It is natural for parents to protect their children from any harm, including the endless array of germs they are exposed to every day. As children grow up, they are continuously exposed to various germs, especially in places such as daycare centres and preschool. Children with low immunity are highly susceptible to various types of infections. The high incidence of infections has led to an increased and inappropriate use of antibiotics, which has further resulted in antimicrobial resistance.
Antimicrobial resistance, a widespread problem, takes places when microbes build resistance against the medications intended to kill them due to overuse. It is one of the world's most pressing public health problems. The best way to tackle this is to build a strong immunity, which naturally protects your child from infections. Dr. Rajesh Kumawat, Head - Medical Services & Clinical Development, The Himalaya Drug Company, shares a few tips that can help boost your child's immunity.
* Healthy Diet
A healthy diet that comprises all fundamental components like proteins, minerals, vitamins, micronutrients and unsaturated fats in optimum quantity, helps build the immunity required to fight against various infections or diseases in children. Citrus fruits, carrots, green leafy vegetables, beans, strawberry, yogurt, garlic, and ginger help build immunity with their immunity-boosting properties.
* Adequate Sleep
Sleep deprivation suppresses the functionality of the immune system, which makes children susceptible to infections. Adequate sleep is an absolute necessity to rejuvenate the body. Newborns need up to 18 hours of sleep a day, toddlers require 12 to 13 hours, and preschoolers need about 10 hours of sleep.
* Hygiene
Maintaining hand hygiene before and after each meal, after playtime, handling pets, blowing the nose, using the restroom and arriving home from daycare helps prevent infections in children.
* Herbal Solutions
Despite taking proper care, children's immunity may be affected. Consumption of herbal dietary supplements like Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and Guggulu (Balsamodendron mukul) can help children stay healthier as they help build immunity.
"Naturally obtained supplements strengthen the immune system. Herbs like Guduchi, Yashti Madhu, and Guggulu are natural sources of antioxidants. The antiviral property of Yashtimadhu also helps manage asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough. The anti-inflammatory property of Guggulu helps reduce inflammation," Dr. Kumawat added.
A combination of herbs may be a safe and effective adjuvant to antimicrobials in the management of recurrent infections. When co-prescribed with antibiotics, herbs may have a role in faster recovery, reduces the duration and cost of therapy, besides preventing reinfections.
Drumstick Soup: A Monsoon Immunity Delight That'll Leave You Dumbstruck Boost Your Immunity This Monsoon With These Simple Tips Boost Your Immunity With Tulsi! 5 Unique Ways To Add It To Your Monsoon Diet Woman On Scooter With 2 Kids Punched, Left Bleeding In Pune Road Rage Case After Retest, Haryana NEET Centre With Most Top Scorers Gave This Result... What Recovery Of Austrian Gun 'Steyr AUG' From J&K Terrorists Means Series Of Strikes Hit Fuel Depot In Yemen's Port City, Casualties Feared Dalit Teen Gang-Raped In UP, 1 Arrested: Cops Man Killed After He Objects To Barking Of Pet Dogs In Madya Pradesh Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.