Saturday, January 31, 2009
How to boost children’s immunity the natural way
Boosting a child’s immune system is a science unto itself. A move towards holistic ways of keeping a child healthy overall could include a number of approaches, not the least of which is providing a loving and happy home.
Children fall sick for all sorts of reasons and often we forget to factor in childhood stress as a cause for a weakened immune system. Children get stressed out too. Among so many other reasons for a compromised immune system are air pollution, lack of adequate sleep and improper nutrition.
It follows logically therefore, that a reversal of any of these reasons could lead to better immunity. Since it is not always possible to avoid air pollution (we can’t all run away from cities), we can try and make up for that with sound nutrition and adequate rest.
Eating fresh fruit and vegetables is one way we can bolster the immune system of children. Keeping away from snacks that are loaded with additives and chemicals will go a long way as well, in keeping the immune system from getting weak, in the first place. Food supplements too have a role to play when a child is weak, or has a tendency to get sick with very little provocation.
For example, on of the most common ailments in big cities is respiratory disorder. Some children have allergic rhinitis or cough that keeps them awake all night and yet others have asthma. There are many natural remedies that can be applied in these cases to help alleviate the problem and to prop the immune system up. For instance, omega-3 oil is useful in alleviating inflammatory conditions that lead to asthmatic states. It also acts as a natural immune booster. Take elder berry for example or Manuka Honey – both of them have anti-bacterial properties which go a long way in helping children recover and stay healthy. It is known that 70% of our immune system lies in the intestines (or digestive system). Making sure that children have good digestion and taking steps to ensure that will raise immunity by 70%.
Knowing what not to give them to eat is also very important. Not only will it keep the immune system from getting weak, in many cases keeping away certain foods that tend to aggravate a certain condition can actually help a weakened immune system.
Lastly, children, after they reach a certain age (7+) can be taught simple yoga and pranayama. This affects them positively by building health and self-confidence. Yoga is a natural immune booster for children, quite unlike any other.
Children fall sick for all sorts of reasons and often we forget to factor in childhood stress as a cause for a weakened immune system. Children get stressed out too. Among so many other reasons for a compromised immune system are air pollution, lack of adequate sleep and improper nutrition.
It follows logically therefore, that a reversal of any of these reasons could lead to better immunity. Since it is not always possible to avoid air pollution (we can’t all run away from cities), we can try and make up for that with sound nutrition and adequate rest.
Eating fresh fruit and vegetables is one way we can bolster the immune system of children. Keeping away from snacks that are loaded with additives and chemicals will go a long way as well, in keeping the immune system from getting weak, in the first place. Food supplements too have a role to play when a child is weak, or has a tendency to get sick with very little provocation.
For example, on of the most common ailments in big cities is respiratory disorder. Some children have allergic rhinitis or cough that keeps them awake all night and yet others have asthma. There are many natural remedies that can be applied in these cases to help alleviate the problem and to prop the immune system up. For instance, omega-3 oil is useful in alleviating inflammatory conditions that lead to asthmatic states. It also acts as a natural immune booster. Take elder berry for example or Manuka Honey – both of them have anti-bacterial properties which go a long way in helping children recover and stay healthy. It is known that 70% of our immune system lies in the intestines (or digestive system). Making sure that children have good digestion and taking steps to ensure that will raise immunity by 70%.
Knowing what not to give them to eat is also very important. Not only will it keep the immune system from getting weak, in many cases keeping away certain foods that tend to aggravate a certain condition can actually help a weakened immune system.
Lastly, children, after they reach a certain age (7+) can be taught simple yoga and pranayama. This affects them positively by building health and self-confidence. Yoga is a natural immune booster for children, quite unlike any other.
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Manuka Honey is very healthy and contains antioxidants, vitamins, amino acids and antimicrobial properties. However, any kind of honey may contain botulism spores. Since infants don't fully develop their immune system until their at least 12 months old, Manuka or any other kind of honey should not be given to babies.
Hi! Thank you for your cautionary comment. Yes, what you say is very true. In some asian cultures, however, a drop of honey is traditionally given to very young babies. I am not sure of the exact significance of this, but it is a tradition that many diligently follow! Just a drop, mind you.
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