The immune system has a complex organization, combining many organs and tissues that protect against diseases. Moreover, she is "trained." This means that with the regular implementation of our recommendations, the child’s immunity will become stronger - just as muscles become stronger with constant training.
What is local immunity and how to strengthen it
A person is surrounded by many bacteria and microbes. Some are useful and necessary for the normal functioning of the body. However, there are also potentially dangerous (conditionally pathogenic flora). It, with a decrease in the body's defenses, begins to multiply, provoking various diseases. Local immunity fights these bacteria, namely, the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, saliva, and the epithelium of the respiratory tract.
The common cold that children often suffer from is caused by bacteria that are always in the body. However, these microorganisms are often activated in the cold season due to hypothermia, which causes spasm of the local immunity organs. In such conditions, immunoglobulins, the production of which is reduced, do not have time for the problem area on time.
By strengthening the vessels, it is possible to ensure that they respond less sharply to low temperatures. Only they need to be accustomed to the cold gradually:
- Try to maintain a temperature in the children's room from 18-22 degrees - according to doctors, it is optimal.
- Go home barefoot with your whole family, both in summer and winter.
- Teach your child to wash their hands and wash with cold water. Also help strengthen blood vessels contrast shower, cold douche. However, it is necessary to begin to temper gradually, each time making the water a little cooler. In any case, it is impossible to force a child to these procedures, it is important that he enjoys them.
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It is very important that the mucous membranes do not dry out - if the production of saliva, mucus decreases or their composition changes, the protective properties of these biofluids decrease.
Therefore, it is necessary:
- Maintain a comfortable level of humidity at home, especially during the heating season. You can buy an air humidifier, or at least put a jar of water next to the battery. Some indoor plants also moisturize well, and at the same time also ionize the air - especially ficus, hibiscus, dracaena, and home fern.
- Moisturize the nasal mucosa and nasopharynx with saline. It can be purchased at any pharmacy or made independently by stirring 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water.
- Provide a load of vocal cords. It is good if the child sings, reads aloud - this is useful not only for general development, but also helps prevent tonsillitis.Only this can cause the mucous membrane to dry out in the mouth, so you need to drink more.
How to maintain the overall immunity of the child
The state of general immunity directly depends on the full functioning of the digestive tract. Only with normal intestinal microflora are useful substances absorbed from food, and immunoglobulins are produced - proteins that neutralize bacteria and viruses.
The following rules will help support the child’s general immunity:
- Avoid constipation, irregular bowel movements, and other bowel problems.
- Timely get rid of helminths or giardia if infection suddenly occurs. Their waste products cause poisoning. Even parasites destroy beneficial intestinal bacteria by competing for food. To prevent infection, explain to the child that he must wash his hands with soap after the street, toilet, contact with animals and always before eating.
- Make sure the kids menu has more raw vegetables and fruits. They contain a large amount of fiber, which improves the breakdown and further absorption of nutrients. It is also found in cereals, and especially richly unprocessed grain.
- Give your child kefir and yogurt. They have lactic bacteria, which to some extent help maintain the intestinal microflora.
The formation of the immune system can continue until puberty and even longer. Therefore, alas, colds and “childhood” infections are unlikely to be avoided. However, if you constantly strengthen the child’s immunity, he will be less likely to get sick and recover faster.
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