This saying by many parents is deemed cliche: the days are long, but the years are short.
But as mothers, there is no doubt about it when—despite the daily struggle—you see how fast your toddlers pick up traits, habits and words.
Their minds are like sponges, soaking up experiences and learning rapidly.
Yet, it is during toddlerhood that their developing brains are also delicate and can be highly susceptible to external factors, including infections.
While it is perfectly normal for parents to have their child fall sick a few times during their childhood, one should also be mindful of improving their child’s immune system to fight common childhood infections, including respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and fevers.
Although uncommon, these can potentially lead to several cognitive setbacks, especially if they are severe or recurrent.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colds are some of the most common reasons children miss school.
And these colds are a result of any of the 200 types of viruses that are spread through air or close contact.
How Infection Impacts Children’s Brain Development
Did you know that infections may have an impact on brain development?
Now, this is not intended to scare or shock parents.
However, we need to know that infections are associated with disrupted growth and development (Dewey & Mayers, 2011).
When children become ill, their bodies naturally prioritise diverting nutrients to bolster their immune system’s fight against pathogens.
In cases of frequent infections and illnesses, the redirected nutrients may hinder the children’s growth, development, including cognitive growth (Dewey & Mayers, 2011).
While I need to stress that they are rare, it is still important to build up your child’s immune system.
Even after they recover from high fevers and discomfort caused by infections like the flu or severe colds, they may still struggle with focusing during lessons at pre-school or kindergarten.
If you pay attention, you may even see them struggle with simple chores.
One of the most notable infections of the 21st century that has hit close to everyone on the globe is the COVID-19 virus, and many have experienced brain fog, thought to result from impact to the brainstem.
The same happens with children as well as adults.
And being in that brain fog during this stage of their lives may cause them to miss crucial learning.
When a child is fighting off an infection, their body redirects energy and resources toward the immune response.
It may lead to fatigue, which could be one of the factors contributing to poor attention and concentration difficulties, making it challenging for children to engage in tasks and activities.
As mentioned above, prolonged or recurrent illnesses may result in missed school days, which might impact a child’s academic performance and cause them to fall behind their peers.
Catching up academically after a prolonged illness can be challenging.
Chronic absenteeism typically affects academic outcomes, particularly social skills and reading.
In addition, chronic absenteeism as early as preschool and kindergarten has been shown to be related to future chronic absenteeism as well.
A study of hand hygiene among preschool children in the Klang Valley saw illnesses as a major reason for absenteeism.
Chronic absenteeism can be a better predictor of academic performance than test scores.
In one report, students with high test scores who missed at least two weeks of school during the semester were more likely to have lower grades than those with low test scores who regularly attended school.
Importance of Your Kid’s Good Immune System
Here is another cliche saying: Better safe than sorry.
It applies splendidly when it comes to building your child’s immune system.
Ask any kindergarten teacher, and they will tell you that some children in their class are more likely to fall sick than others.
And it is obvious to them that a particular child may have a better immune system than the others.
As parents, we want our children to be fit and healthy all the time.
But are you building in them a fit and good immune system?
One of the ways is by providing a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products.
These foods offer essential vitamins and minerals important to supporting a good immune system.
Encourage a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables to ensure a broad range of nutrients.
You can also consider introducing Anmum
It is scientifically formulated with Probio DR10
Your child also needs adequate sleep and rest.
Establish a consistent sleep schedule for your child, ensuring they get the recommended amount of sleep for their age (typically 11–14 hours per 24 hours for toddlers and 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours for preschoolers).
A well-rested child is better equipped to fight off infections and maintain a good immune system.
Some parents may struggle with bedtime, but I am here to tell you that consistency is key.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help your child wind down before sleep and ensure their sleep environment is comfortable and conducive to rest.
However, when your child has a strong immunity, they are ‘exposed’ to more learning time—no matter at school or at home.
The more they explore, the more they learn, especially with outdoor exploration and unstructured play.
Not to mention, outdoor activities enhance physical fitness, stimulate curiosity about the natural world and provide a break from screens.
There are only pros and zero cons to this scheme!
Feed Your Child the NEW and Improved Anmum
It is important for every parent to give the best and provide the utmost support for their child’s brain and immunity development.
Anmum
Let’s build strong and smart children today!
There are a number of studies that have illuminated the incredible benefits of Probio DR10
Probio DR10
Most importantly, the combination of Probio DR10
Studies showed that Probio DR10
DHA and Gangliosides play a pivotal role in supporting brain development, which is the foundation for IQ development2 and memory formation3,4, setting the stage for your child’s future.
DHA is a critical omega-3 fatty acid that plays a vital role in brain and visual development.
However, needs vary between ages.
Experts recommend consumption of 100 to 150mg of EPA and DHA for 2 to 4-year-olds, 150 to 200mg for 4 to 6-year-olds and 200 to 250mg for 6 to 10-year-olds (FAO, 2010).
The New and Improved Anmum
A glass of Anmum
Just by having three glasses a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner), your child is fed 150mg of DHA a day, meeting the recommended daily intake of DHA for children aged 2 to 6 years.
Anmum
It also comes with No Added Sugars**, definitely a good choice of growing-up milk powder for your child.
A diet high in sugar should be avoided for our children.
If a child has excessive sugar intake during his or her childhood stage, it may have a detrimental effect on their health in the future.
High sugar intake may also impact your child’s memory and learning.
Study showed that with every increase in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, the verbal intelligence score is reduced by 2.4 points per serving in a day5.
In the quest to raise stronger and smarter children, it’s essential for parents to understand the symbiotic relationship between brain development and immune system strengthening.
Striking the right balance ensures that children grow into intellectually vibrant and physically resilient individuals.
Try Anmum
Get your Anmum
Disclaimer:
*With proper stimulation & good nutrition. | ~Bifidobacterium lactis HN019
#Compared to the product label of major brands of formulated milk powder for children as of July 2023.
▲35% reduction is applicable to respiratory infection only.
^Referring to the product label for major brands of the same product category in the market.
**Sucrose, Glucose Syrup Solid, Corn Syrup Solid, Brown Sugar, Dextrose, Lactose, Fructose, Honey and White Sugar are defined as ‘sugars’ and ‘added sugars’ under CODEX Standard 212-1999 and CAC/GL23-1997. CODEX develops harmonised international food standards guidelines and code of practices. Under Malaysia Food Regulations 1985, Sucrose, Brown Sugar, Dextrose, Glucose, Fructose, Honey are defined as sweetening substances.
References:
1. Sazawal et al. (2010). PLoS ONE. 5(8): e12164.
2. Kuratko et al. (2013). Nutrients. 5, 2777-2810.
3. Palmano et al. (2015) Nutrients. 7(5), 3891-3913.
4. Mulder et al. (2022). Curr. Dev. Nutr. 6 (7), nzac099.
5. Cohen et al. (2018). Am J Prev Med. 54(6), 727-735.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!