Children who often fall sick, can be disturbed from the process of optimal growth and development. That is why, it is important to pay attention to the child's immunity which can help keep his health condition in prime condition.
The immune system, also known as the immune system, is the body's defense against harmful organisms and germs. The immune system is the result of the cooperation of a series of cells, tissues, proteins, and organs of the body.
Impaired functioning of the immune system can cause four special conditions that interfere with children's health, namely:
- An allergic reaction is an overreaction of the immune system to factors/compounds that are considered foreign and harmful. Allergic reactions due to immune system disorders can trigger asthma, eczema, and allergies to various allergens such as drugs, foods, and the environment.
- Autoimmune disorders. A condition in which the immune system attacks healthy organs and tissues because they are considered foreign objects. This condition occurs in lupus, scleroderma, and arthritis in children.
- Immunodeficiency disorders. A condition in which part of the immune system is missing or not functioning is also known as immune deficiency. Examples of diseases due to immune deficiency include IgA deficiency, namely deficiency of Immunoglobulin A which is an antibody substance in saliva and other body fluids and Chediak-Higashi syndrome, which is the inability of neutrophil-type white blood cells to carry out their duties as germ eaters.
- Immune system cancer. Two types of cancer related to the immune system are white blood cell cancer or leukemia which often occurs in children and lymphoma, which is cancer that arises in the lymphatic system.
Forming Process
The immune system is formed early in life, namely in the womb. This immune system will continue to develop with age. That's why babies and children seem to get infected or sick more often than teenagers or adults. The reason is that the immune system in infants and children is still learning to recognize and protect the body from germs that enter. Meanwhile, in adolescents and adults, the body's immune system immediately recognizes the type of germ and immediately attacks it as soon as the germ enters the body.
Newborn babies receive immune system support through the first milk (ASI) that comes out or called colostrum. Colostrum contains immunoglobulin A (IgA) which is able to protect the baby's body from germs. How, by forming a protective network in the intestines, nose, and throat.
While breastfeeding, babies get antibodies and other germ-protecting factors from the mother's body. These two things will strengthen the immune system. This will help fight infections and illnesses such as diarrhea, ear and respiratory infections, and meningitis. Breastfeeding babies are also protected from asthma, obesity, allergies, diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Breast milk protection continues even long after the breastfeeding period has ended. Research shows that babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of cancer because it is suspected that babies are supported by a good immune system. In addition, breast milk can also prevent diseases that will be acquired in the future such as diabetes type 1 and 2, high cholesterol, and inflammation of the intestines, and even high blood pressure that can attack someone in their teens.
In general, a low immune system can cause disruption of the child's growth process, which may be accompanied by lung disease. Impaired immune function can also trigger allergies, (including asthma and eczema of the skin), or sensitivity to dust, weather, certain foods, and medications.
In the case of children who are infected with HIV (a viral disease that weakens the body's immune system), it is generally accompanied by a failure to grow and develop. Signs of severe malnutrition, lack of weight gain despite eating, speech delays, or when children reach school age, they may have difficulty concentrating and remembering. The HIV virus attacks not only the body's immune system but also affects the central nervous system, namely the brain.
Intake of Supporting Nutrients
The immune system depends on what is put into the stomach, so it is important to maintain the intake of nutrients that can support the immune system. Studies say that malnourished conditions may be more susceptible to infection.
There are several nutritional intakes that are considered important for the immune system. For example, vitamin A will help avoid infection and maintain mucosal tissue. In addition, there is evidence from studies on mice, vitamins B2 and B6 are useful for increasing bacterial infection resistance and preventing a decrease in immune system response.
The role of vitamin C is still being researched, but is thought to be able to support other nutrients to improve the immune system. Meanwhile, vitamin D is known to function as an antimicrobial in tuberculosis.
Two minerals that are no less important for the immune system are zinc and selenium. Research suggests that zinc is directly related to the function of immune system cells. Meanwhile, selenium deficiency is associated with the risk of bladder, breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers.
Give your child a variety of fruits and vegetables, nuts, and lean meats to support the immune system. Yogurt, which is rich in beneficial bacteria called probiotics, can also help the body fight diseases such as colds, ear infections, and strep throat. Cow's milk is also very good for children's immune systems because it not only contains calcium, but also protein, vitamin A, and several types of B vitamins.
Give breast milk early in the child's life to protect your baby from germs and various infections that attack. Do not forget to provide a balanced nutritional intake to perfect the child's immune system for optimal growth and development.
