Risk of "immunity gap"
Discussing the health of young children during the cold season, MSc. Nguyen Thi Hien - Deputy Head of the Department of Nutrition and Rehabilitation, Hanoi Children's Hospital said that the winter weather with low temperature characteristics and dry air directly affects the respiratory tract lining. When the lining is dry, the ability to prevent viruses and bacteria from entering will be significantly reduced. This is the main cause that makes children susceptible to inflammatory diseases, seasonal flu, cough and cold.
In addition, living habits in winter also negatively affect resistance. Due to cold weather, children often do little outdoor activities, leading to a decrease in the body's synthesis of natural Vitamin D through the skin. Meanwhile, Vitamin D plays an extremely important role in activating the immune system. This deficiency creates a "space", making children more susceptible to pathogens.
To overcome this situation, MSc. Nguyen Thi Hien emphasized the core role of nutrition. A nutritious, balanced diet not only helps children develop physically but also reduces the risk of minor illness, especially shortening treatment time if children unfortunately have to be hospitalized.
Parents need to prioritize supplementing foods rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Vitamin C is considered the "key" to boosting immunity, found in many familiar fruits such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, kiwis. Meanwhile, Vitamin A helps strengthen the endurance of respiratory mucous membranes. Mothers can easily find a rich source of Vitamin A in orange and red fruits such as carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes.
Increase protein and zinc
In addition to the above vitamin groups, in their sharing, experts from Hanoi Children's Hospital paid special attention to the role of Zinc (Zn) and protein-rich foods (Protein). These are indispensable components for the body to produce antibodies against disease.
Accordingly, the group of foods rich in zinc includes seafood, red meat and beans. Zinc helps immune cells function more effectively. At the same time, protein from meat, fish, eggs, and milk provides energy and ingredients to build cell structure.
Another noteworthy point is digestive health. MSc. Nguyen Thi Hien recommends that parents should add foods rich in Probiotics (bacteria) such as yogurt and cheese to their snacks.
In addition to diet, doctors also give advice on lifestyle. Parents need to keep their children warm properly. Regular hand hygiene with soap is also a simple but effective measure to prevent the spread of bacteria.
