Your child’s immunity: what to know
Have you have worried about your child’s immune system? Ever wondered whether or not to purchase immune “boosting” supplements?
This is the article for you. I’m going to review some basics about the immune system here, and I have a new free guide that is an easy read and goes through an evidence-based list of ways you can support your child’s immunity.
Immunity “boosting”
There are countless supplement companies out there who want to sell you products to “boost your child’s immune system” — it is an appealing thought, using a pill or a shake to help our children fight off the myriad of infections they are exposed to at school and daycare.
First, lets discuss what it means to “boost” the immune system: our bodies are very smart. They are designed to respond a certain way to triggers (like viruses, bacteria, etc) and to generate immune responses to protect us. These responses include things like: increasing the temperature, or thickening mucus, or coughing to clear secretions. Believe it or not: these are all mechanisms that our bodies are using to fight off the trigger.
The Pediatrician Mom Tip: When you have symptoms like a fever, a cough, or congestion…, it is not an indication that your immune system is “not working” but actually a clear indication that your immune system is working well.
For the average healthy person, the immune system is optimized. You should not want to boost it. Overactive immune systems can cause their own set of issues.
What I think parents really want to know is what we can do to keep our children well and how to support normal immune function. So, by popular demand: I did a deep dive into the evidence behind some of the interventions often recommended.
The key to immunity
The most important way to support your child’s immune system is through balance.
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In most cases, appropriate rest, physical activity, preventive care, and - believe it or not - joy and laughter - are the key to a balanced immune system, and a balanced life.
What about diet?
The concept of “nourishment as medicine” dates back for centuries. It remains a fundamental principle of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. And it makes sense that nutrients have a role in normal healthy immune function.
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But while there is evidence that these nutrients are involved in our immune processes, there is minimal (and sometimes no) evidence that using supplements is the way to get there.
Most children (even picky ones, within reason) get adequate amounts of these nutrients in their regular diets.
Children who are TRULY deficient are going to be those with chronic health conditions, malabsorption, and other issues - or those who are missing an entire food group in their diet. These groups may need supplements but this should be done thoughtfully and under the guidance of your pediatrician or dietitian.
Remember, supplements also are not regulated well, and carry a risk.
One exception: there is some evidence supporting Vitamin D supplementation in infants under the age of 1 who are at high risk for Vit D deficiency. Talk to your pediatrician to see if your child requires supplementation.
