Guide to Boosting Children's Immunity: Healthy Growth Starts Here
Table of Contents:
What is Immunity?
Immunity, simply put, is the body's ability to protect itself. The immune system can identify harmful substances and prevent them from entering the body; if they do enter, it mobilizes immune cells to eliminate them. The immune system not only destroys external threats but also identifies and removes aging and mutated cells within the body.
There are two types of immunity: the first is innate immunity, which is present at birth, also known as non-specific immunity, including various tissue barriers, immune cells, and immune molecules. For example, the skin blocks pathogens from entering the body, while the nasal mucosa can trap pathogens that enter the nasal cavity and expel them.
The second type is acquired immunity, which is not innate and must be obtained through infections or vaccinations; this is also called adaptive immunity. Acquired immunity is more specific, hence also referred to as specific immunity. These two types of immunity work together to protect the body.
Is Frequent Illness a Sign of Weak Immunity?
Yes, babies aged 0-6 months who frequently get sick have "weaker immunity," but this weakness is normal for their age.
A child's immune system is developed and maturing after birth, meaning they have all the necessary immune organs and cells. However, due to lack of experience, their functionality may not be fully effective.
Most children begin to lose the antibodies passed from their mothers through the placenta after 6 months, leading to a period of "weaker immunity." As children expand their activity range and face the external environment (viruses and bacteria) independently, they may experience various infectious diseases.
Research indicates that healthy children under 6 years old typically catch colds 6-8 times a year, and those starting kindergarten or with older siblings may catch colds 10-12 times a year. During peak infection periods from September to April, they might catch a cold once a month, lasting about 2 weeks each time.
In summary, a healthy child may spend half the year being sick, which is not unusual and does not indicate low or deficient immunity.
How to Boost a Child's Immunity?
Balanced Diet
Ensure a reasonable and balanced diet, limiting the intake of cold or raw foods. Include high-quality proteins like milk, eggs, and seafood, which help the body repair and fend off pathogens. Additionally, increase the intake of vitamin C-rich foods; a lack of vitamin C can reduce its levels in white blood cells, weakening their combat capabilities. Academician Zhong Nanshan emphasizes that vitamin C supplementation is crucial for enhancing immunity.
Timely Hydration
Experts state that dehydration of the respiratory mucosa can weaken resistance. Both ciliary movement in the trachea and detoxification by the nasal mucosa are directly related to sufficient moisture. Drinking plenty of water keeps mucous membranes moist, preventing viruses from adhering to the throat and slowing their replication, thus boosting immunity.
Sufficient Sleep
This is vital for maintaining immune function, especially for children who are not yet in school; they tend to sleep when they want and play when they don't. If some children resist sleep, parents may worry, but as long as the child is energetic during the day, it’s generally not an issue.
Increased Outdoor Exercise
Exercise helps stimulate and improve immunity. The ideal amount of moderate-intensity exercise for boosting immunity is about 30-60 minutes, five times a week, where the child feels increased heart rate and slight sweating.
Vaccination
Vaccines are a form of active immunity that can prevent various infectious diseases. They are the most effective way to boost a child's immunity and prevent multiple illnesses.
Establish Good Habits and Regular Check-ups
Encourage good daily habits like washing hands frequently and avoiding touching the face to reduce infection spread. During respiratory disease outbreaks, avoid crowded places. Regular check-ups can help parents promptly identify and correct issues with their child's immune function, significantly reducing respiratory illnesses and mitigating their impact. Health is the best gift for a child's growth, so parents must prioritize health check-ups!
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