Cases of sensitivity in children continues to increase from year to year. Although the symptoms that appear are often mild, sensitivity cannot be underestimated because at one time severe symptoms may appear, even fatal.
Sensitivity in children arises when their immune system overreacts to certain substances that are considered harmful to the body, even though these substances are actually harmless. Sensitivity reactions can appear in the form of a runny nose, red rash, itchy skin, watery eyes, stomach pain, swollen lips, to shortness of breath.
The Importance of Knowing the Risk of Child Sensitivity Early on
Sensitivity in children is generally inherited. That is, the child is at risk of experiencing it if one or both parents suffer from sensitivity. However, this does not rule out the possibility that children without a history of sensitivity in their family also experience this condition.
Sensitivity in children needs to be handled properly because even though it sometimes looks trivial, sensitivity symptoms that can appear at any time can interfere with the child's comfort and activities. In addition, this condition can also affect the growth and development of children.
Research shows that children who suffer from sensitivities, either to food or other causes of sensitivity, and tend to have lower weight and height than children who do not suffer from sensitivities.
How to Lower the Risk of Sensitivity in Children
The immune system of children with parents who have sensitivity tends to be able to develop to have sensitivity too, although the triggering substance for sensitivity may be different from that of the parents.
Even though the child already has his “talent”, the developmental process leading to the occurrence of sensitivity can still be prevented. One way is to provide your little one with nutrients that can support their immune system through the right foods.
Food is one of the most common triggers for sensitivities in children. Foods that often trigger sensitivity include cow's milk, nuts, eggs, and soy. Therefore, you must pay attention to the food given to your little one.
However, don't get me wrong. This does not mean you should avoid these foods. You are actually advised to introduce this type of food early on, when your little one is ready to eat solid food.
The reason is, the earlier you introduce food sensitivity triggers to your child, the smaller the risk of your child suffering from sensitivity to these foods later in life.
Introducing sensitivities alone is not enough. To reduce the risk of your little one experiencing sensitivity, you need to give him food that can support the work of the immune system and strengthen the child's immune system.
There are many choices of foods that can increase the body's immunity. The key, these foods must meet the nutritional needs of children. So that the nutritional intake is complete, also give your little one additional intake in the form of milk.
Choose milk for children whose nutritional content can strengthen the body's immune system and of course be able to support their growth and development. Some of the content of milk that has these benefits are:
1. Synbiotic
Make sure the milk given to children contains synbiotics, which are combinations of probiotics and prebiotics, which are clinically proven to reduce the risk of sensitivity by supporting the immune system early in life.
Probiotics are good bacteria in the gut that can support a healthy digestive system. Probiotics also have a positive effect on the body's immune system. For example, giving probiotic supplements Bifidobacterium breve (B. breve) appears to reduce the exaggerated immune response due to sensitivity.
While prebiotics are types of carbohydrates or fiber that can increase the growth of good bacteria in the intestine. Examples of prebiotics are FOS (fructo oligosaccharides) and GOS (galacto oligosaccharides). Giving these two prebiotics has been shown to reduce the incidence of sensitivity in children.
2. Protein whey hydrolyzed
Milk that contains 100% protein whey Hydrolyzed is a complete protein source because it contains all the essential amino acids that the body needs. In addition, this type of protein is also easily digested and has a lower risk of causing sensitivity.
Besides being able to support the growth of children's muscles and bones, the amino acid content in protein whey can also support the formation of immune cells and increase antioxidant levels in the body.
3. Omega-3 and omega-6
Also make sure the milk given to children contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 has an important role in children's brain development and can support children's ability to think. Therefore, children whose omega-3 needs are met tend to be smarter and have better memory.
Meanwhile, the content of omega-6 fatty acids in milk is useful as a long-term energy source for children. In addition, these fatty acids also have an important role in the body's immune system.
4. Vitamin C and Vitamin E
You should also choose milk that contains vitamin C and vitamin E. The reason is, these two vitamins are able to reduce excessive immune reactions and relieve symptoms that may arise due to sensitivity.
Not only that, the antioxidant properties of these two vitamins can also protect children's bodies from free radicals and support immune function. That way, children are less likely to get sick, so their growth and development will also be well supported.
5. Essential vitamins and minerals
Not only vitamin C and vitamin E, you are also advised to give your child's milk which is rich in other important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 or folate, B12, D, and K.
These vitamins are also important nutrients to help optimal growth and support the development of children from various aspects. Likewise with various other important minerals such as calcium, iodine, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
Sensitivity in children is a fairly common problem, especially in children whose parents have a history of sensitivity. However, this can be prevented by strengthening the body's resistance through providing complete nutrition, as well as introducing sensitivity trigger foods early.
Even so, this needs to be done carefully and preferably under the supervision of a doctor. If your little one experiences a sensitivity reaction to a type of food or other substance, especially if the symptoms are quite severe, immediately take him to the doctor for treatment.
