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Dear
Doctor,
Do
children’s immune systems function differently than adults? How can I ensure proper immune system
development?
K.B.,
Laurel, MT
Not surprisingly,
children’s immune systems function much like those of adults. The major exception, however, is that
kids’ immune systems are more actively “learning”. That is, they are developing the acquired
immunity which allows us to fight off infections as we repeatedly encounter
the same organism.
Actively supporting
your children through this learning process can help to ensure their immune
system develops properly and stays strong.
First, make sure your
children are getting enough sleep. It may not look like it, but during sleep
our bodies are busy regenerating cells damaged by bacteria, viruses, and
aging, as well as regulating hormonal cycles. Sleep requirements range from 12-14 hours
for the newborn, infant and toddler to 10-12 hours for adolescents. The more sleep that is obtained before
midnight significantly supports neurological development.
Second, feed your
children a balanced, nutritious diet. If you are nursing, continue to
breastfeed your baby or toddler for as long as possible. Breastfeeding has been shown to decrease
the incidence of diarrhea, blood infections, meningitis, asthma,
respiratory illness, and ear infections.
If a child has been exposed to a pathogen, as soon as the child
latches on, the mother begins to produce antibodies and within two hours
those antibodies are present in the breast milk. The child’s intestinal tract does not
break down these antibodies. As much
as possible, feed your children a whole foods diet with a wide variety of
fresh fruits and vegetables (frozen is second best, canned retains very
little nutritional value). The high
fiber found in whole foods increases the number of beneficial bacteria in
the digestive tract and helps to protect against gastrointestinal and other
chronic diseases. Fruits and
vegetables have higher levels of the important vitamins and minerals
required to have an active immune system.
Be sure to make physical activity a regular part of
your children’s lives. Regular
exercise has been shown to decrease the incidence of chronic disease,
obesity, and cancer. Movement also
increases the body’s ability to cope with stress. It also improves the body’s ability to
fight off infection.
Encourage your
children to drink lots of filtered water. The cells lining the inside of the mouth
and nose are extremely prone to dehydration. When these tissues dry out, they develop
small holes and cracks, thereby offering free passage to cold viruses. In contrast, well-hydrated mucus
membranes are plump and more resistant to infection.
Do your best to avoid
unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and the overzealous use of antibiotic
soaps and cleansers. Antibiotics are
miraculous medicines when used judiciously; however, antibiotic-resistant
bacteria are becoming a frightening problem. Antibiotic soaps and cleansers also
contribute to bacterial resistance and decrease the protective population
of healthy bacteria on the skin. In
virtually all cases, standard dishwashing soap cleans and kills germs as
well as antibacterial soap without the concerns about bacterial resistance.
Don’t smoke around
your children. Kids exposed to
second-hand smoke are more likely to suffer from recurrent respiratory and
ear infections as well as asthma.
The symptoms are likely to be more severe and last longer than
children with non-smoking parents.
Once children get
sick, consider “warming socks” or a “warming T-shirt”. A cotton sock or shirt is soaked in
cool/cold water, wrung out, and covered with wool socks or a sweater before
bedtime left on until warmed, usually about 20 minutes to ½ hour. In the process of responding to the cool
temperatures, the immune system will be stimulated.
If (or when) despite
your best efforts—your children catch a cold, take comfort in knowing that
mild childhood infections are an important part of training the immune
system. A cold virus your kids catch
today is one they won’t have to catch tomorrow!
Yellowstone Naturopathic
Clinic
720 N. 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE 406·259·5096/FAX 406·248·5655
ync@180com.net
Dispensary
406·254·9682
dispensary@yncnaturally.com
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