Immunity is the body’s defense mechanism to protect itself against infectious diseases. It is the first line of protection against anything harmful that may enter our bodies. The body’s immune system fights against infection and kills the germs that enter and harm our body.
As a newborn, your baby is protected by the antibodies called immunoglobulins that they received from their mother’s breast milk. However, since this is not enough for more serious diseases like polio, Hepatitis B, measles, rubella, and so on, it is recommended that the necessary vaccines be taken. Parents and preschools need to find other ways to improve their child’s immunity as the child grows older.
Here are Some Other Things that Can be Done to Boost Your Child’s Immunity
1. Provide a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet
A healthy diet comprising vegetables, salads, fruit, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy, and healthy fat should be given regularly as a balanced diet will have the necessary immunity-building nutrients. In contrast, deep-fried, processed foods, foods with added sugar, and foods with high sugar content should be kept to a minimum as these contain unhealthy ingredients that will unnecessarily fill their stomachs. Foods like yogurt, citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, berries, lean meats, fish, eggs, seeds, oats, and turmeric rank particularly high among the immunity-boosting food segment as they contain a good amount of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium, and Fiber.
2. Ensure Enough Sleep
The sleep requirements for children can range between 14 to 16 hours for babies to 8 hours for teens. It also varies from child to child, depending on their activity levels. Ensure that your child gets a healthy amount of sleep by maintaining a fixed time for them to go to bed and a regular bedtime routine, turning off all screens and devices at least 2 hours before bedtime. Getting good and regular sleep will give time for the body to rest, repair and heal itself. Insufficient sleep will keep the body tired and vulnerable and prone to catching infections and germs.
3. Keep Your Child Active
An active child is a healthy child, we’ve all heard this saying. Active children are less prone to falling sick, and this is because physical activity increases the movement of the white blood cells to more parts of the body where germs and diseases can be identified. The immune system can respond more rapidly. Care should be taken so that we don’t overdo it with physical activity. An hour of playing and running around with friends or in the playground is good enough to boost your child’s immunity.
4. Make Sure their Vaccinations are Up-To-Date
While the body can fight most germs, viruses, and bacteria, there are still a few that the child’s immune system cannot handle on its own. A vaccine provides the body with the necessary antibodies to fight off stronger and more harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses. Along with the vaccine, some also need a booster to be taken regularly, ensuring that the body has the necessary antibodies when required.
5. Manage and Reduce Stress
Stress is one of the main causes of ill health in adults and children. It could manifest in sleeplessness, nightmares, sleepwalking, and anxiety, to name a few disorders. This affects our health and makes us prone to infection too. To reduce stress in children and boost immunity, give them a chance to play, maybe even go outside and run around, and allow them to indulge in activities that make them happy and spend their energy to reduce stress. Spending time as a family, especially at mealtimes, talking and sharing about our day or even things that are worrying us, is a good way to reduce stress. On the other hand, if you are worried about your child’s moods and if they are exhibiting signs of depression, stress, and anxiety it is best to talk to a doctor without delay.
6. Use Simple Precautions
Simple habits like washing your hands before eating, covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing, staying away from people who are sick, using masks in crowded places, and not eating uncovered food from roadside hawkers are all good preventive measures to use and stay healthy. Eating healthy food in a healthy environment.
Follow these tips to give your child the best chance to build and boost their immunity and watch them grow into healthy individuals. However, if your child tends to fall sick often, it is better to consult your Doctor. Keep a look out for frequent bouts of bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus infections, meningitis, skin or ear infections, allergies, and loss of appetite, amongst others, as signs of a weak immune system.
EuroKids encourage good eating habits and have a specialized menu to help your little one stay healthy. During the year, they are repeatedly taught preventive measures to reduce the spread of infections. The school days are divided into numerous activities, some serious but most of them enjoyable. Children are given ample time to play and move around and reduce stress . Click here to visit a Eurokids centre near you.
