During the summer, most parents breathed a sigh of relief, forgetting at least three months of colds, bronchitis, fever, and cough. The new school year, in addition to new knowledge, adventures and socializing, also brings those less pleasant autumn and winter phenomena - viral and bacterial infections. We have no doubt that in pharmacies you can find various products, "miracle potions" and pills that will strengthen your children's immunity. Some of them will probably be recommended to you by your chosen pediatrician.
However, pediatrician Marija Lakićević, PhD, reveals natural ways in which you can boost your children's immunity. They are very effective, he says, only if you are persistent. And in this case, persistence pays off.
"We all know that children suffer from respiratory infections that often recur during the school year. Symptoms can be a red throat, swollen tonsils, sinus inflammation, cough, breathing difficulties, increased production of bronchial secretions, elevated body temperature. There are no secrets about a child's immune system. When it is born, part of the immune cells it receives from its mother, and part it acquires through its own 'effort' in contact with viruses and bacteria. Every time a young organism comes into contact with unknown viruses or bacteria, the organism defends itself and trains "special forces" to fight against a certain attacker (antibodies). Each time the organism comes into contact with an attacker it has already met, it activates 'special forces' for that attacker and trains new classes of special forces. A young organism must get to know bacteria and viruses from its environment and develop resistance to them, which is why children often get sick. Schools, kindergartens, kindergartens and other places where children spend time together are ideal for the spread of viruses and bacteria that cause diseases. The immune system will certainly do its job, but it must be helped. And with natural medicines," says Dr. Lakićević.
A healthy diet before every step
"Quality and proper nutrition is the key to creating and strengthening immunity in children. A child should eat a lot of fruits, preferably yellow and orange, dark green vegetables, cereals, because they contain numerous vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, as well as milk and milk products. For example, garlic is the best natural antibiotic that has a wider spectrum than penicillin, and it also protects against viruses and is most effective if it is not thermally processed, but it has favorable properties in other forms as well. Onion, paprika and mustard have mucolytic properties and facilitate the elimination of secretions from the respiratory tract. Broccoli is a source of B vitamins and folic acid, carrots contain carotenoids that protect against cancer, while legumes are rich in fiber and antioxidants. So, your child needs all this in order to safely enter the vicious circle of school colds. Probiotics also have a great impact on health, i.e. the "good" microorganisms that live in the intestines and protect against various diseases, protect the intestines from the colonization of "bad" bacteria and at the same time stimulate the intestinal immune function, thus contributing to the maturation of the immune system. Fermented dairy products, such as yogurt, sour milk, kefir, cheese, are sources of probiotic cultures - immunomodulators, and therefore should be given to children every day," says our interlocutor.
The other side of the story is based on foods that have an immunosuppressive effect, so they should be avoided.
"By that we mean, first of all, sugar, which reduces the number of leukocytes and the formation of antibodies. Also, carbonated drinks should be replaced with naturally squeezed fruit juices. Sweets should be removed from the diet and children should eat cereals and nuts instead," advises Dr. Lakićević.
Natural remedies pay off
"Many moms know that certain foods and plants can help us strengthen our children's immunity and prepare defense shields before the flu and cold season. The immune system largely depends on good digestion, and among the important plants for immunity are echinacea, garlic, ginger, turmeric, ginkgo biloba... Of course, there are also indispensable honey and lemon, as well as physical activity and being in the fresh air," he says. Dr. Lakićević.
Echinacea is a plant from the daisy family that has long been associated with strengthening immunity. You can combine it with other healthy plants or simply give your child tea made only from this healthy plant on a regular basis. Echinance syrups for children are given preventively a few weeks before the cold season (4-6 weeks), no longer than 8 weeks. Echinacea is also given if the child has already fallen ill in high daily doses, because it has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. In the case of viral infections, the beneficial effect of echinacea manifests itself in the form of increased production of interferons, which fight against viruses. If a bacterial infection develops, echinancea has been proven to prevent the development of streptococci (one of the most common causes of respiratory tract infections), staphylococci and fungi. Echinacea also exists in the form of a throat spray, because it exerts a local anti-inflammatory and antiviral effect on the mucous membrane of the throat. It is not recommended for use in case of allergy to plants from the sedum family and in existing autoimmune diseases.
Garlic is a food that we cannot bypass when it comes to health. Its healing properties have been confirmed by medicine itself. Garlic has antibacterial properties and improves the work of the cardiovascular system. Children should eat it in fresh form whenever they can, and if it is thermally processed, it is quite effective in terms of boosting immunity.
Ginger is, of course, indispensable when it comes to medicinal properties. It reduces inflammatory conditions, improves cardiovascular conditions, lowers cholesterol. Grate fresh ginger root in a small jar of honey, add a few lemon wedges and give the children a teaspoon each morning. Turmeric is a root that contains curcumin, a substance known for its antioxidant properties. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and has a very good effect on digestion.
Ginkgo biloba is a plant that is most often associated with improving memory and concentration, but it also has an equally good effect on immunity. Antioxidants bilobalides and gincolides found in this plant protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.
Minerals and vitamins are a pillar of defense
Cink
This precious mineral increases the production of white blood cells that fight infections. It also helps create antibodies. It increases the number of T cells that fight against microorganisms. In babies and children, zinc reduces the occurrence of acute respiratory infections. Sources of zinc are: fortified cereals, beef, turkey, beans.
Magnesium
It is an unusually important mineral, necessary for most reactions in the body, including glucose transport and strengthening the immune system.
vitamin C
This vitamin is at the top of the list of immunogenic nutrients for a number of reasons. It helps the immune system stay healthy and the body recovers faster. It increases the production of white blood cells that fight against infections, but also the level of interferon, antibodies that coat the surface of cells, preventing viruses from entering them. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and increases the level of HDL (good) cholesterol, lowering the level of bad - LDL cholesterol. Since it does not accumulate in the body, it must be ingested daily. It plays a significant role in the body's resistance. It protects against dangerous free radicals and is a powerful antioxidant. It is found in fresh fruits, juices, vegetables. The daily dose of vitamin C for children under the age of six is 250 milligrams, and for those older than six years, 500 milligrams.
Vitamins of the B group
These vitamins form a group of eight interrelated vitamins that are naturally found in plant and animal sources. As they are hydrosoluble, i.e. soluble in water, they cannot accumulate in the body, so they must be taken in every day. They are lost during processing - peeling and cooking of fruits and vegetables. Rich sources of B vitamins are green leafy vegetables, potatoes, whole grains, legumes, nuts, grains, liver and lean meat.
Physical activity also helps build good health – by boosting circulation and helping to oxygenate the whole body. Deep breathing, fresh air and sunbathing replenish the body's oxygen. It would be good for children to spend some time outside during the day, so that the sunlight accelerates the absorption of vitamin D, which is important for bones and good immunity.
Not all fats are bad
Fats either strengthen or weaken immune functions - depending on the type.
Bad fats (dehydrogenated) - in fried food and margarine predispose children to repeated infections.
Essential fatty acids (good fats) are crucial for the normal function of the immune system. They are found in olive oil, linseed oil and oily fish (salmon, tuna). They increase the activity of phagocytes, white blood cells that break down bacteria. They also improve the health of every organ in the body.
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