many delicious smoothies, or served with oats and other fruits.

Ginger is a wonderful food that can protect children from nasty colds. It is also one of the best immune boosters for babies and toddlers when the weather changes.
How to feed your baby : Ginger can be added to various foods to add flavor and promote health. You can lightly flavor your recipes with ginger, for example by adding ginger to porridge.

This food has the ability to fight bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Garlic also stimulates the cells of the immune system to increase the production of antibodies, in other words, increase immunity for children.
How to feed children: Add 1-2 garlic cloves to food when processing to both increase flavor and benefit health. However, do not overdo it because garlic has a very strong flavor. Some housewives also add boiled garlic cloves to their milk and feed their babies before going to bed.

Considered a superfood for your baby's overall health and immunity, papaya is rich in potassium, folate and vitamins, which help regulate your child's immunity.
How to feed your baby: Papaya is a wonderful fruit, you should give it to your baby first in pureed form (papaya smoothie), then in sliced ​​form.

The spice shelf in your kitchen has no shortage of foods that naturally boost your child's immune system. One of them is turmeric - really good for the immune system. Turmeric contains curcumin, which protects your child against colds, flu,...
How to feed your baby: Just add a little turmeric to food while cooking, or you can also add it to a glass of milk and Give your child something to drink to cure a cold.

This delicious and protein-rich dish is also one of the immune-boosting foods for kids. Chicken is very effective in alleviating the symptoms of common cold and fever.
How to feed your baby: You can give your child chicken in the form of curries, soups, sandwiches or even grilled.

Yogurt contains probiotics, which are good bacteria that are good for the gut. They can reduce cases of diarrhea and even reduce the risk of colds and ear infections. In addition to yogurt, which is a trusted form of probiotic, you can also try similar immune system foods like buttermilk. Gradually introduce these foods into your child's diet so he has time to get used to and enjoy them.
How to feed your baby : Yogurt can be eaten with regular foods or mixed into different baby recipes such as smoothies and salads.

Eggs are a complete food. As one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D, eggs help boost children's immunity. However, some children are allergic to egg whites and/or egg yolks, so eggs should only be given until at least 1 year of age.
How to feed your baby : You can give a hard-boiled egg and puree or chop it. Baby can eat eggs alone or mixed with regular food.

High in Vitamins C and K, broccoli is one of the immune system boosters for toddlers. The right age to introduce broccoli to babies is when they are 8-10 months old to avoid early bloating.
How to feed it: If your child doesn't like broccoli, you can make a creamy soup with this ingredient combined with cheese, or make a delicious broccoli sandwich.

Iron-rich lentils can be added to the list of immune-boosting foods for children. It can also help ease the symptoms of colds and flu. In case your child is suffering from an infection, you can add lentils to his diet.
How to feed your baby: Most toddlers will tolerate lentils. But if your baby doesn't seem to like it, you can add carrots, diced beets, and corn to create vibrant colors that are eye-catching and stimulate your baby to eat. Another way to prepare lentils is to mix them with some tomatoes.

Pumpkin puree with rice is something that most toddlers can easily eat. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A, C, and E as well as calcium, potassium and folate.
How to feed children: Cook pumpkin soup.

In addition to incorporating the above foods in your child's diet, you should keep the following tips in mind to strengthen your child's immunity:
Make sure your child gets enough sleep. It is during sleep that the child's body builds stronger immunity. Avoid foods high in sugar like cakes and cookies and also packaged juices. Too much sugar can suppress the immune system. Avoid stressing your child by creating a quiet environment at home, as well as getting her to do plenty of exercise. Stress if left unchecked can weaken immunity. If your child is still frequently sick despite making dietary and lifestyle changes, ask your doctor to recommend the best immune-boosting supplements for children. Parents should pay attention to nutrition for children to improve resistance. At the same time, add supporting foods containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins,... snacks and less digestive problems.
Parents can learn more:
Why do you need to supplement Lysine for your baby?
The role of zinc - Guidelines for reasonable zinc supplementation
Please visit the website Vinmec.com regularly and update useful information to take care of your baby and family.

References: webmd.com, parenting.firstcry.com, healthline.com