How to have Good Immunity for Child?
Abstract
There are many cells and organs involved in protecting our body. Our immune system and cells involved in it help us subsiding various foreign bodies which keep invading our body. Our immune system gets triggered by the presence of any pathogen and gets rid of them accordingly. In children, this invasion is more frequent and common because of their increased exposure to the outer world. To keep the immune system boosted we need to take care of them with diet and daily routines.
Introduction
Now or then every person is worried about protecting their child from germs and infections caused by them. But this is very unfortunate that it’s their job description to get sick once in a while. Though we all have been born with an immense army of the immune system which is inexperienced. Gradually their immunity levels up with recurrent interaction with viruses and bacteria.
How does the Immune System Develop in Children?
The time till the foetus remains in the comforting environment of its mother’s womb; it doesn’t need any other mechanisms. After nine months when the bay has to leave its comfort zone, sudden exposure to the outside world demands rapid changes in order to make the immune responses. The innate immune system which develops involves certain cells synthesized during its fetal life and these include neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells. This innate immunity is weak in new-borns but gets stronger in later life.
Tips to Boost Your Child’s Immune System
The process of building immunity in children is not a one-day phenomenon. It starts from the first day when a baby is born. Here are a few easy tips and habits which can surely help in boosting up your child’s immune system:-
1. Healthy and Balanced Diet
Decorate the plate comprising all biomolecules i.e. Vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fat in optimum quantity. Include colourful citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, carrots, etc. in your kid’s diet. These will help to build up the immune system naturally.
2. Proper Sleep
What makes your children easily susceptible to infections easily? Being sleep deprived can contribute to it. Inadequate amount of sleep suppresses the functions of the immune system automatically. Make your kid sleep at least 10 hours a day to keep their immune system boosting.
3. Be Hygienic
Your child’s hands might carry more germs than you think. Teach them to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds whenever they return from outside, before and after having meals and using the restroom. This can prevent various seasonal viral infections in your child.
4. Keep Moving
Involve your kids in more outdoor activities rather than in television shows. This will make them lethargic instead tell them to play outside in fresh air.
How Can Diet Help in Boosting the Immune System?
There is nothing more disappointing and painful for a parent than seeing their child sick. Every parent tries their best to take care of our children and fulfil their nutritional requirements. There are some super-foods which can be added in the daily diet that supercharges your child’s immune system or defence mechanism. Let’s get started!!!
1. Eggs and Pulses
Egg whites are a great source of proteins and provide enough animal proteins to build immunity in kids. Make them eat this storehouse of minerals and vital vitamins. A bowl full of pulses is also a good option to go for.
2. Probiotic can be a Life Saviour
Feed their tummy with some good gut bacteria, give a try to yoghurt which is full of all species of lactobacilli that strengthens the gastrointestinal lining and prevents illness. These bacteria prevent the colonisation of bad bacteria in the stomach. Thus try to include curd or yoghurt in any form whether raita of Lassi.
3. A Handful of Nuts is good
Garnish your home-cooked cuisines with dry fruits like raisins, walnuts, almonds, dates, figs, etc. Dry fruits are power-packed sources of minerals, micronutrients and macronutrients, omega fatty acids, etc. These can be a healthy choice to munch on in odd hours.
4. Garlic and Ginger
These both Indian traditional herbs possess antiviral and antibacterial properties. Enhance the taste of food by adding these herbs. Both stimulate the synthesis of white blood cells which naturally builds up an army against infections.
5. Fruits to the Rescue
Make it a habit to pack your baby a seasonal colourful fruit in a lunch box. It’s time to add an apple, banana, peaches, pomegranate, etc. Fruits contain antioxidants which boosts up the immune system at a very great level.
Herbs for Boosting the Immune System
Ayurveda totally relies on the Tridosha and their imbalance. A healthy and strengthened immune system is signified by equilibrium in mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. Moreover, according to Ayurvedic principles prana, Tejas and ojas are the three pious energies which are responsible for the proper functionality of the immune system. Here are some of the herbs which act tremendously in boosting the immunity:-
1. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
This herb is also known as Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) which is popular for its immune-boosting properties. Giloy is overloaded with anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties which help our body in fighting infections naturally.
2. Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica)
Centella asiatica (Gotukola) maintains a healthy metabolism, blood circulation and improves regeneration of healthy brain cells. Gotukola effectively manages the natural biological clock and reduces restlessness.
3. Haridra (Curcuma longa)
Haridra is commonly known as curcumin (Curcuma longa) is an active compound present in turmeric. It possesses antimicrobial, antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which boosts up the immune system.
4. Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Holy basil is a traditional and religious plant and also does wonders in boosting the immune system. It protects our body from infections caused by bacteria, virus, protozoa, etc. and moreover, increases the production of natural killer cells in the blood.
5. Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Neem possesses detoxifying and blood purifying properties which help in flushing out toxins from the body. These are full of antioxidants which boost the immune system and strengthen our body.
Conclusion
Sometimes our immune system fails too in defending our body from microorganisms and pathogens. Some dietary changes are required because it is said that your first line of defence is choosing a healthy lifestyle.
