The Four Pillars of Immunity in Children in India

Children are especially vulnerable to cold, flus and other sickness bugs as their immune system hasn’t fully developed yet. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it. This article, written with the help of experts at the paediatrics hospital in Gurgaon defines the four pillars of immunity in children, which will give your child a much needed immunity boost and will also pay off in the long term as they grow up.

The paediatricians at the child care hospital Gurgaon, tell us it’s all about what you put in your child’s body, i.e. the diet. The best nutritionist in Gurgaon, who works at the same child care hospital Gurgaon defines the 4 pillars of immunity in children as these:

• Food: The Foundation

For their immune system to be strong, children must be fed the vital nutrients they need to function well. This means giving your child a balanced diet consisting of plenty of wholefoods and whole grains, fresh fruit and veg, high quality protein (from beans, pulses, eggs, fish and meat) and healthy fats (from nuts, seeds and oily fish). All the vitamins and minerals necessary for a healthy immune system, such as vitamins A, C & E, zinc and selenium, are found in fruits and vegetables.

• Vitamin D: The Defence

Vitamin D contributes to optimal immune function by helping to activate T-cells which form part of our frontline defence and help fight infection within the body. Getting the vitamin is easy, it is present in the sunlight. But, many parents don’t expose their children to sunlight much, not as much as is needed, anyway. Sunning children is important, but if you can’t do that, get them to eat foods with vitamin D, or vitamin D supplements.

• Probiotics: Feeding The Microbiome

Reinforcing the gut microbiome protects and strengthen your immune system. Probiotics are the friendly bacteria that occur naturally in our gut and help to keep our digestive system functioning properly as well as helping to protect us against invading bacteria and viruses. These are naturally found in various foods such as yoghurt, pickles, cheese, idli, dosa and other South-Indian cuisine as well as dhokla.

• Omega 3’s: The Support

Good nourishment also means ensuring your child is getting enough essential fatty acids. Good levels of omega-3 are essential for children’s growing bodies, especially their brains. They’re also good for their hearts, eyes and to help keep joints and skin healthy. Omega 3 fatty acids can be obtained plentiful in nuts, seeds and fish.