Children falling ill frequently, fatigue, anger, irritability indicate that your child's immunity is weak and needs attention. Pediatricians believe that along with vaccination, diet and habits also play an important role in increasing the immunity of children.
Keeping children healthy is the first priority of every parent. As a doctor, I always say that building and maintaining the immunity of children is the most important step for their health. Strong immunity not only protects children from infections, but also helps them adjust to new environments and recover quickly if they fall ill.
In this article, I will share some important tips to increase the immunity of children. (Tips to build kids immunity) I will share, including lifestyle, nutrition, prevention methods and importance of vaccination.
Here are effective ways to increase children's immunity (Tips to build kids immunity)
1. Need to increase immunity in children (Immunity for kids)
Immunity is a defense mechanism of our body, which fights bacteria, viruses and other harmful elements. Babies are born with an immature immune system. As they grow, their immune system develops with the help of breastfeeding, vaccines and environmental immunity.
By the age of 2-3 years, children's immune system has a strong foundation, but it still needs support. Strong immunity in childhood lays the foundation for a healthy life, helps protect against serious diseases and helps children deal with common illnesses.
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2. Role of nutrition in immunity (Foods to build kids immunity)
Nutrition is a cornerstone of children's health, especially their immunity. A balanced diet that includes vitamins, minerals and other nutrients is extremely beneficial for children.
Main nutrients to increase immunity (Nutrients to build kids immunity)
vitamin C: Helpful in increasing immunity. Citrus fruits, strawberries and capsicum are good sources of it.
vitamin D: It is essential for immunity and bone health. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight, fortified dairy products and fish.
Zinc: It is helpful in fighting infections and healing wounds. Zinc is found in nuts, seeds and whole grains.
Probiotics: Gut health plays an important role in immunity. Yogurt, kefir and other fermented foods maintain gut health.
Protein: It produces immune cells. Eggs, poultry, beans and lentils are good sources.
A varied diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins provides essential nutrients for children. Avoiding processed foods, sugary snacks, and artificially flavored drinks is also beneficial.
3. Immunization: Essential basis of immunity (Immunization to build kids immunity)
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect against serious diseases. Vaccines activate the immune system so it can fight specific pathogens. With this, children can get protection for a long time without getting sick.
Essential vaccines for kids to build immunity
The vaccines recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in India are as follows:
- BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin): Prevents tuberculosis.
- DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus): Protects against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus.
- hepatitis B: Protects against viruses that cause liver disease.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Prevents measles, mumps and rubella.
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b): Provides protection from infections like brain fever and pneumonia.
- Polio: Polio is given by oral and injectable vaccines.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV): Provides protection from pneumonia and meningitis.
- Rotavirus: Prevents severe diarrhea in children.
Following this vaccination schedule helps protect against serious diseases and keep children healthy.
4. Lifestyle tips to build kids immunity
Apart from nutrition and vaccination, some lifestyle habits are also helpful in strengthening immunity:
Ensure adequate sleep (Healthy sleep)
During sleep, growth and repair processes occur in the body and the immune system is restored. Infants need 14-17 hours of sleep, toddlers need 11-14 hours, and school-age children need 9-12 hours of sleep.
Promote regular physical activity
Daily activity stimulates immunity and improves blood circulation. Keeping children engaged in sports or motivated to participate in other physical activities is beneficial for their health.
Teach hygiene habits
It is important to explain the importance of cleanliness to children. Teach them to wash hands regularly, cover mouth when sneezing, use handkerchief, and brush teeth twice a day. These habits not only reduce the spread of germs, but also maintain the cleanliness of the teeth and mouth, which improves their overall health.
Manage stress (Stress management)
Stress can weaken immunity. It is important to provide children with a supportive and loving environment and to talk to them openly.
5. Common misconceptions related to children's immunity (Myths about kids immunity)
Myth 1: Excessive cleaning is beneficial
Avoiding children's exposure to microbes through excessive cleanliness can hinder their development of immunity. Playing in natural environment strengthens immunity.
Myth 2: Vitamin supplements are enough
Although supplements can be useful, whole foods contain more nutrients, which is better for immunity.
Myth 3: Diseases are always harmful
Mild infections can be helpful in training immunity. These contribute to developing immunity.
6. Importance of regular health checkup to monitor kids immunity
Regular health checkups are important to monitor children's growth, track vaccination status, and spot health problems early.
When to seek medical help
Although increasing immunity reduces diseases, seek medical help immediately for certain symptoms, such as:
Persistent high fever.
Shortness of breath or rapid breathing.
Frequent vomiting or diarrhea.
Excessive tiredness or irritability.
conclusion
Strengthening children's immunity is a long process, which includes proper nutrition, vaccination, healthy lifestyle and adequate sleep. Following these suggestions can prepare children for a healthy and active life.
Also read – Mix these 5 nutritious ingredients in milk, immunity and muscle health will also improve.
