The best way to boost immunity in a child. Immunity Boosting Products

1. Milk. Is different high content proteins, fats, carbohydrates and minerals. Just do not offer your child too fat milk. It will be enough 1.5 or 2.5% (after a year).

2. Kefir and yogurt. They contain probiotics (live lactic acid bacteria) that support the bacterial flora of the intestine and help boost immunity. You can introduce the baby to kefir from the age of 8 months, and to yogurt - after 1.5 years. Moreover, it is advisable to cook them yourself.

3. Apples. Regulate the bacterial flora of the intestine and improve digestion. Please note that apples retain their beneficial properties almost all winter. And only by February there are almost no vitamins left in them. Recommended for colds, flu, fatigue, anemia, after illness.

4. Carrots. She has strong enough medicinal action. Increases the body's resistance to viruses, helps with anemia or general weakness. In addition, it contains beta-carotene, which is necessary for good vision. Carrots can be grated or juiced. And with diarrhea it will help in a boiled form. To save useful properties Steamed carrots are best.

5. Honey. It is not only a delicacy for children, but also very useful product to boost immunity. It strengthens the immune system, helps in the treatment of colds and has a positive effect on circulatory system. Only you need to give it very carefully, because it is also a strong allergen. When choosing honey for a child, give preference to lime or buckwheat. Add it to warm tea 1 tsp. a couple of times a week.

6. Beets. This vegetable is good for the prevention of anemia, has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves the functioning of the nervous system. And a small portion of boiled beet salad improves appetite. Beetroot is a good meal during illnesses: firstly, it is easily digested, and secondly, it does not cause discomfort when swallowing (if the throat hurts).

7. Parsley. One teaspoon of chopped greens per day is enough for the child to receive daily dose vitamins and minerals. Due to the content of almost all vitamins, calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus, parsley is good for colds and flu. When preparing soup, stew or vegetable puree, do not forget to add some finely chopped leaves to it.

8. Wheat groats. Porridge contains a lot of minerals and vitamins (read more in the article "The content of vitamins in food"). It is easy to digest and improves digestion. Please note that if you are allergic to gluten, you should not give it to your baby.

The immune system is organized extremely complex and includes many "degrees of protection": The lymph nodes and vessels, tonsils and thymus gland (thymus), Bone marrow, spleen and intestines. And they recognize particles alien to the human body and destroy their immune cells: leukocytes, lymphocytes, phagocytes, dendritic and mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, killer (NK) cells, antibodies.

But immunity does not always manage to resist infection, and in order to make the defense system stronger, it is recommended to use foods that increase immunity. True, science still does not know the exact biomechanics of the immune response and the way to "measure" its intensity. And while no one knows how many and which ones immune cells it is required that the entire protective system works without failures. And skeptical researchers have little faith in the very possibility of increasing the synthesis of immune cells in the body by eating certain foods ...

However, many doctors believe that foods that increase immunity in adults, as well as products that increase immunity in children, in the first place, should contain certain vitamins and minerals.

So, there is a number of evidence that the lack of vitamins A, B6, B9, C and E, as well as such trace elements as zinc, selenium, and iron weaken the immune system. And this means that you need to eat foods that will ensure their entry into the body.

Immune Boosting Foods: Vitamins

Vitamins are highly active biological substances, and their balanced number ensures stability internal environment body and contributes to the full functioning of its main systems, including the immune system.

As you know, the three main antioxidant vitamins include provitamin A (beta-carotene), C (ascorbic acid) and E (tocopherol).

Sufficient intake of vitamin C (which is especially rich in Bell pepper, black currant, sea buckthorn, parsley, celery and dill, all citrus fruits, cabbage, strawberries and gooseberries, tomatoes, radish) increases the body's resistance to many infections.

Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining the impact of certain subpopulations of T and B cells on infections that attack the mucous membranes. Foods that boost immunity with carotenoids: carrots, pumpkin, melon, sweet and hot peppers, cabbage (especially broccoli), apricots and persimmons, green onions and beets, corn and spinach, mangoes, peaches, pink grapefruit and tangerines, tomatoes and watermelon . In the body, carotenoids are converted into vitamin A, which helps in the fight against disease-causing agents.

Vitamin E, like vitamin C, increases resistance to infections. In significant quantities it contains: almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, red grapes and raisins, apples and plums, onions, eggplant, beans, spinach and broccoli.

According to research, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) in moderate doses promotes the synthesis of T- and B-lymphocytes responsible for the immune response. Enough vitamin B6 contain nuts (especially pistachios); mushrooms and celery root; leafy greens (especially spinach and dill); leeks and chili peppers; rye, wheat, buckwheat, barley; all legumes; bananas and avocados; lean chicken fillet and fish living in cold waters (herring, mackerel, cod, etc.).

Vitamin B9 ( folic acid) synthesis is provided nucleic acids and recovery of cells affected by microbial infection. Therefore, it is good to have whole grains, legumes, green leafy vegetables, lean meats, eggs, milk and dairy products containing this vitamin in your diet.

In addition, foods that boost immunity in children should contain vitamin D, which has been shown to clinical researches, increases stability child's body to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, infection of which leads to tuberculosis. Vitamin D-rich foods include fatty varieties sea fish(salmon, horse mackerel, tuna, sardines), caviar, fatty dairy products ( butter, cheese), egg yolk and yeast.

If you are interested in which foods increase immunity during pregnancy, then it should be recalled that the decrease protective functions in pregnant women (immunosuppression and immune suppression) is provided physiologically. An increase in the levels of the hormones progesterone and cortisol causes suppression cellular immunity(NK-lymphocytes) - to prevent rejection of the embryo. Soon after the birth of the child, the immunity of the young mother is restored. So during pregnancy, you should just eat well and eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and it is better to refuse fatty and sweet ones.

Immune Boosting Foods: Micronutrients

Trace elements are extremely important for most biochemical processes in the body. Today, selenium, iron and zinc are recognized as the most important trace elements for the immune system.

Without iron, the blood would not be able to transport oxygen to the cells of the body, and the production of antibodies (immunoglobulins) would be impossible. Iron-rich foods are known to boost immunity, such as: beef liver, rabbit meat, lean poultry meat, seafood, oats and buckwheat, apricots (fresh and dried fruits), prunes, pomegranate, peaches, rose hips, blueberries, dogwood, as well as cauliflower, spinach, pears and apples.

Zinc is a cofactor for a number of enzymes, including those involved in the synthesis of immune T cells. Deficiency of this trace element leads to a decrease in the "incubator" of T-cells - thymus and depletion of macrophages and lymphocytes in the spleen. Zinc is found in seafood and seaweed (kelp), meat, cereals and legumes, dairy products, mushrooms, parsley and celery root, beets and garlic. Daily rate of this trace element is considered 15-25 mg, and an excess of zinc in the diet can lead to an immunosuppressive effect.

Immune Boosting Foods: Probiotics

Nearly two-thirds of the human immune system resides in the gut: some of the gut biota (obligate microflora) contributes to the rise of certain T-cells. Therefore, the specialists of the American National Center for Complementary and alternative medicine(NCCAM) there was an assumption: the more good bacteria in the intestines, the better.

The promotion of probiotics has taken the form of an advertising campaign for products containing "digestion aiding" bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The body text is something like this: "A daily morning serving of yogurt will help keep your immune system strong."

However, experts from the American Academy of Microbiology noted that the quality of probiotics available to consumers in food products around the world is not very reliable. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't eat foods with probiotics. necessary, but in moderate amounts and good quality.

Foods that kill cancer cells and boost immunity

To date, scientists have identified foods that kill cancer cells and enhance immunity.

Among them is garlic, known for its activity against bacteria, viruses and fungi. A European study by Epic-Eurgast and scientists from the Israeli Weizmann Institute have found a link between increased garlic consumption in southern European countries and a reduced risk of certain types of cancer in their population, including cancers of the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas and breast. It is believed that the whole thing is in the thioester of sulfonic acid contained in garlic - allicin, which causes the specific smell of garlic and may exhibit anti-carcinogenic properties.

According to the National Cancer Institute (USA), with a lack of selenium in the body (this trace element was discussed above), the risk of developing cancer of many internal organs, including bladder, prostate and intestines.

Phytic acid (inositol phosphate) is a natural antioxidant in most grains and legumes. Rich sources of phytic acid - flax-seed And wheat bran. Despite all the claims to this phosphorus compound (which hinders the absorption of minerals, protein and starch), studies have shown that phytic acid, due to its chelating potential, not only has hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic properties, but also exhibits antitumor properties.

A truly healthy immune system depends largely on a balanced combination of vitamins and minerals. And immune-boosting foods should definitely be on your plate.

For most parents, the question of how to strengthen the child's immune system is in the first place - children often get colds and viral diseases. Doctors recommend paying more attention to disease prevention and improving immunity in children under the age of 5 years. It was during this period that the transferred viral and bacterial infections dangerous complications. If a child is often sick, then the most important part in protecting the growing body will be taken by means to increase immunity in children.

When choosing suitable methods restoration and strengthening of children's immunity, preference should be given to safe and effective options. In this regard, many parents will be interested to know how to increase the immunity of a child. folk remedies. Recipes alternative medicine are based on the use of natural natural ingredients, which, when correct dosage unable to harm even newborn babies.

It is advisable to raise immunity from the very early age. In babies between the ages of 1 and 3 years, the immune system response is unstable and often weak. The strength of the immune response depends on the state of the body. As a rule, infants under one year old do not have an acquired (adaptive) immune response, which is based on the activity of receptors designed to recognize foreign stimuli.

Acquired immunity develops throughout life.

From birth to a year old, it is in its infancy. Identifies factors that inhibit normal development immune system in children under three years of age and increase susceptibility to colds viral and bacterial etiology. Among them:

congenital organ pathologies respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract;
weakening of the local immune response, which leads to the formation of local foci chronic infection in the area of the nasopharynx and oral cavity;
manifestations of allergies;
dysbacteriosis;
intoxication and hypoxia during the period of gestation.

Separately, it is worth mentioning other reasons that contribute to increased morbidity in children of a younger age group:

contact with a large number of people during the visit kindergarten, elementary school, public places (shops, public transport, game rooms, children's entertainment centers);
unsatisfactory ecological situation;
deficiency in the body of vitamins, trace elements, other useful substances;
complications caused by infectious diseases in early childhood;
unreasonable intake of antibiotics and other medications;
stress, excessive psychological stress;
non-compliance with hygiene and sanitation standards in a residential area.

When looking for an answer to the question of how to strengthen the child's immunity with folk remedies, it is better to first consult with a pediatrician. In the piggy bank traditional healers there are many effective recipes aimed at increasing the immunity of a frequently ill child, however, when prescribing them, possible contraindications must be taken into account.

Traditional ways to increase the resistance of the child's body to infections

The first steps in how to raise the immunity of a child who is already 3-4 years old are focused on eliminating the causes of a decrease in the body's natural defense against infections. Plays a big role correct mode day and good nutrition. The therapy program includes:

integrated vitamin preparations. During and after illness, the consumption of vitamins and mineral elements increases, which is difficult to compensate by eating ordinary food;
biostimulating supplements prepared on the basis of natural ingredients (adaptogens). Adaptogens actively prevent or promote disease easy flow. These are tinctures, decoctions, extracts from ginseng root, lemongrass (Chinese and Far Eastern), eleutherococcus, echinacea, propolis. Pharmacy analogues - "Immunal", "Immunorm", "Immuneks" (echinacea), "Apilikvirit" (bee's milk, licorice), "Politabs" (fermented pollen), "Cernilton" (extract obtained from dry pollen), "Fitovit » (extracts medicinal plants), "Likol" (chinese magnolia vine oil);
pharmaceutical preparations with immunomodulating action. Medicines "IRS-19", "Ribomunil", "Bronchomunal" are prescribed from an early age - with their help, you can even increase immunity to an infant. These drugs contain fragments of bacteria that are harmless to the baby, which are most often the causative agents of infectious diseases that occur in the throat, nasopharynx and bronchi. The drugs act according to the vaccine method. Once in the body of a small patient, they force the immune system to independently adapt to pathogens, respond to their penetration and produce antibodies that localize activity pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

Parents who are thinking about how to increase the immunity of a child at 3-4 years old should be aware that treatment with adaptogens and immunomodulators requires systems approach. To achieve the desired result, such drugs are taken constantly for a long time. After a course of therapy, immunity is formed, which will protect the body from infections for a certain time (individual indicator).

After a 2-3 month break, revaccination is usually prescribed. The dosage, duration of administration and the timing of the second course are determined by the pediatrician.

To raise the immunity of children prone to allergies, it is necessary to prescribe preparations containing honey and bee products with caution. If there have been cases of allergy to similar substances in the past, from medicines based on honey should be discarded.

Other ways to improve your child's health

Considering how to increase the immunity of a child aged 2 years and younger, you should pay attention to hardening, which will help maintain the body's own defenses at the proper level. It is recommended to start hardening a child from a very early age - from 1.5-2 months. For these purposes, hardening procedures are regularly performed:

Parents who are interested in how to restore the immunity of a child at home should pay attention to acupressure. Regular massage of certain points on the face and body of the child leads to increased production of substances that increase their own immunity. These are interferon (a protein that is secreted by the body in response to the introduction of a virus), lysozyme (an antibacterial agent), complement (a set of immune system proteins responsible for the immune response). Active points are located:

in the middle chest at the level of the fifth rib;
in the jugular cavity;
at the base of the bridge of the nose;
in front of the anterior edge of the cartilage of the auricle;
slightly above the base of the nasolabial fold at the wing of the nose;
on the back side palms between index and thumb.

To restore the immune system of the body, you need to perform massage active points daily course of 10-14 days, as well as at the first sign of a cold, after contact of the child with a patient with SARS. The procedure is performed with light pressing circular movements of the thumb, index or middle finger. Rotation is performed first clockwise, and then in reverse side. The exposure time is 4-5 seconds in both directions.

Medicinal preparations and mixtures to strengthen the immune system

Folk remedies for immunity for children include decoctions and infusions made from medicinal plants. Recipes for potions that support their own immune defense at a high level:

herbal collection. Dried grass is mixed - licorice root and elecampane (one part each), elderberry (2 parts), raspberry leaves (4 parts). A teaspoon of raw materials is poured with water (150 ml), brought to a boil and simmered for one minute, then filtered. Ready broth should be given to the child 2-3 times a day before meals. The course of treatment is one month;
herbal collection. 4 tablespoons of a dry mixture of herbs (2 parts of oregano and coltsfoot, 1 part of calamus, 4 parts of viburnum and raspberry leaves each) pour 0.5 liters of boiled water, leave for 5-10 minutes, filter, give the child a drink for 2-3 doses. The duration of treatment is one month;
decoction of rose hips. 2 tablespoons of dry berries pour 0.5 liters of water, bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes;
vitamin blend. Walnuts, raisins, dates (1 cup each), almonds (0.5 cups), two lemons, fresh leaves aloe in the amount of 100 g is passed through a meat grinder. Add 400-500 ml of honey to the mass, mix thoroughly, leave in the refrigerator for three days. Give the baby 1 dessert spoon twice a day;
vitamin blend. 1 lemon and 0.5 kg of cranberries are passed through a meat grinder. Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the mass, mix thoroughly. Give the baby twice a day, 1 tablespoon along with warm tea (preferably herbal - from fennel, chamomile, mint, raspberry leaves, linden flowers).

To strengthen immunity, it is useful to introduce juices and compotes made from cranberries, blackcurrants, viburnum, and raspberries into the menu of a small patient. IN daily diet nutrition must be present dairy products(cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, yogurt, kefir), fresh, boiled and steam vegetables and fruits.

The most famous bee product - honey - increases the body's resistance to any negative impacts from the outside, fights microbes and viruses, is effective for the prevention of helminths. A couple of teaspoons a day will help boost immunity during the onset of cold weather.

It is important to remember: when heated, nectar loses most vitamins, useful macro- and microelements, so it’s better not to put it in tea, but eat it as a bite. To increase efficiency, you can combine honey and other products to strengthen immunity:

Honey + ginger + lemon. ginger root grind with a blender. Finely chop the lemon. Mix all the ingredients, adding to them 5 tbsp. l. honey. The cold medicine is dissolved in 1 tsp. morning and evening.
Honey + lemon + garlic. Grind 1 lemon and 3 cloves of garlic with a blender. Add 100 ml of honey. Take 1 tbsp. l. 2 times/day.
Honey + freshly squeezed aloe juice. Products to increase immunity are taken in equal proportions and mixed. The finished mass is taken before breakfast and dinner, 1 tbsp. l.

Lemon

Citrus fruits are famous for their high content ascorbic acid, therefore, if necessary, to increase immunity, lemon is often used. This fruit also has pectins, carotene, useful organic acids that favorably affect the work digestive tract And of cardio-vascular system.

To activate the body's defenses, lemon is added to tea, eaten with sugar 1-2 slices 2 times / day. If a cold still overtakes, the following solution helps to get rid of perspiration, sore throat:

Squeeze juice from one lemon.
Strain the seeds through a sieve.
Add to juice ½ tsp. table salt.
Mix with a glass warm water.
Use the resulting solution for rinsing 2 times / day.

Garlic

Due to the content of allicin in the composition, garlic is considered a natural antibiotic. It helps to restore strength after a long cold, thins sputum, improves immunity, reduces the level bad cholesterol It has antiseptic and antioxidant properties. To reap the full benefits of garlic, you need to eat 1 sprouted clove a day.

Ginger

The root of this plant not only stops the cold that has already begun, but also prevents the onset of the disease. Ginger contains essential oils, ascorbic acid, retinol, B vitamins and a special substance - gingerol - which kills microbes.

Often they combine ginger and products for immunity, prepare hot teas, decoctions, tinctures:

Ginger, honey, lemon. 1 st. l. crushed root pour a liter of water. Boil over medium heat for 5-10 minutes. Let cool. Add the juice of half a lemon, honey to taste. Drink a decoction of 200 ml 2-3 times / day.
Ginger tincture. Grind 400 g of root, pour 500 ml of vodka. Keep the drink for 7 days, then strain. Take 1 tsp before meals.

Brazil nuts are one of the most nutritious types. It contains B, C, E vitamins, potassium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, arginine and flavonoids. Brazil nut reduces blood pressure, stimulates the synthesis of growth hormone, improves immunity, prevents development cancerous tumors. To obtain all the positive properties of the product, you need to eat 5-6 nuts.

The most affordable source of ascorbic acid in Russia is sauerkraut. This vegetable contains a lot of zinc, iron and other useful substances that are well absorbed by the body and kill viruses. To improve health, it is advisable to eat 3 tbsp per day. l. cabbage. It can be seasoned with unrefined oil, combined with green onions, garlic, carrots.

Rose hip

Prepared from rose hips medicinal decoctions and infusions that not only increase immunity, but also relieve acute or chronic inflammatory processes. According to the content of ascorbic acid, the plant surpasses lemons, oranges, black currants.

A simple recipe for a rosehip decoction:

A handful of fresh or dried berries rinse.
Put in a saucepan, pour a liter of water.
Add 2 tbsp. l. granulated sugar.
Bring to a boil, turn off the heat.
Cover the pan with a blanket, infuse the drink for 1 hour.
Take decoction instead of tea.

radish

The vegetable has a lot of vitamin A, ascorbic acid, minerals: zinc, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus. Radish has powerful bactericidal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties. The product will be especially useful for children with reduced immunity, adults after a protracted cold, people with poor appetite.

To do this, wash the vegetable, cut off the tail.
Make an indentation in the center.
Add 1 tbsp. l. honey, leave to infuse.
Selected juice take 1 tsp. 3 times / day until complete recovery.

Mix with natural honey.
Add to salads, cereals, vegetable stew.
Decorate with seeds pastries, bread.
Add to other immune boosting foods.
Use to make sauces, salad dressings.

Video

Vitamins and minerals will help to strengthen health and increase immunity in a child. It is more useful to get them from natural vegetables and fruits than from vitamin complexes. So they are much better absorbed. Of course, in winter it is more difficult to do this, because the choice is not great. But you can do without almost useless winter fruits. It will be enough that you can always find.

The Best Immunity Boosting Foods

1. Milk. It has a high content of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and minerals. Just do not offer your child too fat milk. It will be enough 1.5 or 2.5% (after a year).

2. Kefir and yogurt. They contain probiotics (live lactic acid bacteria) that support the bacterial flora of the intestine and help boost immunity.

3. Apples. Regulate the bacterial flora of the intestine and improve digestion. Please note that apples retain their beneficial properties almost all winter. And only by February they are almost gone.

4. Carrots. It has a fairly strong medicinal effect. Increases the body's resistance to viruses, helps with anemia or general weakness. In addition, it contains beta-carotene, which is necessary for good vision.

Carrots can be grated or juiced. And with diarrhea it will help in a boiled form. To preserve useful properties, carrots are better.

5. Honey. It is not only a delicacy for children, but also a very useful product for boosting immunity. It strengthens the immune system, helps with and has a positive effect on the circulatory system. Only you need to give it very carefully, because it is also a strong allergen.

When choosing honey for a child, give preference to lime or buckwheat. Add it to tea for 1 tsp. a couple of times a week.

6. Beets. This vegetable is good for the prevention of anemia, has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves the functioning of the nervous system. And a small portion of boiled beetroot salad.

Beetroot is a good dish during illness: firstly, it is easily digestible, and secondly, it does not cause discomfort when swallowing (if the throat hurts).

7. Parsley. One teaspoon of chopped greens per day is enough for the child to receive a daily dose of vitamins and minerals. Due to the content of almost all vitamins, calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus, parsley is good for colds and flu.

When preparing a soup, stew or vegetable puree, do not forget to add some finely chopped leaves to it.

8. Sea fish. The main source of unsaturated fatty acids, which provide positive influence for brain function and nervous system and also enhance immunity. How and what fish to choose, read the article "".

9. Turkey. The most useful dietary meat. After all, it is not for nothing that it is recommended for allergy sufferers. It is rich in protein, B vitamins, iron, zinc and magnesium. Increases the body's defenses, and is a good prevention of anemia.

10. Wheat groats. Porridge contains many minerals and vitamins (for more details, see the article ""). It is easy to digest and improves digestion. Please note that if you are allergic to gluten, you should not give it to your baby.

11. Onion and garlic. They are popular due to the content of phytoncides, which kill bacteria and increase immunity.