"A collection of mechanisms within an organism that protects against disease by identifying and killing pathogens and tumor cells. It detects a wide variety of agents, from viruses to parasitic worms, and needs to distinguish them from the organism's own healthy cells and tissues in order to function properly. Detection is complicated as pathogens adapt and evolve new ways to successfully infect the host organism."

Sounds pretty important, doesn't it? This is Wikipedia's definition of immune system – a system that must be in good working order for us to live a healthy life.

Here are 5 ways to give your baby or toddler's immune system a boost!

Nutrients play an integral role in the development and function of the immune system, says Dr. Joseph Kahn, Chair, Department of Pediatrics at St. John's Mercy Children's Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. "A functioning immune system requires rapid cellular proliferation and synthesis of protective proteins (antibodies) which requires a ready supply of nutrients."

"You can boost the immune system of a baby or toddler eating solid foods or baby foods by offering plenty of fruits and vegetables," says Lauren Graf, clinical dietitian at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York. She suggests sweet potatoes, oranges, blueberries, applesauce, broccoli and carrots. "These foods are packed with vitamins and minerals and antioxidants. Many vitamins including vitamin C and E are antioxidants and work to protect the cells of the immune system."

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.