Best Foods to Boost Baby’s Immune System
Breastfeeding is probably the best way to give your baby a strong immune system from birth because the breast milk contains antibodies, whose function is to identify and neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.
But there are also other foods that can boost the immune system when the baby starts to consume solids.
It is very important that these foods remain part of your baby’s nutrition on a regular basis.
HERE IS THE LIST:
1. Red meat, poultry, cheese, yogurt, beans and whole grain bread are very good sources of zinc. Zinc is involved in the production of antibodies that fight infections. You can mix grinded meat with vegetable puree. You can also add cheese or yogurt to this mix.
2. Carrots, peaches, papaya, mango, apricots, sweet potato and pumpkin are great sources of beta carotene. Baby’s body converts beta carotene to vitamin A, and this helps in regulation of the immune system. You should mix orange coloured vegetable puree with orange coloured fruits.
3. Yogurt is not only a great source of zinc; it is also helpful if your baby is using antibiotics, because it helps to fill his gut with useful bacteria that may be destroyed by antibiotics. This helps in protection against the harmful bacteria that may cause diarrhea.
4. Kiwi fruit, citrus fruits, bell peppers and tomatoes are great sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the body to make more white blood cells, which fight infections.
5. Garlic is a mighty booster for the immune system and can be part of lots of baby meals.
6. Avocados allow babies to get essential fatty acids (EFAs). They are important to the diet because the body cannot makes their own, and are the ‘good’ fats that help the immune system to recognize and fight with infections.
7. Blueberries are the best source of antioxidants of all fruits, which are very important part of good immune system.
8. Turmeric contains circumin, which is very effective in fighting colds and flu.
VERY IMPORTANT:
The addition of sugar to baby food is never recommended. Sugar not only damages the baby’s developing teeth, it also weakens the ability of white blood cells to fight infection.