Our immune system takes over the onus of guarding us against illnesses. However, children are not born with strong immune systems; it needs to be strengthened. A baby lives in a very protected environment in the mother's womb. The moment it comes out, it is exposed to various viruses and bacteria. That is the reason babies fall ill more often. As they grow, their immune system grows stronger if proper inputs are given.
While over-protectiveness is not good, certain things have to be taken care of in their growing years; if not, their immunity could become weak and they will become susceptible to various illnesses. Let us look at the factors that help you strengthen your child's immune system.
Ways to Strengthen Your Child's Immunity
- Breastfeed: Nature has endowed mother's milk with ample immune-boosting antibodies and white blood cells, which help strengthen your delicate baby's immune system. Moms need to breast-feed their babies for 1 year according to American Academy of Pediatrics. If for some reason, this is not possible, they should breast-feed for at least the first 2 to 3 months.
- Fresh Food: The importance of eating fresh produce (fruits and vegetables) cannot be stressed enough, more so in children. While eating fresh and freshly made foods boost your child's immune system, stale food does have the reverse effect. Plenty of fresh fruits rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, etc., should be included in their daily diet. Fruits like apples, oranges, and other seasonal fruits should be given to them for snacking (instead of biscuits and chips).
- Avoid Junk and Processed foods: Of course children love these two, but it does not mean it is good for them. On the contrary, the various chemicals and additives present in processed foods have the capacity to harm a strong immune system. However, it is not difficult to cultivate healthy eating habits for kids at home. If, however, parents don't give up on junk and processed foods themselves, it becomes difficult. Children more often than not imitate what parents do. So, don't give them the opportunity to say, "Papa, don't preach...."
- Exercise: Exercise is a surefire immunity enhancer even for children. Children should not be glued to the TV whenever they are at home. Rather than telling them to go and play (while you watch TV!), it is better to organize some sporting activities with them. This way, it will be a good energetic family bonding time, all the while boosting your child's immune system (and yours too!).
- Inculcate Personal Hygiene: A lot of stress is being laid these days on hand washing and sanitizing, etc. Going overboard with these trends could do more harm than good as far as strengthening your child's immunity is concerned; however, a general personal hygiene and cleanliness should be maintained. Washing hands after visiting the toilet or when the hands are visibly soiled and washing hands before eating or touching food should be inculcated. Another important thing parents should take care is changing their child's toothbrush more often. Toothbrushes are germ carriers, and require hygienic handling. Interchanging toothbrushes between siblings also should be discouraged.
- Antibiotic Use: It is generally seen that parents request their pediatrician to write strong medicines (antibiotics) even for common colds, sore throat, or flu. Colds and sore throats just require some natural remedies or some mild medications. Doctors are of the opinion that flu and most childhood ailments are caused by viruses, not bacteria, and therefore do not require antibiotics. Frequent antibiotic use will only weaken your child's immune system.
- Sufficient Sleep: Children require more sleep than adults to stay healthy. If sleep deprivation can make adults perform less optimally and lower their otherwise strong immune system, it is simple logic that it will affect children's immunity quite adversely. These days, the odd working hours of adults definitely have an impact on the kids sleeping hours. According to experts, a preschooler requires 10 hours of sleep, a toddler 12 to 13 hours, and newborn babies 18 hours of sleep. Parents should ensure that the family environment be such that children get the required amount of sleep on a daily basis.
It is true that strong children grow up to be strong adults. When your child grows up physically and mentally strong, it will be such a value addition to the society.
