Frequently ill children: 10 ways to increase immunity in a child

Quite often we hear from young mothers whose children go to kindergarten or school - we go for a week, then we get sick for two weeks! What to do and how to be? How to boost immunity in a child? Such questions are often asked by the parents of such children to pediatricians and immunologists, but the problem cannot be solved only by medical indications, it is necessary to strengthen and maintain the child's immunity in all spheres and directions of his life.

1. Nutrition

Pay special attention to your child's nutrition. Make it as useful as possible by introducing more vegetables and fruits into your diet. Completely exclude chips, soda and other harmful substances from the child's diet. Many parents will now think that this is not realistic, especially if their children have a poor appetite. I can say that there is nothing unrealistic in this. There are tons of healthy, delicious recipes for kids on the internet or in cookery books and magazines. Examples of interesting presentation of dishes and decorations will help to stimulate appetite and desire to try healthy cooked food. It is necessary to make the child's diet more balanced with vitamins, minerals and proteins.

The child's body needs liquid. Its deficiency affects, first of all, the condition of the skin and mucous membranes of the child, significantly reducing their protective function. Fluid deficiency also affects the properties of blood. More viscous blood is not able to provide a normal immune response and rapid mobilization of antibodies to the site of the "accident". In this regard, herbal teas are most useful. Currently, children's stores sell special mixtures of herbs recommended for various diseases and for their prevention. But ordinary tea (black, red or green) has many useful properties. There is a lot of controversy about the benefits of juices. Juices that can increase immunity in a child should be with pulp. Freshly squeezed juices and fruit and vegetable mixes are best suited.

Give your child rosehip tea. Rosehip, first of all, is a huge source of vitamins. In addition to vitamins, rose hips contain potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, citric and malic acid, and many other useful elements. You can prepare such tea in a thermos or in a steam bath. For one liter of boiling water, you need to brew about 40 berries. Dry berries can be pre-crushed, then the tea will be more saturated. It is recommended to drink tea before meals for no longer than a month. Then you need to take a break.

3. Multivitamin complexes

Children, as you know, need more vitamins and minerals than adults (these substances are intensively spent in the process of growth) and therefore are more at risk of developing hypovitaminosis with subsequent immunodeficiency. In view of this, for non-specific stimulation of immunity in children, it is recommended to use multivitamin preparations adapted for children. Multivitamins should be taken during periods of greatest risk of developing hypovitaminosis (winter-spring). The choice of a specific multivitamin preparation is best discussed with the pediatrician observing the child.

4. Drugs to improve immunity

There is a group of special drugs - immunostimulants. In some cases, they can not be dispensed with, but the use of these drugs should be considered and agreed with the doctor. Improper intake of immunostimulants can further lead to disturbances in the functioning of the immune system - it simply cannot act on its own, without an additional stimulus. Herbal preparations are the safest. Most of them are made on the basis of echinacea and astragalus. For children, these drugs are produced in the form of syrup and homeopathic granules. Some herbal extracts (sage, eucalyptus, chamomile oil) are used for aromatherapy, which also improves immunity in children. Other immunomodulators are obtained from blood cells (interferon, viferon, thymogen), microorganisms (imudon, IRS-19), from active chemical components (arbidol). All these drugs are very popular in the treatment of colds in children. But do not forget: taking these medicines must be justified.

5. Observance of the daily routine and reduction of negative emotions

The fact is that nothing reduces children's immunity like stress. Deviation from the regime is also stress for the child's body. Therefore, make it a rule: observe the regimen and try not to scold or scream at the child. If the first is somehow still clear, then many may have difficulties with the second. But I still advise you to try it. For example, we try not to swear, but to call the child to talk. You know, without swearing, children understand a lot, moreover, from their childish spontaneity in reasoning, any prank acquires a comic side. And immediately internal resentment and irritation is replaced by unbridled laughter.

6. Clothes according to the weather

The cold season has come, winter is ahead. Often we become witnesses when children with their parents walk on the street or go to kindergarten, school. Notice how differently the children are dressed in terms of clothing density. Some parents at above zero temperatures try to wrap their child in warm winter overalls, wrap their mouth with a scarf so that cold air does not get in, others lead their child in a thin jacket and beret. Think about what you dress your child in? Of course, hypothermia of the child's body is not a method of increasing immunity, but still try to dress the child according to the weather. Judge the temperature regime objectively, do not try to dress the child very tightly, as your child moves on the street and may sweat, and this will catch a cold faster. In no case do not cover the mouth and nose of the child with a scarf, since breathing through a scarf that is wet from his breath, he is more likely to get sick.

7. Hardening

Another good way to develop immunity in a child. However, keep in mind that this process requires a strict temperature regime and caution so as not to overcool the body and leave it. For babies, for example, it is enough to take air baths for 5-10 minutes with each swaddling and diaper change. Watch the temperature in the room, it should not be below 18 degrees. Add one minute each day, bringing the procedure up to 30 minutes a day. Older children as hardening can be offered to take a contrast shower daily, preferably at the same time. At first, you can direct the water only to the feet, alternating cold water with warm water. If your child likes this procedure, then you can start dousing him completely. Read some tips: it is better to start with a small temperature difference - from 26 to 38 degrees, gradually increasing the difference (lowering the lower bar); End your shower with warm water only.

8. Mandatory daily walks in the fresh air

Sufficient walks in the fresh air - at least an hour a day. In any weather with a child, you must definitely be in the fresh air, whether it be winter, autumn, spring or summer. Hiking for 20-30 minutes every day enriches the blood with oxygen, relieves emotional stress and strengthens the nervous system, thereby helping us to resist disease. Do not forget about the room - it must be regularly ventilated.

9. Active lifestyle - the path to strong immunity

As cliche as it sounds, starting the day with movement is very useful. Every morning, after warm tea with milk, we dedicate 10 minutes to active movement. How? Yes, in different ways. Sometimes it's a regular exercise (like in kindergarten), sometimes incendiary dances to music or something exotic, such as children's yoga. A couple of exercises will allow the child to feel interest in it and show their physical activity. It is very useful to walk barefoot to improve health, because on the sole of a person there are many biologically active points that are “responsible” for immunity. Therefore, if possible, let the child run on the sand, pebbles, or just barefoot around the apartment.

10. Make your child smile

In order for your child to be healthy and psychologically stable, give him more of your time and make him happy. Talk to him about all his interests and new knowledge. Surround him from stressful situations, watch funny cartoons or programs with him. After all, laughter as a way to increase immunity is very effective. It has long been proven that a bad mood reduces the protective functions of the body, but a good mood increases a person's immunity.

To date, there are many ways to strengthen the immune system in a child: from folk, time-tested, to medication. It is up to you to choose which of the many methods will become a lifesaver for you and your child. In no case do not force the child to do, eat, drink what he does not like or does not want. Listen to your child, make the process of health promotion not only as useful as possible, but also fun, just then the fastest results in improving health will not keep you waiting.