A properly functioning immune system fights off disease-causing organisms and engineers the healing process. For children, who are encountering many contagions for the first time, up to a dozen colds a year can be normal. Cleaners, pesticides, overuse of antibiotics, food additives, stress and cigarette smoke are thought to place a strain on body defenses as well. The immune system involves complex interactions of blood cells, bone marrow, the lymphatic system, the bowel, and various organs and glands. Nutrients are the best immune boosters for kids.
Breast Milk
In the first months of life, the immune system's task is to identify what naturally belongs in the body and what does not. One of the early benefits of breast feeding is colonization of the gut with maternal immune factors that work like a vaccine. Immunities are provided as long as the child breast feeds. Some babies' immune systems will be confused by the introduction of foreign proteins, such as cow's milk, in the early months of life. This can set up an abnormal immune reaction, known as allergy.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh produce is high in vitamin C, which is essential for the formation of adrenal hormones and the production of lymphocytes. It may also have a direct effect on on bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C obtained from fruit and vegetables is better absorbed and works more efficiently as they are rich in natural substances called bioflavonoids that support metabolism. Try blending baby spinach into a smoothie with bananas, dates, vanilla and water.
Nutritionist Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," calls beta carotene, found in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, the anti-infection vitamin. By consuming beta carotene, or vitamin A, in natural sources such as carrots, yams, apricots and mangoes, potential toxicity from this fat-soluble vitamin is avoided. Additionally, pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, another immune-system booster.
Healthy Fats
According to Dr. William Sears, author of "The Premature Baby Book," omega-3 essential fatty acids found in salmon, hemp seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts increase the activity of macrophages, white blood cells that destroy bacteria. Chia seeds make a fun drink or pudding for children as they quickly assume a gel-like consistency in water or juice. Add them to smoothies, too.
Fermented Foods
Probiotics are helpful, live bacteria that are present in many fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha tea and cultured vegetables. Look for labels that say live cultures, or try making them at home. Frequent servings are needed to maintain a balance of immune factors in the bowel, and supplements may be necessary to replace friendly bacteria that have been killed by antibiotics. Probiotics compete with pathogens for nutrients and receptor sites in the bowel, making it less likely that infective organisms can take hold and cause illness. These friendly bacteria thrive on plant fiber, another reason to increase dietary fruits and vegetables.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch, CNC, 2004
- "The Premature Baby Book"; William Sears, MD, James Sears, MD, Martha Sears, 2004
- La Leche League International: Can Breastfeeding Prevent Illnesses?
