What to drink for a child’s immunity. How to boost a child’s immunity using folk remedies

About the most effective ways and will be discussed in our article.

How does a child’s immunity differ from an adult’s? What influences it?

Immunity is the body’s defense that resists enemy infections, bacteria, and viruses.

If it doesn’t work well, children get sick all the time, or rather, they don’t have time to recover and immediately get sick again. Of course, this is not the norm; health must be constantly nourished.

We'll tell you exactly how a little later.

The main feature of child protection is the fact that initially it is not independent.

In the first months of life, the baby receives it from the mother and literally drinks it along with the milk.

Pediatricians never tire of repeating the importance natural feeding, since it is this that becomes the key to a healthy and high quality of life.

Even while still in the womb, the fetus accumulates immunoglobulins and slowly uses them over the next six months.

You need to take care of your child's health from the moment the baby is born.

After this period, many mothers begin to notice an endless stream of short-term illnesses. Doctors say that it is normal for children to feel sick about 10-11 times a year.

You can influence a child’s health and help him almost from the first days of life.

The main thing is not to overdo it and not to go beyond the limits established by common sense.

1. Temper your baby from the cradle. If we are talking about a baby, it would be appropriate air baths. Before swaddling, leave him for a few minutes without clothes in a warm room, gradually increasing the time to half an hour. When going outside, do not put too many clothes on your child. It will be enough to add just one thing more than what you are wearing. The next stage is wiping the legs with a damp sponge, then the whole body. After four years, engage your baby in interesting exercises and active games in a well-ventilated area.
2. Proper, healthy nutrition is undoubtedly very important. A child's body uses twice as many vitamins as an adult. The deficit must constantly be replenished with vegetables and fruits, healthy fats and all the necessary minerals recommended for a given age. The importance of iodine is especially often forgotten. Feed your baby more often seaweed, mushrooms, melon, and beets.
3. Proper nutrition in any case, it is worth supplementing with children's multivitamin complexes. They will help form healthy internal organs, bones, stimulate mental and mental development. Your immune system will thank you.
4. The daily routine is the basis of the health of a child of any age. Observe it carefully and do not go to the auction with a conscience. Don't let him stay up late. The brain and the whole body are restored only in sleep. Take care of your child’s energy resource, it is not unlimited.
5. Folk remedies that will help cope with any disease. In order not to beat around the bush, let's move on to practical recommendations.

Tip: Ask your pediatrician about the daily intake of nutrients and vitamins for your child.

Effective natural recipes. Raising the immune system from scratch

Sprouted grains

This universal remedy for almost any age. Sprouted grains rejuvenate cells and protect them from diseases (by removing free radicals).

The intestinal microflora returns to normal, and this is so important in early age. Plus, no natural source is capable of providing so many vitamins and minerals at once.

Sprouted grains will cure the most advanced gastritis and dysbacteriosis.

Folk remedies do not guarantee 100% protection against infections, but can reduce the risk of certain diseases

Soak them overnight, then rinse under cold water and cover with damp gauze for 12 hours.

The most useful grains are:

1. Wheat (powerfully affects microflora)
2. Oats (feeds defenses, speeds up recovery after illness)
3. Sesame (good for bone tissue and general strengthening)
4. Legumes (especially chickpeas and lentils for body nutrition)
5. Amaranth (help quickly restore the functioning of the heart, kidneys, liver)

Ginger

Although this remedy has a number of contraindications and is not recommended for children under two years of age, it improves health and mobilizes the body's defenses best.

The easiest way to make the preparation is to peel a few roots, grate them on a fine grater, add grated lemon and a couple of tablespoons of sugar to taste.

Put the mixture in glass jar, screw on the lid and consume a tablespoon before meals.

It will be quite spicy, so give the child a teaspoon as medicine.

You are allowed to drink tea.

Children can use it starting from 5 months. Many people love its rich taste.

Garlic

It can be found in literally every kitchen.

Housewives value it for its specific pungent taste, and our ancestors also valued it for a number of healing properties.

Combination large quantity vitamins and minerals in each clove gives additional strength to resist diseases and infections, even the most severe ones.

If your child has a healthy stomach and liver, introduce garlic in small doses into his diet.

Garlic and honey are indispensable for immunity

Squeeze two small cloves into a spoon and mix with the same amount of honey. Swallow this mixture quickly, like medicine, with plenty of warm water.

If desired, add a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon, which somewhat neutralizes the unpleasant odor.

Take a glass of warm milk and add 5-10 drops of garlic juice to it.

Give it to your child just before bed, starting with just a few and gradually increasing the concentration of garlic in the drink.

Oats

This common cereal can help a weakened body quite quickly.

Its use actively normalizes the functioning of internal organs and immunity.

Take half a glass of oats and rinse thoroughly using a sieve. Fill with a liter clean water and leave overnight.

There are a lot of healthy recipes based on oats.

After this, put it on the fire and boil for an hour and a half.

Cool and strain the broth. For children from seven months of age, give a teaspoon a day; adults can take a tablespoon.

Rinse half a cup of oats and pour five glasses of hot milk over it. Cook for a few minutes. Close the lid and leave for another hour.

To do this, wrap the pan with a towel. Squeeze out the grains and give your child a glass some time before meals.

The course of treatment is 1.5 months, then a month break and the course is repeated.

Advice: get rid of unpleasant odor milk, celery root or a slice of lemon will help you with garlic.

The child’s immunity is what parents should first think about if their child is often sick. After all, while in kindergarten or school, a child may be exposed to various infections. With poor immunity, the infection quickly affects the child’s body and leads to various diseases, for example, runny nose, cough, sore throat, flu and a number of others.

To prevent this, most parents begin to stuff their child with various drugs that contain not only useful substances, but sometimes also harmful dyes or other chemical compounds. Yes, in a sense they are useful, but do not forget to use folk remedies to maintain the child’s immunity. After all, they are much safer and in some cases even more effective.

So that your child gets sick less and has good immunity, you should follow five simple recommendations:

1. Regular walks. Regular walks in the fresh air are recommended every day. It is best to walk in parks or in the forest, away from roads and industrial zones.
2. Healthy sleep. Your baby needs to get enough sleep to be alert throughout the day. It has been proven that lack of healthy sleep significantly worsens a child’s immunity.
3. Improving the diet. To ensure that your child receives the necessary vitamins and minerals, you should include more different fruits and vegetables in your diet. Their natural components are easily absorbed, thereby giving maximum benefit for the body.
4. Ventilation. The room in which the child is located should be regularly ventilated. It is recommended to carry out this procedure at least 2 times a day.
5. Refusal of harmful products. You should try to exclude as much as possible from your child’s diet products containing dyes, preservatives, flavors and other harmful substances. From early childhood, try not to accustom your child to various chips, crackers, carbonated drinks and other “healthy” foods.

Simple exercises to boost immunity

Let's assume that your child often suffers from a sore throat. At the same time, he also has weak lungs and bronchi, which leads to regular inflammation and bronchitis. To avoid this, you should regularly do a few simple exercises.

1) – how to approach the education process so that it is most effective.
2) The need for nasal rinsing and contraindications, we described in this article.

Neck warm-up

The child needs to rotate his head clockwise and counterclockwise. It is enough to do such exercises 3 times a day for 10-20 repetitions. It helps warm up the lymph nodes behind the ears and protects them from inflammation.

Massage of the lungs and bronchi

Show your child a simple and interesting exercise that will help naturally protect the lungs and bronchi from various diseases. Teach him to lightly tap himself chest and at the same time pronounce the sounds “a”, “o” and “u”.

If you do everything correctly and present it, for example, as a game, then the child will even like this self-massage.

Exercise “Lion Pose”

The child needs to try to reach the chin with the tip of his tongue for 5-10 seconds. This exercise improves blood circulation in the tongue and pharynx, while resolving plugs on which infectious agents that cause sore throat and other diseases can accumulate.

Nutrition to strengthen immunity

For your child's immune system to function well, he must eat properly and get 3 main components from food:

• Proteins;
• Vitamins (A, B, C, E);
• Minerals: iron, magnesium, zinc and copper.

Let's consider several types of products that contain the necessary components to strengthen the child's immunity:

• Protein. The main suppliers of protein are: meat, fish, legumes, milk and dairy products;
• Vitamin A - broccoli, green onions, parsley, pepper, pumpkin, apricot, tomatoes, dill, butter, peach, melon;
• B vitamins– nuts, potatoes, buckwheat, offal, dried fruits, cabbage, eggs, beef, corn, turkey, cherries, strawberries, lemon;
• Vitamin C– black currants, citrus fruits, parsley, sweet peppers, red cabbage, cauliflower, beets, garlic, spinach, green peas, sorrel, tomato juice;
• Vitamin E- soybean oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, walnuts, hazelnuts, soybeans, cashews, oatmeal, beans, pasta, bananas, carrots;
• Iron– liver (beef, pork and chicken), seafood (shrimp, mussels, canned fish), chicken eggs, legumes, rye bread, corn, parsley, plum and tomato juices;
• Magnesium – wheat bran, cocoa, dark chocolate, cashews, buckwheat, soy, rice (not polished), oatmeal, spinach, chicken eggs;
• Zinc – pork, beef, chicken, lamb, pine nuts, processed cheese, peanuts, beans, peas, buckwheat, barley, oatmeal, turkey and duck meat;
• Copper - liver, peanuts, hazelnuts, shrimp, peas, pasta, lentils, buckwheat, rice, wheat, pistachios, oatmeal, beans, octopus.

Parents should pay special attention to the condition of their child’s gastrointestinal tract. Because immunoglobulin synthesis is stimulated in the intestines. In addition, improper bowel function leads to poor absorption useful substances.

For normal intestinal function, the child’s diet must contain fermented milk products and foods that contain a large amount of fiber.

Massages to strengthen the child's immunity

A great option for strengthening your child's immunity is massage. There are a large number of them. We will tell you about two simple but effective ways.

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For this you will need medium-sized rounded sea pebbles. Heat some water and add 1 teaspoon of sea salt and 0.5 teaspoon of vinegar per 1 liter. Moisten the prepared pebbles with this solution. Spread a towel on the floor and place stones soaked in a warm solution on it.

The child needs to walk barefoot sea ​​pebbles about 3-5 minutes. It is advisable to repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day. This “marine” foot massage will improve the body’s defenses against runny nose, cough, sore throat and a number of other colds.

Foot massage with oils

For this massage we will need the following components:

• 5 drops of eucalyptus oil;
• 5 drops of tea tree oil;
• 5 drops of lemon tree oil;
• 30 ml of any carrier oil.

Mix all the ingredients and, with light hand movements, begin to rub the mixture into the child’s feet. Thus, the massage should be carried out for 3-5 minutes. 1-2 such procedures per day will be just right. It is best to carry them out after bathing the child.

Hardening is one of the most important ways to improve a child’s immunity. But you should understand that hardening must be approached carefully and gradually. We have a detailed article about hardening preschool children, which we recommend that you read.

Traditional medicines to improve immunity

Traditional medicines have always been and will be one of the most popular methods of treating various diseases. Even most doctors at the appointment recommend, in addition to medicines use various means traditional medicine.

Let's consider several of the most common folk remedies for treating and improving the immunity of children and adults.

A tasty blend to improve your immune system

To prepare it we will need:

• 1 cup shelled walnuts;
• 5 cups almonds;
• 5 cups raisins;
• 2 lemons;
• 5 cups melted honey.

The recipe is very simple. We pass all the ingredients through a meat grinder, including lemons (along with the peel). Add melted honey to the resulting mushy mixture and stir until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a jar and store in the refrigerator.

We give it to the child 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. Recommended for children aged 2 years and older. This tasty mixture is used not only to improve immunity, but also to treat many colds.

Eggshells to strengthen the immune system

Eggshells are an excellent remedy that helps strengthen the immune system. After all, it contains minerals, stimulating the production of lymphocytes in human bone marrow.

It is recommended to use only the shells of domestic eggs of which you are confident. Wash the shells well various contaminants. Place in a small saucepan with water, put on fire and boil for 5-10 minutes to be sure there are no various bacteria. Then let the shell cool and dry completely. Then, using a mortar or coffee grinder, grind it to a powder.

The resulting powder should be given to children 2-3 times a day on the tip of a teaspoon, washed down with water. You can also add it to food if the child refuses direct consumption.

One more good option A tincture of pine needles will improve immunity. To prepare, take 2 tablespoons pine needles, put it in a saucepan and add 0.5 liters of water. Bring to a boil over low heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Then turn off the heat and leave to infuse for 2-3 hours. Next, dissolve a tablespoon of honey in the tincture and everything is ready for use.

As we said earlier, weakened immunity can be associated with problems in the intestines. If you experience symptoms of dysbiosis or constipation, then a decoction of oats will help.

To prepare it we need 100 grams of oats and 1.5 liters of water. Pour thoroughly washed oats into 1.5 liters of water and leave to steep overnight. In the morning, put the whole thing on low heat and cook for 1.5 hours. Next, filter everything through cheesecloth, squeeze and remove the oat cake.

1. Children from 6 to 12 months – 1 teaspoon per day;
2. From 1 to 3 years – 2 tablespoons per day;
3. Over 3 years old – 100 grams per day.

This medicine can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two days. It is recommended to carry out a course of treatment for 1 month. You should not pour out the excess broth; it is better to use it for adults. It will help improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, help restore the liver and improve general state skin.

Cranberry and lemon

For this tool we will need:

• 1 lemon;
• 5 kilograms of cranberries;
• 1 tablespoon honey.

Grind the lemon together with the peel and cranberries through a meat grinder, add honey and mix until smooth. If you are allergic to honey, you can replace it with sugar. We store the mixture in the refrigerator and consume 1-2 tablespoons 2-3 times a day, depending on age.

Propolis extract

To strengthen immune system It is recommended to use propolis extract. It is advisable to give it to the child once in the morning on an empty stomach. For children over 3 years old, add 3-5 drops of extract to 100 grams of milk or water. For children under 3 years old this method Not recommended.

This prophylaxis is carried out for a month, after which you should take at least a month break.

Remember that your child’s good immunity is the key to his health. After all, you will not be able to constantly control your child and you must be sure that he will not be afraid of any infection.

One child gets sick once a year, and the other practically never leaves the doctors. Moreover, they both live in the same conditions, in the same climate, and attend the same kindergarten. It's all about immunity, which is stronger in some children and weaker in others. In this article we will talk about How can you boost the immunity of children who are often sick? folk remedies , as well as how to support immunity in a child, who is more rare.

What is immunity

This is a whole complex of measures that the body takes as soon as something begins to threaten it.

The defense mechanism recognizes a foreign “guest” (this could be a virus, bacteria, toxins, etc.) and activates “special forces” - immunocompetent cells special purpose, whose task is to block and destroy the stranger - this reaction is called an immune response.

Sometimes an autoimmune reaction occurs in the body, when the immune system destroys cells of the body’s own, but not healthy ones, but those that have undergone a mutation, for example, tumor cells.

The immune system is much “smarter” than it seems, it is well oriented in the concepts of “friend or foe”, and also has a long-term “memory”, since after the first contact with a new virus, it “remembers” it, and the next time it quickly identifies and takes urgent action.

This ability can be clearly demonstrated in the familiar chickenpox. The virus that causes it practically does not mutate, therefore, after a person has had chickenpox, his immune system knows the causative agent of the disease well and stops any of its attempts to cause the disease again. A person usually gets chickenpox only once in his life. But influenza and acute respiratory viral infections are caused by viruses and their strains, which are constantly changing, so we suffer from these ailments much more often.

Each of us has two immunities: one innate, the other acquired. Innate acts only in a generalized way, understanding foreign agents as one undesirable factor. He cannot “remember” viruses and bacteria that are new to him. Acquired - more active immunity. He “learns” and “trains” all his life, starting from the first days after the birth of a child.

In children after birth, the maximum load falls on the innate defense. And gradually, with each new disease, with each unfavorable factor from the environment, an initially weak and imperfect acquired immunity is formed.

Several important organs and systems take part in immune defense. Red bone marrow creates stem cells and is responsible for lymphocytes. It is actively helped by the thymus (thymus gland), which differentiates lymphocytes. A considerable burden falls on the lymph nodes, which are located very “thoughtfully” - along the course of the lymph vessels. The largest organ of the immune system is the spleen.

Factors

The mechanisms and factors of immune defense are different. Nonspecific factors perceive and resist any type of pathogenic organisms. Specific ones are especially effective only against specific pathogens. It is these factors that shape the immune system’s ability to remember enemies by sight.

In addition, factors can be constant or unstable. The skin and mucous membranes, microflora, inflammation processes, body temperature and basic metabolism are constantly protected by nonspecific immunity. Non-permanent factors come into force after the “intruder” penetrates the body - inflammation appears, the production of the interferon protein is activated, immune cells - phagocytes, lymphocytes, macrophages, etc. - are activated.

How to calculate that your immune system is weak

In young children, as we have found out, acquired immunity (which is very important in diseases) is very weak and is still developing. The younger the toddler, the weaker his defense. If the doctor says that your child's immunity is weakened, this means that the deficiency of protective functions is below certain age norms.

The doctor comes to this conclusion after studying the patient’s card. If the frequency of illnesses, mainly colds, in a child exceeds 5-6 times a year, we can talk about weakened immunity.

Parents can notice this condition on their own, because external manifestations immunodeficiency symptoms are quite striking: the child has disturbed sleep, he often complains of fatigue, headaches, poor appetite, depressed mood, increased moodiness. Enough characteristic feature- weak hair, nails, dry and problematic skin. Children with reduced immunity may develop dark circles under their eyes, and they are more likely than other children to have allergies.

Modern medicine offers special study immune status. To do this, they do an immunogram - a comprehensive diagnostic that will allow you to determine the composition of the blood, the presence of antibodies to certain diseases, immunoglobulins in it; specialists will analyze the cellular components of the immune system. The doctor will receive all this data from a special blood test of the patient. The average cost of an immunogram in Russia is from 350 rubles.

Immunodeficiency can be different. The most light form- when the child is weakened after an illness. It is temporary, and the baby’s condition will recover fairly quickly. The most severe pathology is HIV infection, when the child’s immune system requires constant drug support.

The reasons that cause immune weakness are different:

• Congenital pathologies of organs involved in the protective mechanism.
• Congenital defects of the respiratory and digestive systems, as well as HIV infection that the child received in utero from the mother or independently (through blood transfusion or untreated medical instruments).
• Previous infection, especially if it was not treated properly.
• The state of hypoxia that the baby experienced during the mother’s pregnancy.
• Premature birth. Premature babies are more susceptible to infection.
• Unfavorable environmental conditions, living in a region with increased background radiation.
• Long-term and uncontrolled use of antibiotics and antivirals - immunostimulants and immunomodulators.
• A big journey, during which the child changed time zone and climate.
• Severe stress.
• High physical activity.

In the next video, the famous children's doctor Dr. Komarovsky will tell you everything about children's immunity and give useful tips on how to strengthen a child's immunity.

Folk remedies

Children with weakened immune systems need to be given more vitamins, everyone knows this. Moreover, it is better if these are seasonal vitamins, fresh, and not in the form of tablets and capsules. In summer, fresh black currants, raspberries, cherries and apples are useful for general strengthening. In the winter season, you can give your child compotes, teas and decoctions of frozen berries, dried fruits and medicinal herbs.

It is better to avoid alcohol infusions; they are contraindicated in children. It is best to prepare the products yourself, at home. If you don’t have the skills to collect and prepare healthy herbs, you can always buy them inexpensively at any pharmacy.

The following products and traditional medicine are of particular value for increasing a child’s immunity.

Honey and propolis

Bee products should not be given to children with acute allergies and a tendency to allergic reactions in general. It is not advisable to give honey to children under three years of age. To boost immunity, you can add honey to any tea you prepare for your child, to milk, and to almost any decoction and herbal infusion.

It is better to purchase propolis at a pharmacy in the form of an aqueous solution. Children are given a few drops, depending on age, 2-4 times a day.

Echinacea

Echinacea preparations should not be given to children under one year of age; other children are allowed to take this medicinal plant orally in dosages that are appropriate for their age. With pharmaceutical preparations with echinacea, everything is more or less clear, since all dosages are indicated in the instructions for use. Many questions arise about home preparation of products and their dosage regimen.

To prepare homemade tincture you need to take 50 grams. chopped herbs and 100 ml of boiled water. Mix everything and hold for steam bath about a quarter of an hour. Cool, strain using gauze or a strainer. The child should be given the tincture one-fourth of a glass, cool.

For a more pleasant taste, you can add dry leaves of black currant, raspberry, strawberry and lemon balm to the tincture. Phytoenzymes, which are found in abundance in Echinacea, have a beneficial effect on the quantity and quality of immunocompetent phagocyte cells. This is due to its effect on the immune system.

Aloe juice

An accessible indoor plant is rich in vitamins and other substances that stimulate the immune system gently, without unnecessary pressure. To get the juice, you need to cut off the fleshiest and juiciest leaves, put them in the refrigerator and keep them at low temperatures for a couple of days. Then finely chop the leaves, put them in a “bundle” of gauze and squeeze out the juice. You can add a little water to it and store it in the refrigerator for no more than 12 hours. Over time, the product will lose its therapeutic effect.

Aloe juice for children can be mixed into tea or compote, and also given to pure form 3-4 times a day, a tablespoon half an hour before meals.

Rose hip

Berries and leaves are widely used in alternative medicine. For a child with a weakened immune system, you can prepare a compote with rose hips, you can make an infusion, but the most popular among parents is a decoction. To prepare it, you will need five tablespoons of berries (can be dried), a liter of boiled water. The berries are poured into boiling water and kept on low heat for about a quarter of an hour. Then pour the broth into a thermos, close the lid and leave for 10-12 hours. Children are given the decoction warm 4 times a day, a quarter cup.

Ginger

Ginger root will help the child cope with illness when the illness is at its peak, and will also strengthen the immune system if it is weakened after illness. Finely chopped root is added to tea in small quantities; you can also make a decoction from it and give it to your child a tablespoon twice a day. Ginger jelly is very effective for immunodeficiency conditions. To prepare it, you will need a root weighing about 250 grams, one lemon and a teaspoon of gelatin.

The root needs to be washed and peeled, the lemon is also freed from peel and seeds. Both ingredients are passed through a meat grinder, gelatin and sugar to taste (or honey) are added. The jelly is placed in the refrigerator, and after hardening, given as a dessert 3 times a day, a teaspoon after meals.

Cranberry

This berry is rich in vitamins and acids, which is why cranberry juice is so popular for colds. To boost your child’s immunity, it is better to prepare a delicious dessert from cranberries, which the child will regard as a delicacy, and not as an unpleasant and obligatory medicine. For this recipe you will need 200 grams of cranberries and 400 grams of apple slices. Everything needs to be mixed and poured with syrup made from 200 grams of honey and half a liter of water. Keep the resulting mass over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring constantly. After which the delicacy is cooled, poured into a jar and stored in the refrigerator. The child is given a teaspoon three times a day.

Garlic

In terms of its effect on the body, garlic can be compared to ginger. But the drinks and infusions made from it are not very tasty, and children rarely like them. You shouldn’t stuff your child with garlic decoction unnecessarily; it’s enough if you add it to fresh in salads and other dishes that are included in the child’s diet.

Chamomile and linden

These medicinal plants You can buy it at the pharmacy and brew it according to the instructions. To prepare a homemade decoction you will need 10 grams of raw materials per 300 ml of water. Children can be given decoctions of linden and chamomile, one tablespoon three times a day. Children over 3 years old can be given combined herbal remedies, in which several plants will be mixed. The combination of chamomile with lemon balm and St. John's wort, as well as chamomile with sage and violet flowers, is very useful for strengthening immune defense.

We lead correct image life

Normalizing lifestyle is half of a successful campaign to increase a child’s immunity. The child’s nutrition should be complete, balanced, rich in vitamins and microelements.. The child should walk every day, in any weather, at any time of the year. Walking in the fresh air saturates the blood with oxygen. A child with a weakened immune system should get more rest; make sure that the baby gets enough sleep; if necessary, after consulting a doctor, use mild sedatives to normalize the child’s sleep and mood.

A fashionable trend in medicine today - psychosomatics - claims that all diseases are caused by nerves. I don’t know about everyone, but problems with immunity are very closely related to the psychological state, so limit stress, let every day for your little one be filled with something positive, kind, limit computer games and watching TV.

If the doctor tells you that your baby has weak immunity, it’s time to think about strengthening procedures, such as hardening. They must be systematic and constant, become an integral part of life, then there will be a lasting and noticeable effect - the child will begin to get sick less and less often.

For children of the first year (the period when immunity is formed at the fastest pace), it is advisable to take systematic courses restorative massage, aimed at improving blood circulation, developing the muscle and skeletal system.

Doctor Komarovsky's opinion

The famous children's doctor Evgeny Komarovsky cites the behavior of the child's parents as the main reason for the decrease in children's immunity. Excessively caring mothers and dads create almost sterile living conditions for their beloved baby: they try to protect them from drafts, close the windows, do not allow them to pet the cat outside, feed them hypoallergenic and pasteurized food that has gone through several degrees of purification. The immune system cannot be strong and healthy if it does not have contact with pathogens. Only with such “communication” and confrontation does the defense become stronger.

Thus, parents who are concerned about increasing their child’s immunity need to think carefully about their own approach to education and own image life.

Another type of pest relatives are mothers and fathers who are categorically against any vaccinations in childhood. Vaccines enable the immune system to become familiar with the causative agents of the most dangerous diseases, and for this the baby does not need to get sick with such serious illnesses as measles, polio, and hepatitis. If adults refuse this opportunity, then the child’s immunity will be vulnerable and weak.

As for immunodeficiency, Komarovsky considers it criminal to give such a diagnosis to every second child in the country. In fact, in clinics they talk about weak immunity if a child takes more than 6 or more times a year. Evgeny Komarovsky assures that this is a wrong approach, because doctors consider all infections - both viral and bacterial.

According to Evgeniy Olegovich, frequent illnesses from influenza or ARVI cannot be considered a sign of a deficiency of protection. We can talk about pathology if a child suffers just as often from bacterial infections, he has otitis media more than 8 times a year, and pneumonia more than twice a year. Fortunately, he emphasizes, such children do not occur very often - one case per 30 thousand children).

Evgeniy Komarovsky categorically warns parents against using medications that contain the words “immunostimulant” or “immunomodulator” in their names. Their effectiveness in clinical settings has not been proven, but there is a certain relationship between taking such drugs and immune “laziness”, when one’s own defense mechanism gets used to the fact that the pill decides and does everything for it, and simply stops coping with its responsibilities and begins to be “lazy.”

In Komarovsky’s opinion, it is possible to increase the immune abilities of a child’s body only by qualitatively changing the lifestyle of the entire family, and first of all, the child himself. Without it important condition no folk remedies or “miracle” medicines (if they are invented after all!) can make a child stronger, more resistant to disease, stronger and healthier.

Adviсe

• From birth, the house where the child lives must have the “correct” microclimate: air temperature - about 19 degrees, air humidity - 50-70%. And only so.
• Temper your baby from the very beginning of his life, go for walks, ventilate the children's room, do not wrap up the baby.
• Do not give folk remedies that contain allergenic components to boost immunity. If you are unsure whether there will be a reaction, give the initial dose that is 3-5 times less than prescribed. If no negative manifestations appear within 24 hours, the drug can be given.

A video release by the famous doctor and TV presenter Elena Malysheva about children's immunity can be viewed below.

How to boost a child’s immunity when he is constantly sick, and even the slightest hypothermia leads to a cold? There are a large number of techniques to increase the body's defenses. But first you need to understand why the child’s immune system suffers and what is the provoking factor.

In most cases, parents themselves contribute to the frequent illness of their children. The fact is that when even the slightest cold occurs, they begin to push antibiotics into their child. In this case, the body stops doing anything to protect itself, because its function is in this case perform antibacterial drugs.

It is necessary not only to enable the immune system to independently cope with pathogens, but also to follow certain rules that help strengthen it.

Ways to strengthen immunity in children

Weak immunity in children occurs due to a number of factors. Very often it decreases after illness. At the same time, the child is susceptible to the slightest infection and is prone to complications even after common cold, the disease can become chronic. In this case, parents think about what to do and what measures to take in order to increase the body's resistance.

A child’s immunity can be increased using a whole range of measures:

• Course treatment with immunostimulants. For these purposes, it is not necessary to use drugs in tablet form; you can purchase regular interferon in powder form and dilute it, then instill it into the nasal passages. You can buy a ready-made solution. This method will help prevent relapse of the disease. However, it is not recommended to use these drugs constantly. 10 days is enough.
• Vitamin therapy. To increase immunity in children, it is recommended to compensate for the lack of essential microelements. For this purpose, there are currently many vitamin complexes for children of different ages.
• Hardening. A very important procedure is cold and hot shower, which is capable of boosting immunity and increasing the body’s resistance to various viral and bacterial infections. But in this case you need not to overdo it and start small. First of all, you can pour only your legs and hands alternately with hot and cold water. Then after some time move on to the whole body. For children there is no need to make a large temperature run.
• Regulation of the daily routine. It is important that the child spends time in the fresh air every day and sleeps at least 8-9 hours a day. The younger children are, the more time they need to sleep. You should not neglect walks even in cold weather. You can go out for 20 minutes and that will be enough.

Products to increase the body's defenses

Many parents will be interested in knowing which foods increase immunity in children, because vitamins and beneficial microelements should come primarily from food.

First you need to adjust your diet. No meal should be neglected. In this case, children's breakfast should begin with cereal products with milk. It can be various porridges: oatmeal, rolled oatmeal, millet or rice. If the child does not like this kind of food, then you can replace it with an omelette or boiled eggs. Cottage cheese with sour cream is also useful. Thus, it is important that the body receives enough protein for the normal functioning of the immune system.

The diet should always include first courses. It is recommended to consume fresh fruits and vegetables daily, which contain the vitamins the body needs.

Necessary products to boost immunity:

1. kefir, natural yogurt, cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, sour cream;
2. mild cheese;
3. low-fat varieties of fish;
4. bananas, oranges, tangerines, persimmons, apples, feijoa, kiwi, etc.;
5. tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, bell pepper, zucchini, pumpkin, broccoli;
6. garlic and onion.

You should also include healthy drinks that boost immunity in children: fruit drinks made from fresh berries, jelly and natural herbal teas.

Food should be varied and healthy. It is necessary to exclude chewing gum, chips and other substitutes. It is useful to consume olive oil by adding it to salads. Vitamin D, which boosts immunity, is also found in vegetable oil.

However, it should be remembered that fruits and vegetables should serve as a healthy afternoon snack or snack, but they cannot replace a full meal. It is better to completely abandon store-bought cutlets and exclude red meat from the child’s diet. Turkey, and especially chicken broth, will be healthier.

Folk remedies for immunity

How to boost a child’s immunity using folk remedies is very actual topic, because many mothers and fathers simply do not trust modern medicines and want to increase the resistance of their children’s bodies with natural recipes.

• Rose hip decoction. This method can be used in almost all age categories. The fact is that this berry contains a large amount of vitamin C, even in dried form. Brewing rosehip and drinking it instead of tea will be an excellent aid for strengthening the child’s body during epidemics.
• Quail eggs. This tool is offered for use by many supporters. traditional methods treatment. Quail eggs contain useful elements such as vitamins A, C, Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium and Phosphorus. Two pieces a day are enough for a growing body to compensate for the lack of nutrients.
• Natural sweets. For this purpose, you can make a tasty treat that can significantly improve immunity. To do this, you need to take in equal quantities: raisins, walnuts, almonds, dates and dried apricots. If desired, you can add prunes. Next, grind all the ingredients in a blender and mix together, making small candies from them. A healthy treat can not only strengthen the body, but also regulate intestinal function.
• A decoction of mint, lemon balm, chamomile and fireweed. Such herbs contain a whole range of useful substances that strengthen the body's defenses and can help recover from an illness. All ingredients can be used individually or combined. You don’t have to make a steep decoction; you can just brew them like regular tea.
• Healing potion. In order to prepare this useful product, you need to take fresh cranberries and beat them together with sugar in a blender. The child should be given the prepared composition 2 times a day. If there is no allergy, then you can take it more often.

Strengthening the child’s body with folk remedies is an auxiliary technique that in most cases gives positive dynamics: the number of relapses decreases, resistance increases during epidemics. The main thing is to observe moderation and not overdo it, so that children do not develop disgust. To do this, it is recommended to alternate recipes based on taste preferences child.

Any modern mother knows that a child’s immunity is the body’s ability to resist various infections. In turn, immunodeficiency is a lack of immunity, as a result of which children become susceptible to a number of infections.

Features of immunity in children

The reasons why a child’s immune system malfunctions can be different: stress, unsatisfactory living conditions, poor nutrition, lack of vitamins, chronic diseases internal organs.

The immune system can be stimulated; For this purpose, pediatricians recommend that mothers harden their babies, balance their diet, and give them multivitamins and immunostimulants in the autumn-winter period.

The immunity of a child and an adult has its own characteristics. At the same time, children are much more vulnerable to infectious and viral diseases than adults. Mother Nature takes care of newborns and children of the first year of life, whose immunity is supported by immunoglobulins that enter the body with mother's milk. This is why doctors so insistently recommend continuing breast-feeding and do not transfer children to artificial mixtures before the 7-8th month of life.

How to strengthen your child's immunity: methods that really work

During the period of intrauterine development, resistance to infections of the embryo and fetus is due to class G immunoglobulins, which enter the body of the unborn child along with the mother’s blood. IgG tends to accumulate over 9 months of intrauterine existence. Once born, the baby “uses up” maternal immunoglobulins, the supply of which dries up after he reaches six months of age. This is why children over 6 months of age get sick quite often if they are not breastfed.

The child’s body begins to produce its own immunoglobulins no earlier than 6 years of age, and by the end puberty the immune system is finally formed. In kindergarten, and then at school, children have to deal with various infections. In addition, they undergo routine vaccination and acquire specific immunity to certain diseases. However, it is nonspecific immunity that forms the body’s ability to resist numerous forms of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, bronchitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, etc.

What determines the strength of a baby’s immune system?

Why can one baby run barefoot through puddles all day and not catch anything, while another instantly reacts with an increase in temperature even to a short walk in wet weather? As you can see, the strength of nonspecific immunity in the first child is much higher than in the second.

Vaccination, of course, is a great thing. Thanks to it, children become immune to measles, chickenpox, whooping cough, diphtheria, some forms of hepatitis, etc. However, vaccination cannot increase nonspecific immunity. A baby can have a full set of vaccinations appropriate for his age, and yet suffer from sore throat, tracheitis, bronchitis, and otitis every month. Unfortunately, these diseases are caused by microorganisms for which vaccinations are not given.

The main factors influencing the state of a child’s nonspecific immunity are the following.

Living conditions, living arrangements. Bad financial situation parents, necessity frequent changes place of residence undermines children's immunity.

Psycho-emotional atmosphere in the family, preschool, school. If parents are not averse to drinking and loudly sorting things out in front of their children, if the child is bullied in kindergarten or persecuted at school, the body’s resistance drops. To be healthy, a baby needs the affection, love and care of loved ones.

Food quality. A child’s daily diet should include all the necessary vitamins, micro- and macroelements, and minerals. An unbalanced diet significantly reduces immune defense. The diet should be as varied as possible and consist of products of plant and animal origin.

Presence of congenital and acquired diseases. A child's immune system cannot function properly if any of its internal organs are affected by disease. A fairly common occurrence in childhood is weakened immunity due to intestinal dysbiosis, gastritis, biliary dyskinesia, pyelonephritis, etc.

Weak immunity in a child should be suspected if he suffers from colds more than six times a year, and at the same time the diseases occur with complications in the form of sore throat, pneumonia, and traditional treatment does not help much.

How to boost your child's immunity

The main methods that help strengthen the immune system of a child’s body are hardening, balanced nutrition and the use of immunostimulating agents prescribed by a doctor.

Hardening

Typically, hardening begins at 3-4 years of age. However, if the child was born absolutely healthy, hardening procedures can be started earlier, even in the first year of life. The first steps to strengthen the baby’s immunity can be daily rubbing of the body with a damp sponge and dousing the legs with cool water before bed (the water temperature should be reduced gradually, by one degree per week, starting from +36`C).

Hardening for a three-year-old child should take place in the form of a game. You can start with morning exercises, which should be done daily after the baby wakes up. Let the child repeat simple exercises after mom or dad for 10-15 minutes, and the exercises themselves should take place in a well-ventilated room.

The next stage is rubbing the limbs and the whole body with a sponge moistened with water +22-25`C. Gradually the temperature can be reduced to +18`C. At the end water procedures The baby should be wiped dry and changed into warm, dry clothes.

Balanced diet

Parents should ensure that the baby receives the following vitamins and minerals daily from food:

vitamin C- is part of citrus fruits, fresh and sauerkraut, rose hips, black currants, etc.;

vitamin E- found in vegetable oil, spinach, lettuce, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, whole grain bread, sprouted wheat, etc.;

B vitamins(B1, B2, B6, B9, B12) - included in legumes, beets, tomatoes, green peas, buckwheat, oatmeal, liver, cottage cheese, cheese, yeast, egg yolk, caviar, beef;

vitamin D- contained in cow's milk and sea fish, as well as in pharmaceutical fish oil;

potassium- is part of melons, citrus fruits, legumes, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, prunes, raisins, baked potatoes;

magnesium- you can replenish its reserves in a child’s body with walnuts, pumpkins, shellfish, shrimp, soybeans, peas, and garden herbs;

copper- found in hazelnuts, buckwheat, oats, sweet red peppers, potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes;

zinc- is part of sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, walnuts, meat, cereals, wheat bran.

iodine- enters the body with seaweed, seafood, fish, beets, mushrooms, radishes, melon, onions, green peas.

Taking multivitamins

During childhood, rapid growth of all systems and organs occurs, so children require much more vitamins and minerals than adults. Under unfavorable conditions, vitamin deficiency occurs in children much faster and more often than in their parents. So it’s not far from persistent immunodeficiency.

In any pharmacy you can find a wide selection of multivitamins from various manufacturers, both domestic and foreign. However, your child should only buy those that are adapted for children's use. And it is best to listen to the pediatrician’s recommendations when choosing. It is especially important to take multivitamins during those periods of the year when the body suffers most from vitamin deficiency. As a rule, this is winter and spring.

Taking immunostimulating drugs

There are many immunomodulators that increase the activity of the immune system and strengthen the body’s ability to resist infections. In particular, pharmacies may recommend interferon, echinacea, immunal, broncho-munal, viferon, cycloferon, anaferon, IRS-19 and a number of other drugs. Human leukocyte interferon and other interferons are bioactive substances that block the development of viral infections in the body and are the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections in children. Cycloferon and anaferon are inducers and stimulate the body’s independent production of interferon. Doctors often prescribe them at the first sign of viral disease to ease its course and guarantee a speedy recovery.

Bacterial agents that enhance immunity include broncho-munal, imudan, IRS-19 and others. They contain microdoses of staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus and other pathogens of infectious diseases. Without presenting any danger to the child’s body, they can significantly increase the child’s immunity.

Echinacea, preparations of ginseng, Schisandra chinensis, etc. are prepared from plant materials and have an immunostimulating effect. Treatment with them is most often carried out in the autumn-winter period, as well as in anticipation of epidemics of seasonal influenza and ARVI. The main thing that every mother should understand is that immunotherapy should not become a platform for experiments on her own child. You can take such drugs only as prescribed by a doctor and after the fact of immunodeficiency has been established based on an examination of the baby and studying the results of his laboratory tests.

According to World Organization healthcare, children at an early age suffer up to 8-10 acute respiratory viral infections per year. If a child’s immune system functions normally, he can get sick with different types of influenza and adenovirus infection up to 4-5 times in a mild form (with a runny nose, cough, low temperature) over the course of a year.
The formation and development of the immune system occurs over many years, because immunological memory (not to be confused with innate immunity) is not inherited, but acquired by a person during development.
Newborn babies are protected by maternal antibodies. Which ones exactly depends on what the mother was sick with and what vaccinations she received before pregnancy. While breastfeeding the baby, she transfers ready-made antibodies to him. The synthesis of own antibodies in newborns is limited.
There are critical periods in the development of a child’s immune system.

I period (up to 28 days of the baby’s life).
At this time, the immune system is suppressed, so newborn babies are very susceptible to viral infections and opportunistic pathogens.
II period (3-6th months of life).
It is caused by the destruction of maternal antibodies in the child’s body. But an immune response is already developing to the penetration of microbes due to innate immunoglobulins. During this period, children are exposed to viruses that cause ARVI. Infants are at increased risk of getting sick intestinal infections And inflammatory diseases respiratory organs.
If in the first year of life the child has not received required quantity maternal antibodies (this is possible if the mother did not have the corresponding diseases, was not vaccinated against them or did not breastfeed the child), then the child has severe and atypical childhood infections: measles, whooping cough, rubella, chicken pox. It is important to vaccinate your child in a timely manner according to the preventive vaccination schedule.
At the same age, food allergies may appear.
III period (2-3 years of life).
The baby's contacts with the outside world expand significantly. The primary immune response is still fundamental to the functioning of the immune system. Although the child develops new immunoglobulins, the local immune system is not yet fully formed, and children are still very sensitive to viruses and bacteria.

IV period (6-7 years).

Immunoglobulins responsible for allergic reaction, reach maximum values, since it is during this period that chronic diseases are more likely to form and the frequency of allergic diseases increases.
V period ( adolescence).
This is a time of rapid growth and hormonal changes in the body. For girls it is 12-13 years old, for boys it is 14-15 years old.
The only way to fully protect yourself from infectious diseases is to develop your own immunity, which is formed when meeting microorganisms. Frequent ARVI in a child should in no way be considered as a malfunction of the immune system. If a child gets sick often, but the illness progresses brightly and quickly, parents should not assume that the child has a reduced immune system. You need to be wary if he suffers from diseases that turn into chronic forms.
To mobilize the body's defenses, it is necessary to use general strengthening techniques (hardening, for example) and take multivitamins. It is necessary to include rye bread, fermented milk products and legumes in your diet. The child's contacts should be limited as much as possible during influenza epidemics. Can be used medicines which protect the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract(grippferon, viferon, derinat).
Proven traditional medicine such as garlic and onions are very effective. They secrete phytoncides - substances that are fatal to many pathogenic microorganisms. The simplest recipe:
Place finely chopped garlic cloves on a saucer and place them next to the child, and you can even hang a head of garlic around your neck on a string.

Young children often get sick due to weakened immunity. Don’t rush to work, be sure to give your child time to finally get stronger after the illness (this will take at least 2 weeks). To strengthen the immune system, give your child rosehip decoction, lemon or honey water (stir 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or honey in a cup of boiled water).
Teas made from chamomile, linden blossom, coltsfoot, and fresh juices. Carry out massages, healing treatments, teach your baby to do gymnastics, spend time with her in the fresh air more often. In short, use all known means to strengthen the immune system. With frequent infectious diseases and colds ethnoscience advises boiling 2-3 figs in milk over low heat. Let the child eat the berries and drink the milk warm.

It is useful to give such a vitamin mixture to often sick children.

Pass 1.5 cups of raisins, 1 cup of walnut kernels, 0.5 cups of almonds, the peel of 2 lemons through a meat grinder, and squeeze the lemons into the resulting mass and mix it with 0.5 cups of melted honey. Infuse the mixture for 1-2 days dark place and give the child 1-2 teaspoons 3 times a day an hour before meals.

Bran to strengthen the immune system.

1 tbsp. wheat or rye bran, pour 1 tablespoon of water and boil, stirring, for 30-40 minutes. Then add 1 tbsp. dry crushed calendula flowers and boil for another 5 minutes. Cool, strain and add 1 tsp. honey (if you are not allergic to honey). Drink 1/4 tbsp. 4 times a day before meals. You can drink this drink for a long time.

A decoction of horsetail to strengthen children's immunity.

1 tbsp. horsetail field fill Art. boiling water, let it brew. Drink 30 ml 3 times a day. This drink can be drunk in the fall, before a flu epidemic or after an illness, to strengthen the body. This remedy perfectly strengthens weakened immunity and tones the body well. Check out the contraindications, because... Horsetail is contraindicated for those who have diseased kidneys or kidney stones.

Propolis tincture will increase children's immunity.

To strengthen the immune system, drip propolis tincture into warm milk on an empty stomach. The number of drops depends on the age of the child and how he tolerates bee products. Children from 3 to 7 years old can be given 3-5-7 drops. Increase the quantity gradually. As a preventative measure, give propolis for a month, then a month off. If the child is already sick, add the tincture to milk twice a day. You can go (3-5 year olds) on 10 drops twice a day during illness. After recovery, give the child the tincture for another two weeks, but reduce the dose to a preventive dose.

Cranberries and lemon are excellent for immunity.

To strengthen the immune system, mince 1 kg of cranberries and 2 medium-sized lemons (remove the seeds), add 1 tbsp to the mixture. honey, mix well. There is a mixture of 1-2 tbsp. with tea 2-3 times a day. The recipe is suitable even for children.

Cedar oil will strengthen the immune system.

To avoid colds, take this to strengthen your body. Cedar oil 1/3 tsp each 2-3 times a day (before meals) for a month. Keep an eye on your baby's stool. If it becomes too weak, reduce the dose.

Onion syrup will strengthen the child's immunity.

To boost immunity to colds Always take the following mixture in cold weather: Take 250 g of onion, chop finely, add 200 g of sugar and pour in 0.5 liters of water. Cook over low heat until the consistency of syrup. Take 1 tsp. children, and 1 tbsp. l. adults 3 times a day before meals until the product runs out. And if you have honey in the house and you are not allergic to it, you just need to mix 1 tbsp. p. onion juice with 1 tsp. honey and take 3 times a day before meals.

“Sea Beach” will relieve constant illnesses.

A remedy that will relieve your child of colds, sore throats, etc. Take sea rounded pebbles (buy at a pet store). Pour warm water over the pebbles boiled water with sea salt and a drop of vinegar, and 3 times a day the child should walk barefoot on these pebbles for 3-5 minutes. That's it - there will be no frequent illnesses!

Gentian will increase the child's immunity.

Pour 10 g of gentian roots into a liter of water. Leave for 20 hours. Strain. Add 1 kg of sugar. Bring to a boil over low heat. Cool. Store in a cool place. Give children half a glass 3 times a day as a general tonic.

A product to boost a child's immunity

This remedy not only perfectly improves children's immunity, but also improves vitality, plus it helps cleanse the blood, including in cases of leukemia. Take 0.5 kg of carrots and beets, wash, peel, finely chop, put in a pan and pour boiling water so that the water covers the vegetables by 2 fingers. Place the pan on the fire and cook over low heat until the beets are ready, strain. Then add a handful of washed raisins and dried apricots to the broth, put it back on the fire and bring to a boil, boil for 3-4 minutes. Then remove from heat, add 1 tbsp. l. honey and leave in a cool place for 12 hours. Give this remedy to children 0.5 tbsp. 3 times a day for 1 month.

Hardening and vitamin infusion will strengthen the child’s immunity

A recipe for preparing a vitamin infusion containing all the substances most necessary for a weakened body. Take 2 parts of lingonberries, and 3 parts of nettle leaves and rose hips. Grind, mix well, brew 4 teaspoons of the mixture with a glass of boiling water. Leave for 3-4 hours, then strain. Give your child a glass 2-3 times a day for a month, then take a break for a month and start giving the infusion again. At the same time, begin to harden the child by first wiping him with warm water, and then gradually reducing the temperature. After this treatment, the child will get stronger and stop getting sick.

Video. 1 month old baby what should he be able to do?

Every parent knows that immunity is responsible for the body's susceptibility to diseases. It is very important for the child’s health, because... The growing body not only needs to fight harmful bacteria, but also spend energy on proper growth and development.

Also, disruptions in the immune system can be caused by stress, unfavorable living conditions, poor diet and lifestyle, as well as chronic diseases.

Nowadays, few people can boast of excellent health. Frequent colds among children in kindergartens and schools have long become the norm. Some say that the environment, weather conditions and the level of general quality of life, which has decreased significantly recently, are to blame for everything.

However, the current situation is not a reason to give up and let the health of the younger generation take its course. Rather, on the contrary, it should encourage parents to look for ways that will help increase the child’s immunity very quickly.

Folk remedies for improving immunity, which are available to everyone, can significantly affect the health of your beloved child. So, let's look at what needs to be done to ensure that your child is full of strength and enjoys life.

• 1 Proper nutrition
• 2 Products containing vitamins to boost immunity
• 3 Fruits and vegetables
• 4 Whole grain cereals
• 5 Honey
• 6 Onions and garlic
• 7 Foods fortified with vitamin D
• 8 Nuts
• 9 Recipes for delicious vitamin mixtures
• 10 Recipe 1: healthy vitamin mixture
• 11 Recipe 2: on apples
• 12 Recipe 3: dried fruit mixture
• 13 Freshly squeezed juices and their benefits
• 14 Multivitamin preparations
• 15 Dairy products to eliminate germs and restore intestinal microflora
• 16 Daily routine
• 17 Morning exercises
• 18 Walking and hardening
• 19 Rest and sleep
• 20 Recommended duration of sleep and wakefulness for children 1.5 months - 3 years
• 21 Hygiene and cleanliness in the home
• 22 Features of strengthening a child’s immunity after illness
  • • 22.0.1 1. “Four Herbs.” To prepare, take St. John's wort, immortelle, chamomile and Birch buds(in equal quantities), pour boiling water over them and leave them in a thermos overnight. Use once a day 30 minutes before meals.
    • 22.0.2 2. “Walnut leaves.” Z st. Pour 3 cups of boiling water over spoons of leaves and leave overnight. Drink for 1 month
    • 22.0.3 3. “Monastery tea.” Take 1 tbsp per liter of water. spoon of rose hips and pieces of elecampane roots, boil for 20 minutes and leave for an hour. Then, in the same quantities, add St. John's wort and oregano, bring to a boil and leave for 2 hours.
    • 22.0.4 4. “Ivan tea, mint, chestnut flowers, lemon balm.” Mix the ingredients in equal quantities. For 2 tablespoons you need 0.5 liters of boiling water. Infuse and consume in small quantities throughout the day.
    • 22.0.5 5. “Lingonberry tea.” Ingredients: dried lingonberry leaves- 12 g., sugar - 10 g. Pour boiling water over lingonberry leaves and brew for 10 minutes. Add sugar and drink freshly brewed.
    • 22.0.6 6. “Tea from rowan.” Ingredients: dried raspberries - 5g, dried blackcurrant leaves - 2g, rowan - 30g. Pour boiling water for 7-10 minutes. Pour into a mug, diluting with boiling water.
• 23 Recipes for medicines made from honey, garlic, lemon
• 24 Propolis to restore immunity
• 25 Rosehip decoction is the most useful way strengthening the immune system
• 26 How to prepare and use the decoction
• 27 Reviews

Proper nutrition

The easiest way to take care of your baby's health is to provide his diet with the most healthy foods that will provide the body with useful substances.

For full growth and development, you need to create a child’s diet, which will include the required amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins.

Products containing vitamins to boost immunity

The most common folk remedies that will help to very quickly boost your child’s immunity are foods containing large amounts of vitamins. These products should be included in the baby’s regular menu., but there are times when the usual diet is not enough (off-season, climate change, recent cold, etc.).

If the situation requires it, then you should increase the amount of these healthy products.

Fruits and vegetables

Everyone knows that they contain a high content of vitamins, fiber, minerals and phytonutrients. Among fruits, citrus fruits and apples, which are enriched with vitamin C (necessary for the prevention of colds), have the most beneficial effect on the immune system. And apples also help maintain healthy intestinal microflora and normalize the digestive process.

It is also recommended to eat: pomegranates, tomatoes, cranberries, red cabbage, grapefruits(have a beneficial effect not only on the immune system, but also on the heart), carrots and pumpkin (contain substances that convert into vitamin A), broccoli (has anti-inflammatory properties).

Whole grain porridge

Many people underestimate all the benefits of cereals. However, they are good source vitamins and microelements. Therefore, nutritionists recommend including children's diet porridge for breakfast.

When cooked, almost all the beneficial substances of the porridge disappear.. It is recommended to pour boiling water over the cereal and let it sit overnight. To increase the content of vitamins in porridge, it is recommended to add berries or fruits (dried fruits) to it.

Honey

Our grandmothers also told us to drink tea with honey when we had a cold, because... it improves immunity very well and has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system. Honey is a very tasty delicacy. Therefore, you won’t have to spend a long time persuading your child to eat a spoonful of honey. It is best to choose bee honey.

In this case, it is better to abandon the bee and choose a less allergenic option. Also, honey should not be given to children under 2-3 years of age, because The risk of developing allergies at this age is highest.

Onion and garlic

It’s worth mentioning separately about these vegetables, because... they contain many phytoncides that fight harmful bacteria. Onions and garlic have long been the best folk remedy for quickly increasing immunity. You can give them to your child just like that, with bread or other food. But not all children like onions and garlic because of their bitter taste.

In this case, you can finely chop the onion and add it to the plate, and grate the crouton with garlic. Their volatile properties can also be used as protection. Cut the onion or garlic into a plate and place it not far from the crib or other place where the child is often found.

Vitamin D Fortified Foods

These include: sea fish, vegetable oils and dairy products. On this moment there is a theory that the flu can be controlled with just vitamin D. It enters the body mainly through the skin with sunlight.

Nuts

Have a beneficial effect on the body. All nuts can be used as a product to boost immunity. It is also recommended to consume various herbal teas, dairy and fermented milk products, freshly squeezed juices, but we will talk about them later.

Recipes for delicious vitamin mixtures

Healthy foods can be taken both with food and as bioactive supplement. If you do not have time to prepare a menu for your child in advance a long period, then you can regularly give him a tasty folk remedy - vitamin mixtures. They can easily help boost your child’s immunity very quickly. Below are several such recipes.

Recipe 1: healthy vitamin mixture

To prepare a multivitamin mixture you will need: 1 lemon, 50 g of figs, and 100 g of raisins, dried apricots, honey and peanuts or walnuts. Before preparing, wash the lemon thoroughly under hot water. Grate its zest.

Then grind nuts, raisins, dried apricots, figs in a blender and combine them with zest. Squeeze lemon juice into the prepared mixture and add liquid honey. Leave the resulting composition for 48 hours in a dark container. Then give the child 1-2 teaspoons 3 times a day an hour before meals.

Recipe 2: on apples

To make medicine, take: 3 apples, 1 cup walnuts, 0.5 cups water and 0.5 kg each. cranberries and sugar. Then mash the berries and cut the apples into small cubes.

Mix all the ingredients, add water and bring to a boil over low heat. Cool the resulting mixture. You should take 1 teaspoon twice a day.

Recipe 3: dried fruit mixture

To prepare the dried fruit mixture you will need: 1 lemon and 250 g each of raisins, honey, walnuts, prunes and dried apricots.
With lemon we do the same as in the first recipe.

We sort out the dried fruits, wash them and dry them. Grind all ingredients, except honey, with a blender or twist in a meat grinder. Then fill it with honey and transfer it to a sterile jar. The child should be given 1 teaspoon every 30 minutes. before meals 3 times a day.

Freshly squeezed juices and their benefits

We know that vegetables and fruits are good for the body. But fresh juices are also useful, which are much better than packaged juices. They contain many biologically active substances that take part in the functioning of the entire body. But each juice affects the body differently, so you should understand all the types of juices that your child can and should drink.

• Apricot. Renders beneficial influence on the liver and skin, improves vision;
• Orange. Contains a large amount of vitamins C, B1, B5, B12. Recommended for colds and stress;
• Birch. Tones, activates metabolism, improves the functioning of the digestive tract;
• Grape. Recommended for children, rich in iron, tones;
• Pomegranate. It is hematopoietic, improves immunity, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of almost all organs, contains many vitamins, mineral salts, sugars, fiber;
• Grapefruit. Contains vitamin C, normalizes metabolism and blood pressure;
• Pear. Prevents obesity;
• Cabbage. Quickly absorbed, rich in chlorine, sulfur and iodine, improves the condition of hair, skin and nails;
• Citric. A source of vitamin C and many other beneficial substances, improves the nervous and circulatory systems;
• Carrot. Contains potassium, folic acid and carotenoids, which form vitamin A. This vitamin is responsible for the condition of the skin and mucous membranes;
• Sea buckthorn. Contains vitamins - A, B1, B2, B3, C, E, microelements - boron, iron, manganese, plant antibiotics and organic acids;
• Peach. Rich in potassium salts, which strengthen the heart muscles;
• Beetroot. Contains calcium, sodium, chlorine. Improves condition nervous system, kidneys, gallbladder and blood vessels. It is recommended to drink several hours after preparation;
• Tomato. Rich in natural sugars, vitamin C, organic acids. Improves memory, heart function, metabolism, nervous system condition, has antioxidant properties;
• Pumpkin. Improves blood circulation, intestinal and liver function. Clears toxins, fights colds and stress;
• Blackcurrant juice. Increases immunity;
• Rosehip juice. Improves metabolism, appetite, resistance to infections, increases endurance;
• Apple. Rich in iron, potassium and boron.

After drinking the juice, ask your child to rinse his mouth with water to keep the enamel in good condition.

Multivitamin preparations

If the immune system is very weakened or you do not have the opportunity to provide your child with the necessary amount of vitamins that will be supplied through food, then you should turn to products sold in pharmacies.

If your baby does not have any special instructions from the doctor, then it is best to choose multivitamin preparations. They contain all the necessary vitamins and microelements that a child should receive daily.

When choosing vitamins for a child, you should take into account his age and other individual characteristics, because The daily intake of essential substances depends on this.

If you don't do this, then you have a chance of choosing the wrong dosage, which will lead to adverse effects. When choosing a vitamin complex for your baby, it is best to consult a pediatrician or at least a pharmacist at a pharmacy.

Dairy products to eliminate germs and restore intestinal microflora

The intestines play a vital role in the formation of immunity, because. that's where it works greatest number cells of the immune system.

A decrease in immunity occurs due to dysbiosis (reduction in the normal amount of prebiotics in the intestines). Prebiotics produce most of the vitamins and are also responsible for removing toxins and prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria.

To maintain normal intestinal microflora, lactobacilli and prebiotics are needed. At the moment, there are quite a few “fortified” and “fortified” drinks in stores. But it’s better to use a proven method to boost your child’s immunity very quickly.

Since ancient times, any fermented milk product, including cottage cheese, from which fried flatbreads were made, was called cheese.

Research has proven that if your child consumes fermented milk products twice a day, the risk of developing ARVI and influenza is significantly reduced (this especially applies to children aged 3 to 7 years). In case of illness, children who regularly consume fermented milk products have less severe symptoms and the duration of the illness is significantly reduced.

Daily regime

For a child to grow up healthy and active, he needs correct routine day, which should include exercise, walking, eating and sleeping schedule, as well as hygiene procedures.

Morning work-out

It is best to start the day with exercise, which helps to cheer up, tone muscles and blood vessels, which has a significant impact on mental activity.

Provided that the child regularly does morning exercises, his appetite improves, blood supply, brain function, the risk of diseases and rapid fatigue is reduced.

Walking and hardening

A good way to increase a child’s immunity very quickly is through folk remedies, such as fresh air and hardening. You need to start hardening your child from infancy. First of all, you should not repeat the mistake of many - overly wrapping up your child and keeping him in a hot and stuffy room.

Dress your child exclusively for the weather. Forget the old expression “heat doesn’t break the bones.” It has long been proven that overheating the body is worse than hypothermia. The same goes for the legs: the human foot is designed to walk on a cool surface. There are no vital organs in the feet that can be frostbitten, so slightly cool leg in a child is the absolute norm.

Just like wrapping yourself up, hot baths are very harmful. The water for bathing a child should be 37 - 38°C. To harden a child, it is recommended to gradually reduce the temperature of the bathing water.

Take your baby for a walk, preferably twice a day. They are very important for the child’s health, because... in the house he breathes dust (even if you clean several times a day, it will still remain), stale air (especially during the heating season).

While at home, the child does not receive enough oxygen, which saturates every cell of the body, which can lead to illness. If you do not have the opportunity to take him outside, then ventilate the room as often as possible.

Rest and sleep

No folk remedies will help improve your child’s immunity if he does not get proper rest. Children, especially small ones, get tired very quickly, and sleep helps replenish wasted energy. A child under 7 years old needs daytime sleep.

If he does not receive it, then the nervous system is overloaded, which can have a detrimental effect on further development. In addition to resting the muscles and brain, during sleep the body is enriched with oxygen (at the moment deep sleep The lungs open and breathing becomes deep.

A few hours before bedtime, you need to play quiet games with your child (you can read books). This will allow him to calm down, which is necessary before bed. For proper rest of the body, night sleep should begin no later than 22.00. Before going to bed, be sure to ventilate the room in which the child sleeps. You can also go for a walk.

The daily routine of the junior (3-4 years) and middle (4-5 years) kindergarten groups provides 12-12.5 hours of sleep, of which 2 hours for one-time sleep. nap. For children in the senior (5-6 years old) and preparatory (6-7 years old) groups, sleep is allocated 11.5 hours (10 hours at night and 1.5 hours during the day).

Sleep duration in children school age changes with age and is:

• at 7-10 years old - 11-10 hours;
• at 11-14 years old - 10-9 hours;
• at 15-17 years old - 9-8 hours.

Hygiene and cleanliness at home

Children, especially under 3 years old, explore the world. They crawl everywhere and look into every corner. They can crawl on the floor, and within a second they can put their hands in their mouths. Therefore, to maintain the health of the child, it is important to keep the house clean. Set aside time every day for cleaning (this should include wet cleaning).

If you have Small child, then hold off on pets. You should also avoid large quantities soft toys and books in the room where the child is, because they collect a lot of dust.

Child hygiene is no less important for full development . Children are very active, and therefore often get dirty and sweat. Therefore, it is necessary to wash your hands after playing and before eating, take a daily shower and, of course, observe morning toilet. Do not allow children to eat dirty fruits and vegetables or pick up anything on the streets. This can lead to various diseases.

Features of strengthening a child’s immunity after illness

If your child has recently suffered from an illness, then you need to know how to increase your child’s immunity very quickly. Folk remedies will help restore strength and will not have negative impact on the body. This can be done with the help of vitamin mixtures (recipes were described earlier) and various healthy teas, tinctures and decoctions.

Recipes for teas and tinctures to strengthen the immune system:

1. "Four Herbs". To prepare, take St. John's wort, immortelle, chamomile and birch buds (in equal quantities), pour boiling water over them and leave in a thermos overnight. Use once a day 30 minutes before meals.

2. "Walnut Leaves". Z st. Pour 3 cups of boiling water over spoons of leaves and leave overnight. Drink for 1 month

3. "Monastery tea". Take 1 tbsp per liter of water. spoon of rose hips and pieces of elecampane roots, boil for 20 minutes and leave for an hour. Then, in the same quantities, add St. John's wort and oregano, bring to a boil and leave for 2 hours.

4. "Ivan tea, mint, chestnut flowers, lemon balm". Mix the ingredients in equal quantities. For 2 tablespoons you need 0.5 liters of boiling water. Infuse and consume in small quantities throughout the day.

5. "Lingonberry tea". Ingredients: dried lingonberry leaves - 12g, sugar - 10g. Pour boiling water over lingonberry leaves and brew for 10 minutes. Add sugar and drink freshly brewed.

6. "Rowan berry tea". Ingredients: dried raspberries - 5g, dried blackcurrant leaves - 2g, rowan - 30g. Pour boiling water for 7-10 minutes. Pour into a mug, diluting with boiling water.

Recipes for medicines made from honey, garlic, lemon

Recipes from honey, garlic, lemon	Ingredients	Preparation
Recipe 1	garlic - 4 heads, bee honey - 300-400 g, lemon - 6 pcs.	Cut the lemon and remove all the seeds, peel the garlic. Then grind the lemon and garlic in a blender until the consistency of porridge. Mix the resulting mixture with honey and leave to settle. After it has settled, drain the juice. Pour it into a dark glass container and store it in the cold for 10 days.
Recipe 2	garlic - 3 heads, bee honey -1 kg., lemon -4 pcs., linseed oil- 1 glass.	Peel the lemons and garlic and chop them. Add honey and oil to the mixture. It turns out to be a rather thick mass. Must be stored in the refrigerator.

Propolis to restore immunity

Propolis is one of the best antiviral and antimicrobial agents. It contains minerals that are able to activate and modulate protective functions body. Thanks to this, the immunity boost occurs within a few hours.
A good medicine is honey with propolis.

To make it, you need to take honey and pure propolis in a 4:1 ratio and melt it in a water bath. Then mix thoroughly.

Give your child ½ teaspoon. Propolis tincture can also be added to milk (1-2 drops). It is best to drink milk with propolis before bed.

Rosehip decoction is the most useful way to strengthen the immune system

It improves vision, strengthens hair and nails, restores metabolic processes in the liver, has a mild choleretic effect, and normalizes the digestive process.

A decoction of rose hips is a good folk remedy for boosting immunity. He can easily get the child back on his feet after an illness very quickly.

How to prepare and use the decoction

Take 4 tbsp. spoons of crushed rose hips, pour them into 1 liter. water and set to cook. As soon as the water boils, reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. After the drink is prepared, cool it and strain. To enhance the taste of the broth, it is permissible to add honey, sugar or raisins.

Rosehip decoction is allowed to be given to children from 6 months - 100 ml. per day. The norm for a child aged 1-3 years is 200 ml, and for children aged 3-7 years - 400 ml. Older children are allowed to increase the amount to 600 ml.

From the provided ways to strengthen the immune system, you can choose several that you like the most. Just remember that success depends on regularity.

External factors constantly test the child’s immune system for strength. If it is weak, then the baby is constantly sick, feels unwell, and this condition is called immunodeficiency. This situation requires correction and this can be done in several ways. One of them is immunity products for children, which will be discussed in detail below.

How to boost your child's immunity

Up to 6 months, a child’s body receives all the necessary antibodies along with mother’s milk, but then its defense mechanism is forced to cope independently with all external stimuli. In order for the immune system to resist colds and viruses, it is necessary to get vaccinated and perform general strengthening procedures. In some situations, immunomodulators may be required, but before giving immunity drugs to children, methods of raising the body's defenses without the use of medications should be used:

1. Proper nutrition. Most of the vitamins that the body needs to boost immunity come from food. Avoid processed foods and fast food; your diet should include fruits, vegetables (onions, garlic, cabbage), dairy products, and legumes every day.
2. Eliminate sources of possible chronic diseases: carious teeth, sinusitis, tonsillitis. The immune system is constantly under attack from these pathologies.
3. Try to create a positive mood for your child; stress and anxiety negatively affect children’s immunity.
4. Hardening is very helpful in boosting children's immunity. Procedures should begin in the summer. Make sure he goes to bed on time and doesn’t sit too long in front of the computer or TV.
5. The child must play sports. Regular physical activity will strengthen all systems of his body, maximize protection from external aggressive environmental factors, and reduce the incidence of infectious diseases.
6. Some parents are too zealous in protecting their baby. The immune system will not work if it has nothing to fight against, so you should not be afraid to let your children go outside, to kindergarten or school.

Immunostimulating drugs for children

By definition, this group of medications belongs to immunomodulators. These drugs for boosting immunity in children can increase the activity of the child’s defense system in order to more effectively fight diseases. There is a wide range of medications that are used depending on the cause of the baby’s illness. The question that worries many parents is whether children should take pills at all? This should be decided by the attending physician, who assesses the degree of immunodeficiency. For the same reason, a pediatrician should prescribe the drug, dosage, and treatment regimen.

How to choose a remedy to boost immunity for children

Caring parents always trying to find the safest way to strengthen the child's immune system. In some cases, increasing the amount of fruit in the diet and more frequent walks in the fresh air will be enough. Drugs to boost immunity in children are really needed if:

1. Immunodeficiency was diagnosed by a specialist.
2. All possible reasons decreases in immunity were excluded, and an increase in protective functions was not observed.
3. Additional terms to boost immunity were followed (balanced diet, hardening, vitamin complexes, homemade folk recipes), but positive effect did not follow.
4. The age is suitable for using an immunocorrector.

Only a doctor can choose the right medicine to boost immunity, based on the diagnostic results. He will determine the treatment regimen and dosage based on the child’s age and the degree of immunodeficiency. The type of immunotherapy drug must correspond to the disease; for example, for ARVI, herbal medicines or interferon preparations are needed. The latter will only help against a respiratory viral infection, while the former can be used as a prophylaxis.

Vegetable origin

This type of medicine is made from plants that have immunostimulating, adaptogenic properties. Drugs to enhance immunity for children in this group are represented by the following well-known medications:

• Immunal;
• Schisandra chinensis;
• ginseng preparations;
• Echination purpurea.

These medications are a good antiviral agent for children. They are given to treat the disease itself or for preventive purposes. It will be effective to take the medicine in the fall and winter, when epidemics of colds occur. You can give Immunal to drink before sending your child to kindergarten. The course of prophylactic use should not exceed two months.

Bacterial origin

This group of drugs is similar in principle to vaccination: the medicine contains fragments of various pathogens (pneumococcus, staphylococcus, streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae), which cannot harm the child’s body, but force the production of antibodies. Among the drugs that boost immunity in children, the following are popular:

• Imudon;
• Lycopid;
• IRS 19;
• Broncho-munal;
• Ribomunil;
• Bronchovascom.

The action of these drugs is aimed at maintaining local, general immunity; it is recommended to use them in the treatment of acute respiratory infections and chronic ENT diseases (sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis). It has been proven during research that a bacterial group of immunotherapy drugs increases the effectiveness of vaccinations. For this reason, a doctor may recommend that a person take these medications during vaccination.

With nucleic acid

Doctors carefully studied this substance; in 1892, scientific literature appeared indicating that nucleic acid is capable of strengthening the body's protective functions. It was used to treat anthrax, systemic lupus, diphtheria, and tuberculosis. Now the medication is used to prevent viral and bacterial infections, and immunodeficiency. Do not use if you have an allergic reaction to the components of the substance, during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Popular medications in this group:

• Kawesan;
• Ridostin;
• Derinat.

Immune interferon

The active substance has the ability to block and inhibit the development of viral infections. Interferon is often used to strengthen the immune system in children who suffer from acute respiratory viral infections. If you start taking an immunomodulator of this group, for example, Viferon, on time, there is a chance to significantly reduce the duration of the disease and the likelihood of developing complications. To achieve maximum effectiveness, it is recommended to take a group of interferons in the first hours of the onset of the disease. You can increase your immune defense with the following medications:

1. Viferon. It can be released in the form of an ointment, but is more often used in the form of suppositories for rectal administration.
2. Arbidol. Available in the form of tablets of 100 and 50 mg. Can be prescribed to children from 2 years of age.
3. Grippferon. An effective antiviral agent that can help cope with inflammation and microbes. Acts as a stimulator for the production of its own interferon.
4. Anaferon. Good remedy, which can be prescribed to babies from 1 month.

Immunostimulating drugs for the thymus

For the first time, medications in this group were used by researcher Alice Sandberg. Extracts of the thymus gland (thymus) have a positive effect on the entire human body. They can help in the fight against serious diseases and boost immunity. The thymus itself is responsible for the functioning of the immune system, so its extract stimulates the work defense mechanisms, helps restore them.

The thymus gland of calves is used to create the medicine. The treatment regimen is usually designed for 3-5 weeks. If there is no improvement, then a repeat course is prescribed. These drugs are prescribed for children if active immunotherapy is necessary. They must be prescribed by a doctor. Popular medications include:

• Wilosen;
• Taktivin;
• Timalin.

Biogenic agents

Various kinds of nasal drops, syrups, injections and tablets cause them concern. Biogenic agents that increase immunity in children are products of natural origin. The necessary substances are released from the cells of plants and animals that are resistant to negative manifestations environment. Such preparations are also called homeopathic.

When ingested by a child, these substances act as a stimulant to strengthen the immune system. The natural origin of drugs does not exclude the need to consult a doctor before taking them. Popular drugs in this group include:

• PhiBS;
• Kalanchoe juice;
• Aloe.

Synthetic stimulants

This group of products was created artificially so that a person could obtain the elements his body lacks. These drugs include all known vitamins. Complex options can provide the child with all the necessary substances for the full functioning of the immune system. As a rule, a person receives them with food, but in winter and in early spring Many people become deficient in vitamins, so it is recommended to take them for preventive purposes. You can buy inexpensive multivitamin complexes at any pharmacy.

Price of drugs to boost immunity in children

Immunity medications are available without a prescription, but before purchasing them, be sure to consult a pediatrician so that he can prescribe the optimal medication for your child. The cost of medications will be lower if you order them from an online pharmacy. The estimated price for popular medications is as follows:

• Kalanchoe juice, 20 ml – price from 65 rubles;
• Taktivin – price from 770 rubles;
• Timalin – price from 270 rubles;
• Viferon, candles 10 pcs. – price from 250 rubles;
• Grippferon, drops 10 ml – price from 260 rubles;
• Arbidol, tablets 50 mg 20 pcs. – price from 280 rub.

Video

The immunity of a child and an adult has its own characteristics. At the same time, children are much more vulnerable to infectious and viral diseases than adults.

Any modern mother knows that a child’s immunity is the body’s ability to resist various infections. In turn, immunodeficiency is a lack of immunity, as a result of which children become susceptible to a number of infections.

Features of immunity in children

The reasons why a child’s immune system malfunctions can be different: stress, unsatisfactory living conditions, poor nutrition, lack of vitamins, chronic diseases of internal organs.

Mother Nature takes care of newborns and children of the first year of life, whose immunity is supported by immunoglobulins that enter the body with mother's milk. This is why doctors so persistently recommend continuing breastfeeding for as long as possible and not switching children to artificial formula before the 7-8th month of life.

During the period of intrauterine development, resistance to infections of the embryo and fetus is due to class G immunoglobulins, which enter the body of the unborn child along with the mother’s blood. IgG tends to accumulate over 9 months of intrauterine existence. Once born, the baby “uses up” maternal immunoglobulins, the supply of which dries up after he reaches six months of age. This is why children over 6 months of age get sick quite often if they are not breastfed.

The child’s body begins to produce its own immunoglobulins no earlier than 6 years of age, and by the end of puberty the immune system is fully formed. In kindergarten, and then at school, children have to deal with various infections. In addition, they undergo routine vaccination and acquire specific immunity to certain diseases. However, it is nonspecific immunity that forms the body’s ability to resist numerous forms of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, bronchitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, etc.

What determines the strength of a baby’s immune system?

Why can one baby run barefoot through puddles all day and not catch anything, while another instantly reacts with an increase in temperature even to a short walk in wet weather? As you can see, the strength of nonspecific immunity in the first child is much higher than in the second.

Vaccination, of course, is a great thing. Thanks to it, children become immune to measles, chickenpox, whooping cough, diphtheria, some forms of hepatitis, etc. However, vaccination cannot increase nonspecific immunity. A baby can have a full set of vaccinations appropriate for his age, and yet suffer from sore throat, tracheitis, bronchitis, and otitis every month. Unfortunately, these diseases are caused by microorganisms for which vaccinations are not given.

The main factors influencing the state of a child’s nonspecific immunity are the following.

• Living conditions, living arrangements. The poor financial situation of parents and the need to frequently change their place of residence undermine children's immunity.
• Psycho-emotional atmosphere in the family, preschool, school. If parents are not averse to drinking and loudly sorting things out in front of their children, if the child is bullied in kindergarten or persecuted at school, the body’s resistance drops. To be healthy, a baby needs the affection, love and care of loved ones.
• Food quality. A child’s daily diet should include all the necessary vitamins, micro- and macroelements, and minerals. An unbalanced diet significantly reduces immune defense. The diet should be as varied as possible and consist of products of plant and animal origin.
• The presence of congenital and acquired diseases. A child's immune system cannot function properly if any of its internal organs are affected by disease. A fairly common occurrence in childhood is weakened immunity due to intestinal dysbiosis, gastritis, biliary dyskinesia, pyelonephritis, etc.

Weak immunity in a child should be suspected if he suffers from colds more than six times a year, and the disease occurs with complications such as tonsillitis, pneumonia, and traditional treatment does not help much.

How to boost your child's immunity

The main methods that help strengthen the immune system of a child’s body are hardening, balanced nutrition and the use of immunostimulating agents () prescribed by a doctor.

Hardening

Typically, hardening begins at 3-4 years of age. However, if the child was born absolutely healthy, hardening procedures can be started earlier, even in the first year of life. The first steps to strengthen the baby’s immunity can be daily rubbing of the body with a damp sponge and dousing the legs with cool water before bed (the water temperature should be reduced gradually, by one degree per week, starting from +36`C).

Hardening for a three-year-old child should take place in the form of a game. You can start with morning exercises, which should be done daily after the baby wakes up. Let the child repeat simple exercises after mom or dad for 10-15 minutes, and the exercises themselves should take place in a well-ventilated room.

The next stage is rubbing the limbs and the whole body with a sponge moistened with water +22-25`C. Gradually the temperature can be reduced to +18`C. At the end of the water procedures, the baby should be wiped dry and changed into warm, dry clothes.

Balanced diet

Parents should ensure that the baby receives the following vitamins and minerals daily from food:

• vitamin A - found in carrots, cabbage, garden greens, liver, sea fish, milk, butter, egg yolk;
• vitamin C - found in citrus fruits, fresh and sauerkraut, rose hips, black currants, etc.;
• vitamin E - found in vegetable oil, spinach, lettuce, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, whole grain bread, sprouted wheat, etc.;
• B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B9, B12) - are found in legumes, beets, tomatoes, green peas, buckwheat, oatmeal, liver, cottage cheese, cheese, yeast, egg yolk, caviar, beef;
• vitamin D - found in cow's milk and sea fish, as well as in pharmaceutical fish oil;
• potassium - found in melons, citrus fruits, legumes, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, prunes, raisins, baked potatoes;
• magnesium - you can replenish its reserves in a child’s body through walnuts, pumpkin, shellfish, shrimp, soybeans, peas, and garden herbs;
• copper - found in hazelnuts, buckwheat, oats, sweet red peppers, potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes;
• zinc - is part of sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, walnuts, meat, cereals, wheat bran.
• iodine - enters the body with seaweed, seafood, fish, beets, mushrooms, radishes, melon, onions, green peas.

Taking multivitamins

During childhood, rapid growth of all systems and organs occurs, so children require much more vitamins and minerals than adults.

Under unfavorable conditions, vitamin deficiency occurs in children much faster and more often than in their parents. So it’s not far from persistent immunodeficiency.

In any pharmacy you can find a wide selection of multivitamins from various manufacturers, both domestic and foreign.

However, a child should only buy those that are adapted for children's use. And it is best to listen to the pediatrician’s recommendations when choosing. It is especially important to take multivitamins during those periods of the year when the body suffers most from vitamin deficiency. As a rule, this is winter and spring.

Taking immunostimulating drugs

There are many that increase the activity of the immune system and strengthen the body’s ability to resist infections. In particular, pharmacies may recommend interferon, echinacea, immunal, broncho-munal, viferon, cycloferon, anaferon, IRS-19 and a number of other drugs. Human leukocyte interferon and other interferons are bioactive substances that block the development of viral infections in the body and are the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections in children. Cycloferon and anaferon are inducers and stimulate the body’s independent production of interferon. Doctors often prescribe them at the first signs of a viral disease to ease its course and ensure a speedy recovery.

Bacterial agents that enhance immunity include broncho-munal, imudan, IRS-19 and others. They contain microdoses of staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus and other pathogens of infectious diseases. Without presenting any danger to the child’s body, they can significantly increase the child’s immunity.

Echinacea, preparations of ginseng, Schisandra chinensis, etc. are prepared from plant materials and have an immunostimulating effect. Treatment with them is most often carried out in the autumn-winter period, as well as in anticipation of epidemics of seasonal influenza and ARVI. The main thing that every mother should understand is that immunotherapy should not become a platform for experiments on her own child. You can take such drugs only as prescribed by a doctor and after the fact of immunodeficiency has been established based on an examination of the baby and studying the results of his laboratory tests.

According to the World Health Organization, children at an early age suffer up to 8-10 acute respiratory viral infections per year. If a child’s immune system functions normally, he can get sick with different types of influenza and adenovirus infection up to 4-5 times in a mild form (with a runny nose, cough, low temperature) over the course of a year.

The formation and development of the immune system occurs over many years, because immunological memory (not to be confused with innate immunity) is not inherited, but acquired by a person during development.

Newborn babies are protected by maternal antibodies. Which ones exactly depends on what the mother was sick with and what vaccinations she received before pregnancy. While breastfeeding the baby, she transfers ready-made antibodies to him. The synthesis of own antibodies in newborns is limited.

There are critical periods in the development of a child’s immune system.

• I period (up to 28 days of the baby’s life). At this time, the immune system is suppressed, so newborn babies are very susceptible to viral infections and opportunistic microbes.
• II period (3-6th months of life). It is caused by the destruction of maternal antibodies in the child’s body. But an immune response is already developing to the penetration of microbes due to innate immunoglobulins. During this period, children are exposed to viruses that cause ARVI. Infants have an increased risk of developing intestinal infections and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. If in the first year of life a child has not received the required amount of maternal antibodies (this is possible if the mother did not suffer from relevant diseases, was not vaccinated against them, or did not breastfeed the child), then he has severe and atypical childhood infections: measles, whooping cough, rubella , chicken pox. It is important to vaccinate your child in a timely manner according to the preventive vaccination schedule. At the same age, food allergies may appear.
• III period (2-3 years of life). The baby's contacts with the outside world expand significantly. The primary immune response is still fundamental to the functioning of the immune system. Although the child develops new immunoglobulins, the local immune system is not yet fully formed, and children are still very sensitive to viruses and bacteria.
• IV period (6-7 years). Immunoglobulins responsible for the allergic reaction reach their maximum values, since it is during this period that chronic diseases are more likely to form and the frequency of allergic diseases increases.
• V period (adolescence). This is a time of rapid growth and hormonal changes in the body. For girls it is 12-13 years old, for boys it is 14-15 years old.

The only way to fully protect yourself from infectious diseases is to develop your own immunity, which is formed when meeting microorganisms. Frequent ARVI in a child should in no way be considered as a malfunction of the immune system. If a child gets sick often, but the illness progresses brightly and quickly, parents should not assume that the child has a reduced immune system. You need to be wary if he suffers from diseases that become chronic.

To mobilize the body's defenses, it is necessary to use general strengthening techniques (hardening, for example) and take multivitamins (read also). It is necessary to include rye bread, fermented milk products and legumes in your diet. The child's contacts should be limited as much as possible during influenza epidemics. You can use medications that protect the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract (influenza, viferon, derinat).

Proven traditional medicine such as garlic and onions are very effective. They secrete phytoncides - substances that are fatal to many pathogenic microorganisms.

The simplest recipe: put finely chopped garlic cloves on a saucer and place it next to the child, and you can even hang a head of garlic around your neck on a string.

Young children often get sick due to weakened immunity. Don’t rush to work, be sure to give your child time to finally get stronger after the illness (this will take at least 2 weeks). To strengthen the immune system, give your child rosehip decoction, lemon or honey water (stir 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or honey in a cup of boiled water).

Chamomile, linden blossom, coltsfoot teas, as well as fresh juices are very useful for restoring strength. Carry out massages, healing treatments, teach your baby to do gymnastics, spend time with her in the fresh air more often. In short, use all known means to strengthen the immune system. For frequent infectious diseases and colds, traditional medicine advises boiling 2-3 figs in milk over low heat. Let the child eat the berries and drink the milk warm.

It is useful to give such a vitamin mixture to often sick children.

Pass 1.5 cups of raisins, 1 cup of walnut kernels, 0.5 cups of almonds, the peel of 2 lemons through a meat grinder, and squeeze the lemons into the resulting mass and mix it with 0.5 cups of melted honey. Infuse the mixture for 1-2 days in a dark place and give the child 1-2 teaspoons 3 times a day an hour before meals.

Bran to strengthen the immune system.

1 tbsp. wheat or rye bran, pour 1 tablespoon of water and boil, stirring, for 30-40 minutes. Then add 1 tbsp. dry crushed calendula flowers and boil for another 5 minutes. Cool, strain and add 1 tsp. honey (if you are not allergic to honey). Drink 1/4 tbsp. 4 times a day before meals. You can drink this drink for a long time.

A decoction of horsetail to strengthen children's immunity.

1 tbsp. horsetail pour tbsp. boiling water, let it brew. Drink 30 ml 3 times a day. This drink can be drunk in the fall, before a flu epidemic or after an illness, to strengthen the body. This remedy perfectly strengthens weakened immunity and tones the body well. Check out the contraindications, because... Horsetail is contraindicated for those who have diseased kidneys or kidney stones.

Propolis tincture will increase children's immunity.

To strengthen the immune system, drip propolis tincture into warm milk on an empty stomach. The number of drops depends on the age of the child and how he tolerates bee products. Children from 3 to 7 years old can be given 3-5-7 drops. Increase the quantity gradually. As a preventive measure, give propolis for a month, then a month off. If the child is already sick, add the tincture to milk twice a day. You can go (3-5 year olds) on 10 drops twice a day during illness. After recovery, give the child the tincture for another two weeks, but reduce the dose to a preventive dose.

Cranberries and lemon are excellent for immunity.

To strengthen the immune system, mince 1 kg of cranberries and 2 medium-sized lemons (remove the seeds), add 1 tbsp to the mixture. honey, mix well. There is a mixture of 1-2 tbsp. with tea 2-3 times a day. The recipe is suitable even for children.

Cedar oil will strengthen the immune system.

To avoid colds, take 1/3 tsp of cedar oil to strengthen your body. 2-3 times a day (before meals) for a month. Keep an eye on your baby's stool. If it becomes too weak, reduce the dose.

Onion syrup will strengthen the child's immunity.

To increase immunity to colds, constantly take the following mixture in cold weather: Take 250 g of onion, finely chop, add 200 g of sugar and pour in 0.5 liters of water. Cook over low heat until the consistency of syrup. Take 1 tsp. children, and 1 tbsp. l. adults 3 times a day before meals until the product runs out. And if you have honey in the house and you are not allergic to it, you just need to mix 1 tbsp. p. onion juice with 1 tsp. honey and take 3 times a day before meals.

“Sea Beach” will relieve constant illnesses.

A remedy that will relieve your child of colds, sore throats, etc. Take sea rounded pebbles (buy at a pet store). Pour warm boiled water with sea salt and a drop of vinegar over the pebbles, and 3 times a day the child should walk barefoot on these pebbles for 3-5 minutes. That's it - there will be no frequent illnesses!

Gentian will increase the child's immunity.

Pour 10 g of gentian roots into a liter of water. Leave for 20 hours. Strain. Add 1 kg of sugar. Bring to a boil over low heat. Cool. Store in a cool place. Give children half a glass 3 times a day as a general tonic.

This remedy not only perfectly improves children's immunity, but also improves vitality, plus it helps cleanse the blood, including in cases of leukemia. Take 0.5 kg of carrots and beets, wash, peel, finely chop, put in a pan and pour boiling water so that the water covers the vegetables by 2 fingers. Place the pan on the fire and cook over low heat until the beets are ready, strain. Then add a handful of washed raisins and dried apricots to the broth, put it back on the fire and bring to a boil, boil for 3-4 minutes. Then remove from heat, add 1 tbsp. l. honey and leave in a cool place for 12 hours. Give this remedy to children 0.5 tbsp. 3 times a day for 1 month.

Hardening and vitamin infusion will strengthen the child’s immunity

A recipe for preparing a vitamin infusion containing all the substances most necessary for a weakened body. Take 2 parts of lingonberries, and 3 parts of nettle leaves and rose hips. Grind, mix well, brew 4 teaspoons of the mixture with a glass of boiling water. Leave for 3-4 hours, then strain.

Give your child a glass 2-3 times a day for a month, then take a break for a month and start giving the infusion again. At the same time, begin to harden the child by first wiping him with warm water, and then gradually reducing the temperature. After such treatment, the child will get stronger and stop getting sick.