Building Baby Immunity: Immune Boosting Foods For Babies & Practices

Dr Sukamanchi Sowmya, BAMS 05.March.2024 0 comments

Dr Sukamanchi Sowmya, BAMS | Medical Officer | Pankajakasthuri Herbals India Pvt Ltd | Hyderabad

The very moment your baby is born into this world, they’re exposed to a battery of disease-causing germs. What can you do to protect your baby against the endless array of germs they encounter? Well, you can help them build up their immune system. The immunity power of your baby is a vital aspect of your baby's overall health. An underdeveloped immune system increases the baby’s risk of deadly diseases. That explains why the medical fraternity considers the immediate immunization of newborns so essential. The baby immunization chart is one document all new parents must maintain and update with immense focus. The chart lists the vaccines your baby should get during their growing period.

Though immunization is undoubtedly essential, you can also use certain tips, strategies, and practices at home to improve your baby's immunity power. In this article, we'll discuss the signs of a weakened immune system in babies, immune-boosting foods for babies, Ayurvedic approaches to a baby's immunity, and nutritious baby food recipes aimed at bolstering the baby's defence mechanism.

Read on to learn more:

Signs of a Weakened Immune System in Babies

Frequent infections such as colds, ear infections, and respiratory illnesses
Irregular bowels
Frequent digestive issues
Low energy levels
Slow weight gain or growth
Difficulty fighting off common infections
Persistent diarrhoea or vomiting
Delayed milestones

If you notice the above signs in your baby, bring the same to the notice of the pediatrician so that the suitable preventative vaccines may be included in the baby immunization chart.

Best Immune-Boosting Foods for Babies

Nutrition plays a vital role in enhancing a baby's immune system. Here are some of the most recommended immune-boosting foods for babies:

Breast milk: This is the most natural & effective immunity syrup for babies. The antibodies and essential nutrients breast milk provides, cannot be provided by any pharmaceutical product or synthetic immunity syrup for babies.
Fruits loaded with Vitamin C: Fruits like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, and mangoes are loaded with Vitamin C, a vital immunity power-boosting nutrient. So, these fruits must be included in the diet comprising various immune boosting foods for babies.
Yogurt: Yoghurt is one of the best immune-boosting foods for babies. It contains probiotics supporting gut health and immunity.
Mashed sweet potatoes: Mashed sweet potatoes, loaded with vitamins and minerals, support the healthy growth of your baby.
Rice cereal: Rice cereal is among the most commonly used foods for babies across many cultures. The B vitamins and micronutrients in rice can strengthen your baby's immunity. It is a gentle option for upset stomachs and immune disorders related to your little one's digestive tract.
Turmeric: This spice is known for its amazing healing properties in India. It has an active compound called curcumin, which is rich in antioxidants. Turmeric helps in reducing inflammation and is also an immune-boosting spice. It is best to use a pinch of this spice daily in your baby's weaning recipes.
Eggs: Eggs are the natural source of Vitamin D. If your baby's body has low levels of Vitamin D, it is more susceptible to illnesses. Also, eggs have other nutrients like selenium. However, eggs can be given to your baby only after 6 months of age, and eggs should be introduced as a textured food.
Leafy Greens: Packed with an array of vital nutrients such as Vitamins A, C, & K, Beta-Carotene, Calcium, and Magnesium, leafy greens such as spinach, amaranth, and fenugreek leaves are amazing immunity boosters for your baby.

Useful Tip: You can give these immunity-boosting foods to your baby in the form of homemade purees, mashes, and soft finger foods.

Ayurvedic Baby Immunity Boosting Methods

In Ayurveda, immunity (Bala) is described as the body's ability to prevent and arrest disease progression, maintaining homeostasis. Innate immunity power may be correlated to Sahaja Bala, as described in Ayurveda. Kalaja and Yuktikrita Bala may be correlated to acquired immunity. The various Ayurvedic methods to nurture your baby’s immune system are discussed below:

Swarna Prashana

Swarna Prashana, an ancient practice, is highlighted for its role in naturally building long-lasting health and intellect in kids. It involves administering Swarna Bhasma (gold ash) mixed with honey and ghee, fortified with herbal extracts, promoting the overall growth and immunity of the baby. Though the baby immunization chart does not include Swarna Prashana as one of the immunization methods, in Ayurveda, this method is hailed as one of the best methods for boosting your baby’s immunity.

What benefits does Swarna Prashana practice offer?

Boosts your baby’s immune system against diseases
Enhances physical, cognitive, and general growth of the baby
Enhances your baby’s digestive power
Protects your baby against allergies and improves skin health

Use of herbs

Also, Ayurveda recommends using certain herbs to enhance your baby's immunity power. Powdered form or Juices extracted from these Ayurvedic herbs may serve as an all-natural immunity syrup for babies. The best and most effective Ayurvedic herbs for your baby’s immunity are:

Tulsi
Yastimadhu
Brahmi
Ashwagandha

However, before using these Ayurvedic extracts as a natural immunity syrup for babies, you must consult an Ayurvedic doctor.

Simple Immune-Boosting Baby Food Recipes

Try these nutritious homemade baby food recipes to support your baby's immune system:

Pureed Medley

Packed with apples, carrots, fresh orange juice, turmeric, and ginger, this mixed puree will help keep your baby from getting sick all year long. All you need to do is steam the apple and carrot pieces before adding them to a blender along with freshly extracted orange juice, grated ginger, and turmeric roots. Blend all the ingredients until a smooth, soft puree is obtained for your baby.

Egg Oats Porridge

This is a high-protein, immune-boosting, and filling baby food. First, grate one boiled egg into fine pieces and set it aside. Next, cook 2 tablespoons of thick oats in 1 cup of water for 2 minutes. Add a pinch of organic cumin powder and black pepper powder. Lastly, add in the grated egg and mix well. The egg oats porridge is ready!

Ragi Porridge

Ragi, or finger millet, is packed with iron and is an excellent immune-boosting food for your baby. To prepare this porridge, cook two teaspoons of Ragi flour in 1 cup of water until you get a smooth, puree-like consistency. You may serve this as it is or mix in formula or breast milk.

The Takeaway

Apart from immunizing your baby with all the vaccines listed in the baby immunization chart, you must also incorporate immunity-boosting foods for babies and Ayurvedic herbs and practices like Swarna Prashana. Playing a proactive role as a parent can help you support the baby's immune system. Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing new foods or practices. Stay informed and prioritize your baby's well-being for a healthier future.