The immune system consists of a series of organs, tissues and cells that protect a person from disease-causing microorganisms and different components throughout life, keep the body healthy and provide resistance to recurring infections. In the early stages of human life, babies receive immune cells through the placenta or, if breastfed, through breast milk. Over time, the immune system matures and can fight infections.

Children may encounter different environmental stimuli and different microorganisms when they start school. Strengthening the immune system in children also increases their ability to fight infections. There are no miraculous supplements or magic wands to strengthen children's immune systems. Taking the necessary steps to adopt a healthy lifestyle can help strengthen the immune system. 2 Read on to get the answer to the question "What should be done to strengthen a child's immune system?"

What are the Ways to Strengthen the Immune System in Children?

The only thing you can do to protect your child from the countless harmful microorganisms around them is to strengthen their immune system. In one respect, the child catching infections can help the immune system develop. The body recognizes the new microorganism and prepares itself in case it reoccurs by creating defense cells against it. Children can strengthen their immune system by fighting different organisms such as viruses and bacteria throughout their growth period. However, in some cases called autoimmune diseases, the immune system can perceive body cells as foreign and attack body tissues. For more detailed information about autoimmune diseases, you can read our article “ What are autoimmune diseases? ”

It is normal for children to catch a cold 6-8 times a year. In some cases, you can help children effectively fight disease-causing pathogens with small lifestyle habits such as healthy eating, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, personal hygiene, proper nutritional supplements and vaccinations. Things to do to strengthen a child's immune system

Help Your Child Gain Healthy Eating Habits

Children's following an adequate and balanced nutrition program supports healthy development both physically and mentally. Providing nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates and fat, as well as vitamins, minerals and antioxidant compounds that the body needs, can also help the immune system perform its normal functions. A diet that includes foods that strengthen the immune system in children, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, can be supported with whole grains, protein-containing foods and calcium-rich foods. You can encourage your child to consume five portions of fresh vegetables and fruits a day and ensure that they take these nutrients in half of each meal. Also, do not forget to add calcium-containing milk and dairy products and vegetable oil sources to the nutrition program. You should limit sugar and sugar-containing foods, processed foods with high fat content and carbonated drinks as much as possible. You can add immune-boosting nuts to the nutrition program. You can also ask them to try immune-boosting herbal teas for breakfast and snacks . Using supplements instead of foods that strengthen the immune system in children cannot replace a healthy diet. However, for children who refuse to eat fresh vegetables and fruits or who need to follow a limited diet, iron-containing multivitamin supplements may be recommended by the doctor.

Encourage Them to Have a Regular Sleep Routine

Sleep is a process in which the body truly rests, prepares itself for the next day, repairs damaged tissues and renews the immune system. Sleep is the most important factor supporting growth and development for children. The amount of sleep a child needs varies from child to child and according to age. Babies may need 12-16 hours of sleep per day, while older children may need 8-12 hours of sleep per day. You can create a regular sleep routine for your child, for example, you can send them to bed after a certain hour and turn off all lights and screens, or have them take a shower before bed. A sleep routine is important for strengthening the immune system in children.

Encourage Regular Physical Activity

You can help your child do regular physical activity to strengthen their immune system. Being active for an hour a day can reduce the risk of catching infections. Physical activity does not mean that your child goes to the gym every day. Playing on the playground, walking at a moderate pace, riding a bike or swimming is enough. If your child is interested in a more serious sport such as volleyball, basketball, handball or gymnastics running, make sure that the training sessions are not intense and do not cause burnout. This can negatively affect the immune system.

Help Him Cope with Stress

You may also need to combat stress to strengthen the immune system in children. Stress negatively affects the immune system, making them more prone to infections. Make sure your child has free time to play. Let them participate in activities that make them happy and spend time with other children. Try to spend time together as a family. Remind them that they can talk to you about something they are worried about. Create opportunities for them to talk about how their day went, their problems with their friends and school. If you have concerns about your child's mood or emotional health, be sure to share them with your doctor.

Be Aware of Your Vaccines

Children need to have certain vaccinations to strengthen their immune systems. Check if certain vaccinations, such as meningitis, polio, and chickenpox, have been administered on time. Vaccines can support your child's immune system and help them be prepared for dangerous pathogens. Children are introduced to certain viruses and bacteria that they may encounter in the future and are prepared to fight them through vaccinations. Talk to your doctor about the vaccinations your child needs to have and get up-to-date information about vaccinations.

Help Them Learn Personal Hygiene and Cleaning Rules

As children grow and become more connected to the outside world, they become familiar with different types of microorganisms. Teaching your child hygiene and cleanliness rules to prevent microorganisms that cause infectious diseases from entering the body and spreading diseases may help reduce the risk of catching infections, although it does not directly strengthen the immune system. You can tell your child to wash their hands after using the toilet, before and after eating, after touching dirty surfaces and objects, and after petting pets. You can reduce the risk of spreading infections by teaching them to cover their mouth with a tissue after sneezing or coughing.

Source

https://www.choc.org/health-topics/kids-immune-system/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/boosting-your-childs-immune-system-202110122614
https://www.parents.com/health/cold-flu/cold/boost-childs-immunity/
https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/conditions/childrens-health/childrens-immunity/four-easy-ways-boost-childs-immunity