How to protect child from infections in today’s world?

How to protect child from infections in today’s world? It is very important for the parents to keep a constant check in their child’ immune system. Balanced nutrition and supplements will help your child to keep away infections.

Mortals over the years have seen several epidemics like smallpox, polio and the Spanish flu and the immunity system has adapted to protect itself against these diseases. Since severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new virus, there is no pre-existing immunity in human beings. This has raised several questions in the minds of begetters. The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that defends the body against infection. It keeps a record of every germ (microbe) it has defeated enabling it to recognize and destroy that microbe quickly should it enter the body again.

Children, especially toddlers are extremely susceptible to various illness and infections throughout the year. Therefore it is crucial for parents to understand how immunity transfers from the mother to the child and the importance of boosting the child’s immunity during its formative stages. Antibodies which are the defence cells are passed from mother to baby through the placenta during the pregnancy. This gives the baby some protection during the early days of birth.

The type and amount of antibodies passed to the baby is dependent on the mother’s own level of immunity. After birth, defensive cells called as antibodies are passed on to the baby through the mother’s milk. However, the child’s immune system is still developing and would need the requisite support. Premature babies are at higher risk of infection as their immune systems are under developed and adequate antibodies haven’t been passed to them from their mothers.

How do I boost my Child’s Immunity?

It is very important for the parents to keep a constant check in their child’ immune system to keep them healthy lifelong.

1. Breast feeding : Breast feeding is probably one of the best ways to help support a baby’s immune system when it’s growing. Mother’s milk contains important ingredients that are crucial for your baby’s immune system – proteins, fats, sugars, antibodies and probiotics are the important elements. Mother’s antibodies are passed on to the baby, also through breast milk.

2. Vaccination: Enrolling your child for the vaccination program as per the standard guidelines is an effective and safe method to protect them against serious diseases.

3. Proper Hygiene: Try to control your child to avoid touching foreign objects or things on the floor, since they can transmit dangerous infections. Make them get into the habit of washing their hands frequently, especially before and after meals.

4. Adequate Sleep: Proper amount of sleep will help boost your child immunity. Inadequate sleep limits the body’s ability to produce proteins called cytokines that help fight infection and reduce inflammation. Children should have at least 8-10 hours of sleep in a day.

Child’s Immunity, diet and neutraceuticals:

Child’s immune system is changing continuously. It is adapting and strengthening in response to external triggers. The eating habits will help them in enhancing natural defences & enabling them to fight infections. Nutrition is an important determinant of immune responses in your child & nutritional deficiencies alter their immune response, whereby increasing risk of infection. Balanced nutrition and supplements will help your child to keep away infections. Below are few nutrients that will help your child boost immunity:

1. Vitamin C Known as ascorbic acid, is found in citrus fruits, berries, potatoes and peppers. It is also found in Plant sources, including tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli.Vitamin C supports the immune system by stimulating the formation of antibodies.

2. Vitamin E works as an antioxidant and may support immune function. Adding vitamin E in your child’s diet with fortified cereals, sunflower seeds, almonds, oils (such as sunflower or safflower oil), hazelnuts and peanut butter will help to boost immunity.

3. Zinc helps the immune system function effectively and may help in healing of wound. Sources of Zinc for your child are lean meat, poultry, seafood, milk, whole grain products, beans, seeds and nuts.

4. Protein are the building blocks of your child’s immune system, especially for healing and recovery purposes. Addition of protein rich foods like seafood, lean meat, poultry, eggs, beans and peas, soy products and unsalted nuts and seeds will be helpful in boosting the immunity.

5.Probiotics are living microorganisms that are found naturally in foods such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso and kefir. These microorganisms are known as ‘good’ or ‘friendly’ bacteria – as they keep away the harmful bacteria and prevent them from settling in the gut.

6. Other nutrients, including vitamin A,D, B6, B12, copper, folate, selenium and iron also support immune response and help your child to boost the immune system.

In Conclusion, Immune system plays a vital role in the well-being of child. From childhood to adulthood you have to help your child to develop and grow. Holistic approach beginning from birth are necessary for growth, development & health of your child. This becomes more critical during the current COVID-19 environment.