Since birth, children are exposed to various bacteria, viruses, and disease-causing agents in their surrounding environment. Immunity plays a crucial role in helping children resist these pathogens and develop a healthy body.
Immunosuppressive agents in children
Illnesses: Infections and other illnesses can affect a child's immune system. For example, bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause illnesses like the flu, meningitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, and measles can attack the immune system and weaken it.
Nutritional deficiencies: A diet deficient in nutrients can lead to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and fiber needed for the immune system. Deficiencies of these substances can reduce resistance and make children more susceptible to infections.
Stress and Psychological Stress: Psychological stress and high levels of stress can cause a weakened immune system. Situations such as life changes, family conflicts, or school pressure can weaken a child's immune system.
Exposure to chemicals: Some chemicals can weaken a child's immune system. For example, exposure to pesticides, harsh detergents, tobacco, and environmental pollutants can affect a child's immunity.
Steroid medications: Long-term use of steroids can weaken the immune system. Steroid drugs are commonly used to treat certain conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and other peripheral problems, but they can have a negative impact on the immune system.
Exposure to bacteria and viruses from the environment: Children can be exposed to bacteria and viruses from their surroundings, such as in schools, child care centers, or public areas. This can increase the risk of infection and weaken the child's immune system.
Effects of reduced resistance on children
Increased risk of infection: A weaker immune system can make a child more susceptible to infections. Children are more likely to be attacked by bacteria, viruses, and fungi, leading to infections such as the flu, sore throats, pneumonia, ear infections, and diarrhea.
More severe illness and increased recovery time: When the immune system is weak, children may experience more severe symptoms and a longer recovery time from illnesses. This can make it harder to fight diseases and lead to poorer overall health.
Level of psychological and emotional impact: Children with weak immunity may have poor health, often get sick and feel tired. This can negatively affect the child's psychological and mental well-being, causing feelings of boredom, unwillingness to participate in activities and creating an impact on the child's quality of daily life.
Reduced performance at school and activities: Children with reduced resistance can have a significant impact on their ability to concentrate, learn, and participate in daily activities. Poor health and chronic fatigue can impair a child's academic performance and affect participation in social and play activities.
Enhancing children's immunity
Ensure a balanced diet:
A diverse and nutrient-rich diet is essential for building a robust immune system in children. Including a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, legumes, and healthy fats sources is the best way to ensure children receive all the necessary nutrients.
Add more foods containing vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, selenium... :
As is known, vitamin A is an important micronutrient that helps strengthen the immune system function, increase the ability of cells to fight pathogens, and protect the body from virus attack. and bacteria.
Meanwhile, vitamin C will support the baby's resistance and quickly recover damaged cells. Zinc, selenium have good effects on anti-virus and increase the baby's resistance.
Therefore, to protect children from minor illnesses as well as infectious diseases, diseases of the digestive tract and respiratory tract, parents should give their children a lot of foods containing vitamin A such as carrots, red meat, and animal liver. , water spinach, sweet potato; vitamin C such as oranges, tangerines, strawberries, green peppers; foods containing zinc, selenium such as lean meat, fish, egg yolks...
Promote physical activity:
Exercise and physical activities provide oxygen to the body, improve blood circulation, and enhance immune system functionality. Encourage children to engage in outdoor play, participate in sports, swimming, or any physical activities they enjoy to develop muscle strength and boost their immune system.
Maintain good personal hygiene:
Teaching children proper handwashing techniques before meals and after coming in contact with dirty objects is an effective way to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. Instructing children about personal hygiene practices, including proper nail trimming, bathing, and brushing teeth, also helps reduce the risk of infections and illnesses.
Sufficient and quality sleep:
Adequate sleep helps children restore their health and strengthen their immune system. Ensure that children have enough sleep according to their age-specific requirements and create a comfortable and peaceful sleep environment to ensure quality sleep.
Vaccination and regular medical check-ups: Vaccination is a crucial measure to prevent many dangerous infectious diseases. Parents should follow the vaccination schedule as instructed by healthcare professionals and ensure that children receive all the necessary vaccines. Regular medical check-ups also help detect and treat any health issues in children at an early stage.
Avoid exposure to chemicals and pollutants: Environmental pollution and exposure to harmful substances can weaken the immune system. Limiting children's exposure to chemicals such as pesticides, strong cleaning agents, and reducing their exposure to polluted environments can help protect their immune system.
Supplement products to support increased resistance:
In addition to eating and exercising, parents can actively add products to support children's resistance in each stage. There are many products on the market that help increase immunity and stimulate appetite for children.
The improvement of symptoms can take place for a long time, so it is recommended that parents need to be calm and persistent when supplementing with nutrients for their children, either through food or functional foods. In particular, the use of functional foods should choose those of natural origin that are easily absorbed, do not allow simultaneous use of many types or continuously change the types of functional foods.
Conclusion
Enhancing immunity in children is an ongoing process that requires comprehensive care in terms of nutrition, personal hygiene, and physical activities. By implementing these approaches, parents can help children build a strong immune system and reduce the risk of illness. Additionally, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for guidance and timely treatment of any health concerns.
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