Simple Ways To Boost Your Child’s Immune System
If there is one part of our body that works night and day to keep us free from diseases, it’s the immune system. Had it not been for the immune system, even a simple bacterial infection could have led to serious, sometimes even fatal, consequences. So it’s highly important that we take good care of our immune system.
Like adults, children too need a robust immune system especially now that the schools have reopened and they need to be out there in the real world.
While over the last few weeks, several children have been down with respiratory infections thanks to the changing weather and reopening of schools, boosting children’s immunity has been a hot topic of discussion among many.
Let’s take a look at how the immune system works and some simple tips and tricks which can help children lead better and healthier lives.
How does the immune system work?
When a foreign body enters the body, substances called antibodies and various other cells recognize this foreign body and activate the defense compartment of the body. This defense compartment consists of various proteins, cells and antibodies that attempt to destroy the foreign body in order to stop the spread of the disease caused by the foreign body. Various processes like phagocytosis, opsonization and agglutination take place inside the body in order to relieve the body from the foreign pathogen or foreign body.
Building a strong immune system in children
Naturally, the first step towards building a robust immune system in children is by giving them a healthy diet. A diet replete with fruits and vegetables (five servings a day and half of every meal plate), whole grains and lean protein is the best. A healthy diet also has a source of calcium like dairy and healthy fats, like ghee, nuts, seeds, fish and vegetable oils. A diet consisting of high sugar and highly processed food should be avoided. Studies have shown that a regular consumption of vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids prevents a lot of chronic diseases. Consumption of probiotics, like yoghurt, too has been proven to improve gut health and lower the risk of gut infections.
Ways to boost immunity in kids
- Infants who are breastfed have a stronger ability to fight infections because breastmilk contains a lot of components that form an integral part of the early immune system and cannot be replaced with any other form of milk. Vaccinations are also imperative for the well-being of infants. There are many unsubstantiated rumors and fears related to vaccinations but parents should be aware that vaccines help children lead healthy and happy lives. Hence, they need to ensure that they follow the immunization schedule.
- Sleep is a critical part of a healthy immune system. If the body doesn’t have time to refresh and rejuvenate, the immune system will break down no matter what you put into your body. Make sure that your children are getting enough sleep and following proper nap times as per their age. Infants nap a lot more than older kids and one of the reasons for this is to build a healthy immune system.
- In these competitive times, primary school children are stressed due to the growing academic pressure. Parents should see to it that children have plenty of free time to energize and not get bogged down by the stress of studies.
- Another important factor when it comes to building immunity is hygiene. Ensure that your kids follow basic hygiene like having bath every day, washing hands with soap frequently, covering their mouth while sneezing or coughing and wearing masks in crowded places. All these simple precautions can prevent a lot of infections like flu and cold which are easily transmissible.
- Help your children develop the habit of exercising and encourage them to take part in various physical activities on a daily basis. More energy, low blood pressure and proper blood circulation are some of the positive effects of exercise and are essential to build a strong immune system that helps the body fight off illnesses.
- Don’t pressurize your pediatrician to prescribe an antibiotic whenever your child has a cold, flu or sore throat. Antibiotics are used to treat illnesses that are caused only by bacteria but a majority of childhood illnesses are caused by viruses, according to Howard Bauchner, MD, a professor of pediatrics and public health at the Boston University School of Medicine. Unnecessary consumption of antibiotics could lead to strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the body and even a simple ear infection can become the most difficult to cure if it’s caused by a stubborn bacteria that doesn’t respond to standard treatment.
