Methods for increasing the immunity of a child

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The role of immunity in the life of a child is invaluable. Immunoglobulin proteins produced by the immune system protect against diseases that can become a stress factor for an organism that is not yet strong and cause many complications, even delays in the development of a baby. If the immune system is weakened, then health is under direct threat, and active actions are needed to strengthen the body's defenses – preferably non-drug.

 

Signs of weakened immunity

The state of immunodeficiency, which develops gradually, is accompanied by characteristic signs that any observant parent can distinguish. These include:

  • increased fatigue, frequent headaches, pallor, blue circles under the eyes;
  • dull, split hair, brittle nails;
  • sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness);
  • frequent colds and viral diseases (more than 5 times a year). At the same time, during an illness, the child rarely has a fever;
  • painless enlargement of the cervical and axillary lymph nodes;
  • dysbacteriosis (violation of the stool, bloating);
  • loss of appetite, body weight;
  • food allergy.

If a child has one or more of the listed symptoms, it is recommended to contact a pediatrician: perhaps these are signs of a dangerous illness (for example, blood diseases). If the diagnosis is determined, the immune system should be helped by means approved by the doctor.

Methods for increasing the immunity of a child

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Methods for increasing general immunity

The state of the immune system is complex and depends on many “building blocks” factors. It is not enough just to harden the child, not providing the body with all the necessary substances, or only to fully feed, neglecting physical activity. In strengthening immunity, it is especially important:

  • balanced diet. Together with food, the child should receive the amount of vitamins and minerals corresponding to his age. Fresh fruits, vegetables, juices, fish, dairy products are required in the diet;
  • observance of the daily routine. It is recommended that the child be in bed as early as 21:00. Both too early and late awakenings are not recommended. The optimal time for a morning rise is 7:00-8:00. Children of preschool age are shown daytime sleep;
  • elimination of foci of chronic infection (timely treatment of carious teeth, sinusitis, tonsillitis, etc.);
  • prevention and treatment of helminthic invasions;
  • elimination of dysbacteriosis. It is known that a significant part of the immune system is located in the intestine – about a million immunocompetent lymphoid organisms, which do not perform their functions in a state of imbalance in the intestinal environment.

Hardening is considered an effective means of strengthening immunity – dousing with cold water, rubbing with a towel, a contrast shower, walking barefoot, visiting the pool. Pediatricians do not recommend starting hardening “in the fresh wake” of the disease, as well as in the cold season – it takes at least 2 months of regular procedures to establish immunity. Hardening actions should be taken care of before the period of autumn-winter colds: in spring or summer, starting with pouring water at room temperature, light gymnastics, walking barefoot on warm sand.

Methods for increasing the immunity of a child

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Immunomodulators

Immunomodulatory drugs allow to strengthen the immune system after a serious illness and surgery faster and more efficiently. These include:

  • interferons ("Viferon", "Kipferon"), which protect against viral infections;
  • stimulants for the production of natural interferons in the body ("Anaferon", "Arbidol", "Cycloferon");
  • bacterial agents made from neutralized infectious agents (Likopid, Riomunil, IRS-19);
  • herbal preparations ("Immunal", "Bioaron S").

Pediatricians do not recommend starting hardening “in the fresh wake” of the disease, as well as in the cold season – it takes at least 2 months of regular procedures to establish immunity.

Any immunomodulator is a "heavy artillery", which should be used only in cases where vitamin therapy, hardening, physical activity and other methods of increasing general immunity have not yielded results. It is allowed to take immunomodulators only on the recommendation of a doctor; Frequent or uncontrolled use of stimulants can cause the opposite effect – depletion of the immune system. In addition, such drugs should not be given to children under the age of 1,5 years.

 

Folk remedies and recommendations

The basis of some immunomodulating drugs are extracts from medicinal herbs, berries, fruits and other gifts of nature. Some of them can be eaten without restrictions (these are vegetables, buckwheat, peas, garlic, wheat germ, walnuts), but most are best taken as curative courses (decoctions of nettle, chamomile, rosehip, lemon balm, St. John's wort, hawthorn, echinacea).

The most effective remedy for increasing immunity is a decoction of oat grains, they are recommended to give water to a child in the warm season for a month. Taking the drug can cause some loosening of the stool, so the dose of the decoction should be adjusted depending on the individual reaction of the child to drinking.

Methods for increasing the immunity of a child

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Experienced doctors recommend using the following recipe to strengthen immunity: grind lemon, walnuts and raisins in equal parts, mix with honey and give the child 3 times a day, 2 teaspoons. Just regular consumption of honey (in the absence of allergic reactions), as well as parsley leaves will help strengthen the body: just 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh plant will provide the child with a daily supply of most of the vitamins and minerals he needs.

The immune system is finally formed by puberty, and until that moment the child's body is still weak and needs to be strengthened. However, proceeding with the procedures (especially practicing hardening, taking immunomodulators and medicinal herbs), in order to avoid harm, should be done with caution, be sure to coordinate your actions with the pediatrician.

Source: neboleem.net