Paediatric Health: Cold Season & Your Child's Immune System

First, a brief of paediatric immunology. It's actually okay for your child to be exposed to germs in their day to day life. I'm not saying purposely put your child around another child that you know is sick, but what I AM saying is not to stress about your child being exposed to germs that they may encounter on an outing, or at a playdate. If the illness is not life threatening, it's okay to let the immune system evolve. During infancy, your child's immune system is immature because it has yet to be exposed to every day germs in comparison to older children and adults. The immune system is complex and intricate, and is our first line of defence against foreign invaders through the workings of specific organs, cells, and messengers. As your child is exposed to different germs and pathogens s in every day life, it has the opportunity to build it's adaptive immune system (the part of your immune system that have memory cells; they keep a record of all the pathogens that the body has fought off prior, allowing the immune system to attack quicker and more efficiently due to previous exposure). It's actually considered natural for a baby in their first year of life to catch a cold anywhere between 6-10 times. Sounds crazy, I know- but this is a large part in how an immune system is built!

With that being said, there are ways that you can help boost your child's immune system functioning and to help improve their response to germs and pathogens they encounter!

🌿 Diet: a healthy, well-rounded diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, protein and whole grains can help support the body with the nutrients it needs. These foods are packed with different vitamins and minerals that help to enhance the immune system. It is also recommended that if possible, to breastfeed for at least the first 6 months of infancy. Breast milk has a plethora of antibodies from the mother to protect and enhance the immune response against different germs & bugs.

🌿 Sleep: ensuring your child is getting enough sleep helps with their growth and development, including the development of their immune system.

🌿 Probiotics: a healthy microbiome helps boost your child's immunity through enhancing the absorption of nutrients, regulation of the immune system, improved the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and throat, and support the defence against germs and pathogens.

🌿 Vitamin C: helps build a healthy immune system and improves the immune systems response to unwanted foreign pathogens. Vitamin A, found in vegetables such as spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots, aid in the production of white blood cells and antibodies! Incorporate some of these foods into your child's diet.

🌿 Zinc: this mineral is actually important for mounting and immune response through immune cell development. It is also important in immune cell function.

🌿 Multi Vitamin: there are a wide range of children's multi vitamins to choose from. Multi vitamins can help with immune system maintenance through vitamin and mineral supplementation, especially during cold season.

🌿 Vitamin D: helps improve immune system response, aids in the health development of immune cells and decreases inflammation.

Want to understand your child's immune system a bit more? Interested in understanding when to rely on food sources of vitamins & how & when it's age appropriate to supplement with certain vitamins? Book a free 15 minute consultation at nàdarra to see if we are a good fit to help support your child in building a healthy immune system.

Disclaimer: It is best to consult with your naturopathic doctor or healthcare provider before implementing anything new into yours or your child's healthcare plan. This information is not intended to treat or diagnose, and should not replace any currently prescribed protocols from your healthcare team. All information here is presented in an easy to read format; for those interested in evidence that supports this information, please contact us at ca@nadarra.health for citations or book an appointment to learn more.