Children get sick more often than adults because their immune system is not sufficiently developed. Strengthening the immune system during childhood is of great importance in terms of maintaining a healthy life in adulthood.
In order to strengthen the immune system, it needs to grow in a healthy environment as well as regular nutrition. Liv Hospital Child Health and Diseases Specialist Assist. Assoc. Dr. Emre talked about ways to strengthen the immune system of children without chin.
What is the immune system?
The immune system is a defense system made up of proteins, various tissues and organs, and tries to protect us from germs. When this system is not enough, we become ill. White blood cells (leukocytes) circulating in the blood detect microbes and initiate a series of operations to neutralize them. Our organs that make white blood cells are the thymus, spleen and bone marrow. There are also white blood cells in tiny glands called lymph nodes in the body. There are two types of white blood cells; one group neutralizes the microbes, while the others memorize the microbes that enter the body, develop soldiers (antibodies) against it and kill the microbe in the next attack.
When microbes enter the body, the body immediately attempts to produce soldiers (antibodies) against it. The next time the same microbe tries to enter, the soldiers prevent the disease. For example, after you have chickenpox, you won’t have it again, because the body has taken the precaution. Vaccines also protect your child with this logic. With the vaccine, we give enough microbes to not make the body sick but to stimulate the immune system, antibodies are formed in the body immediately and when it encounters a real disease, it prevents the disease.
Breast milk is the most important source of nutrition
The most important source of nutrition in the immune system is, of course, breast milk. The protective factors in breast milk are passed directly to the baby and lay the foundations of the individual’s immunity, which will protect him for life.
Keeping the immune system stronger
More fruits and vegetables: Include colorful vegetables with more vitamin C, carotene and antioxidants at the table. Such as green leafy vegetables, broccoli, peppers, carrots, pumpkin oranges, apricots, tropical fruits…
Less sugar and sweeteners: Scientific studies show that sugar-added foods negatively affect the functioning of white blood cells. It is necessary to stay away from sweeteners, all types of sugar, and packaged sweet foods taken from outside, especially during periods of illness. It is better to use honey, molasses or natural fruit sugar instead.
The most beneficial fatty acids are Omega 3 oils: This substance, which is especially found in oily fish circulating in cold waters, is a very valuable immune support. Omega fatty acids increase the activity of cells that eat bacteria. If oily fish is not available or to eat 3 days a week, it is still sufficient to have local fresh fish and a capsule containing fish oil several times a week. Flaxseed oil is also a good source of Omega 3, although not as potent as fish oil.
Adequate sleep: Studies show that in children as in adults, lack of sleep reduces the power of germ-killing cells. Considering that young children, who spend exciting hours with different activities in the kindergarten throughout the day, do not sleep, we understand that it is very necessary and important for them to go to bed early. Children of this age need 12-13 hours of sleep, and preschoolers need 10 hours of sleep.
Normal weight: Obesity has a negative effect on the immune system by slowing down the production of antibodies. Try to keep both weight and immune system under control by keeping your child active.
Pay attention to personal hygiene: Although it does not directly increase immunity, it can prevent the fatigue of the immune system. Pay attention to hand washing with soap. Hands should be washed with soap after school, before and after meals, after blowing their nose, and after using the toilet. If toothbrushes are kept together, it is useful to throw away the patient’s brush and buy a new one.
Don’t smoke near it: Children are even more susceptible to the harmful effects of smoking because they breathe more per minute. Don’t let your child be a passive smoker unless you want to increase the risk of bronchitis, ear infections, asthma.
Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency
