Children develop their immune systems

experto.de

Reading time: 3 minutes It is quite normal for children to be ill often. As they go through diseases, they strengthen their immune systems. Therefore, you do not have to protect your child from every infection. Read how to improve your child’s health.

This is how children strengthen their immune systems

What is the immune system?

The immune system is a defense against the body. All of its cells are made in the bone marrow, which are white blood cells or leukocytes. There are phagocytes, T cells and B cells. Since every cell in the body contains certain proteins, the leukocytes attack all cells and substances that do not carry these proteins. Phagocytes move between the cells in the tissue and unspecifically turn against all foreign substances (antigens) such as invaded pathogens, foreign bodies and dead body cells.

Antibodies develop via the B cells. These clump together with the antigens and make them immobile. They are now easy prey for the phagocytes. Some of the B and T cells are transformed into long-lived memory cells that become active immediately when they become infected again. That’s why we only get many diseases like chickenpox once.

The immune system and allergies

With an allergy, the immune system overreacts. It repels harmless foreign bodies that do not harm the body. Researchers have now discovered a connection between our increased hygiene conditions and the increase in allergies. Through advertising, many people resort to aggressive cleaners and eradicate all bacteria. In addition, many children grow up without siblings. This lack of contact with other children lowers infection through infections.

How does the immune system work in children?

Even the baby in the womb has an innate immune system. That alone would not protect the baby. It therefore receives antibodies from the mother via the placenta. After birth, the baby also receives antibodies, this time through breast milk. At the age of three months, the child’s immune system begins to develop its own antibodies, for example during the first vaccinations.

The body’s defense system can only develop if it is confronted with viruses, bacteria or fungi. When children put a dirty shovel in their mouths on the playground, this is not a health drama but a good exercise for the immune system.

Children and susceptibility to infections

The immune system in children is not yet fully developed, which is why they often become ill. Pediatricians call up to ten simple respiratory infections in small children and up to eight in school children normal. This is because colds are caused by viruses. There are over 200 different cold viruses, and it takes time for the child’s immune system to gradually become immune to these many pathogens.

However, if the phases of the disease are severe and often lead to otitis media, for example, the child may be susceptible to infections. Ask your doctor for advice on whether and how you can strengthen your child’s immune system.

How to strengthen your child’s immune system

Whether you or your child catch a cold easily depends on the immune system. These tips help the whole family to live fit and healthy.

  • Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, especially in winter. A balanced diet helps the immune system to constantly regenerate itself. You can also use local apple varieties. As the saying goes: one apple a day saves the doctor.
  • Also think of sufficient fluid to keep the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat moist. They are a natural barrier against pathogens.
  • Fresh air in any weather. There is no bad weather, only bad clothes. Exercise in the fresh air is especially important in autumn and winter. The body gets used to the temperatures and hardens. We also breathe deeply in the fresh air and supply the body with more oxygen. This gets the immune cells on their toes.
  • When children are playing outside, you can get dirty, stalk through rough terrain or climb trees.
  • Children need contact with other children. Visit a toddler group with your child or take advantage of offers from sports clubs, for example.
  • Bring diversity to your life. Do not only move in your familiar residential area. You can also visit playgrounds in other parts of the city. Forest walks and contact with animals are also training for the immune system.
  • Stress is poison to the immune system. Children need a regular daily routine, security and a lot of love.
  • Adequate sleep is important. If the child is tired, he is susceptible to illness.
  • Sports activities toughen up your child.
  • Avoid excessive hygiene and do not use cleaning agents that kill bacteria. This is unnecessary in a normal household.
  • Warm-cold alternating showers are probably more for parents. If your child likes, try cold leg casts. The water jet goes up on the outside of the leg and down again on the inside.

Photo credit: Robert Kneschke / stock.adobe.com

PS: Quality management is important to us!

Please let us know how you like our contribution. To do this, click on the asterisks shown below (5 asterisks = very good):

Related Posts

Like this post? Please share to your friends:
Christina Cherry
Leave a Reply

;-) :| :x :twisted: :smile: :shock: :sad: :roll: :razz: :oops: :o :mrgreen: :lol: :idea: :grin: :evil: :cry: :cool: :arrow: :???: :?: :!: