What can we do to keep our children healthy as we navigate another academic year under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic? What are the methods to strengthen the immune system and protect against COVID-19 and other diseases?

Have you ever come across such questions? These are general questions frequently asked by parents.

The magic wand to this question is maintaining good health - The best method to keep the immune system strong. Even though that sounds dull, it has been tried and true. We all know that a weak immune system brought on by unhealthy food and inconsistent exercise, not taking immune boosters for kids periodically, causes many people to fall sick often. According to the sources, 40% of children’s immunity has been curtailed after recovering from covid, where they generate lower levels of antibodies than healthy recipients.

After the pandemic, there has been a significant shift in our eating habits, lifestyle, and mannerism. Instead of consuming high-sugar drinks and eating junk food, we now follow the Mediterranean diet (a plant-based diet) and the DASH- Diet that aids immunity.

Four factors that influence children’s immunity

• Lack of sleep and exercise: You must have heard the term "insomnia," which prevents the immune system from having enough time to heal infections and viruses if you are unable to obtain a good night's sleep. Additionally, sporadic exercise affects weak muscle strength, which can result in being out of shape or having poor fitness.
• Anxiety: Our generation became the victim of anxiety disorders, which are marked by high levels of stress and difficulty in daily living.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: All the vampires out there who don't leave their homes in the morning and don't get sunshine on their skin.
• Less intake of Veggies: This generation of kids consumes more prepackaged foods that contain high fats rather than vegetables and fruits ultimately failing to boost WBC to fight infection. Furthermore, immunity boosters like multi-vitamin supplementary should be taken timely to stay fit and healthy.

How can we boost the children’s immunity? 

1.    For Newborns consider breastfeeding

White blood cells and turbocharged immunity-boosting antibodies found in colostrum, which are found in mother's milk, are regarded as the gold standard in developing a baby's immunity. Babies with a robust immune system and fewer allergies are those who are breastfed for at least six months. Additionally, it improves a baby's cognitive abilities and serves to stave off later-life conditions like colitis, insulin-dependent diabetes, and Crohn's disease. 

2.    Encourage a healthy and rainbow plate

Giving your children good meals is the first step in strengthening their immune systems. Eat a lot of whole grains, lean protein, and fruits and vegetables. Dairy products or other calcium-rich foods and healthy fats like vegetable oils are other components of a balanced diet. Stay away from processed foods, foods with added sugar, and bad fats, such as the saturated fats found in animal products.

3.    Make sure they have enough sleep

All humans, including children, require sleep to rejuvenate and recharge their bodies. The average child needs 10 to 14 hours of unbroken sleep every night. A warm bath, gentle massage, or a long period of reading aloud could all be part of regular evening practice. An energetic and well-rested child is better able to fend off diseases.

4.    Encourage movement

Fitness overall is greatly influenced by exercise. A child's health and immune system can greatly benefit from an hour of exercise at the park or even on an indoor playground. A wonderful approach to bonding as a family and keeping fit is to exercise or play a sport together.

5.    Keep a track of immunization

Consult your doctor to determine whether your child has received all required vaccines. Consistently follow the pediatrician's recommended immunization schedule, and make sure the youngster receives all necessary doses on time. For all kids, but especially for those with chronic health conditions like asthma, this is crucial. 

6.    Stay Hygienic

Everyone in the family may take easy precautions to help your child stay healthy if they have a health issue that could make it difficult for them to fight off an infection. Do a hand wash. Use your elbow to sneeze and cough. Wear a mask in crowded areas and stay away from ill people.

7.    Avoid antibiotics

Although antibiotics are beneficial, you shouldn't use them unless necessary. It's not a good idea to insist that your pediatrician write an antibiotic prescription anytime your child has the flu, a cold, or a sore throat. Only illnesses brought on by bacteria are treated by antibiotics; viruses are to blame for childhood illnesses

8.    Avoid second-hand smoke

If you want your infant to live a healthy life, it's better if you stop smoking. More than 7,000 dangerous compounds, many of which can irritate or damage bodily cells, are found in cigarette smoke. Children breathe more quickly, making them more vulnerable. The natural detoxifying process of a youngster is likewise less developed.