Table of contents:
- There are a number of causes for a child's immune system to decline
- Consuming too much salt and sugar
- Lack of active movement or rarely exercise
- Lack of sleep
- Pay less attention to fiber intake
One of the determinants of children's health is how the performance of the immune system or the immune system protects them from attack by bacteria or viruses that cause disease. Unfortunately, there are a number of things that sometimes you don't realize are the causes of your child's immune system to decline. This then can cause the child to get sick easily. Know some of the factors that can inhibit the function of the following child's immune system.
There are a number of causes for a child's immune system to decline
Reporting from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, research finds infections due to bacteria that cause pneumonia or meningitis in children are associated with a decreased immune system.
The decline in the immune system also does not only result in complex diseases as mentioned above. Your little one who catches a cold, fever, or flu can also indicate that the immune system is not functioning normally.
Therefore, identify some of the causes of the following decline in the child's immune system.
Consuming too much salt and sugar
A study from the University Hospital of Bonn published on Health.com concluded that too much salt intake can result in deficiency or reduced immunity.
The researchers found that excess amounts of sodium in the kidneys trigger a domino effect, which reduces the body's ability to fight bacterial infections.
Then, the impact of consuming too much sugar is also almost the same as salt, which reduces the ability of immune cells to fight bacteria that enter the body.
Regarding the recommended limits for the daily consumption of salt and sugar for children, respectively, namely:
- 4-6 years old: 3 grams of salt per day
- Age 7-10 years: 5 grams of salt per day
- Ages 2-18 years: less than 25 grams of sugar per day
Lack of active movement or rarely exercise
In this day and age, it is not uncommon to find situations where children are addicted to playing games, causing them to be passive or immobile for a long time.
Therefore, mothers need to make efforts to manage children's time so that it is balanced between playing indoors and outdoors.
Routine active movement can increase the immune system by increasing the body's ability to form antibodies, which consist of white blood cells that help fight various diseases.
Encourage the child to walk for at least 20 minutes five times a week to maintain the performance of the immune system.
Lack of sleep
Sleep is an important part of the body's metabolism. When children don't get enough sleep, this will make them more susceptible to colds and flu.
As reported by EverydayHealth, adequate sleep helps the body to rest and get back to preparing to fight various infections.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sleep duration recommendations for children vary by age.
- Children aged 1-2 years: 11-14 hours per 24 hours including nap
- Children aged 3-5 years: 10-13 hours per 24 hours including nap
- Children 6-12 years old: 9-12 hours per 24 hours
Pay less attention to fiber intake
The function of fiber in the body is to support digestive health and help balance the good bacteria in the intestines which can increase the child's immune system.
Research shows, the higher the intake of fiber and prebiotics, can support healthy immune system function, including protecting the child's body from viruses.
Where is fiber obtained? Of course food is the main source of fiber and prebiotics for your little one. Mothers must pay attention to a diet with balanced nutrition so that their little one has good immunity. The combination of vegetables and fruit is needed in the daily menu.
However, you can also consider giving your child additional nutritional intake that contains prebiotics such as formula milk. Make sure that the formula you choose has complete nutritional content, such as the prebiotic combination of PDX, GOS, Betaglucan, and DHA.
These three nutrients have been tested to protect children from viruses and bacteria and strengthen their immune system. If the child rarely gets sick, then the smart moment will be optimal.
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