Why is the topic of immunity particularly relevant in spring?
Spring comes after a long winter, leaving behind frosts, gray days and a lack of sunlight. After months of scarce consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and berries, our body needs time and support to adapt to the new living conditions. Now, more than ever, we need to pay attention to our immunity. Nowadays, when various viruses are hovering around us, protecting our health – and especially the health of our children – becomes a priority, requiring a serious and responsible attitude.
What is immunity?
Simply put, immunity is our body's defense mechanism against foreign agents - bacteria, parasites, viruses, fungi, as well as cells that have undergone mutations within the body or represent abnormalities in the immune system leading to autoimmune diseases. In this way, the body ensures the constancy of its internal environment.
Nonspecific and specific immunity.
Nonspecific immunity, also called innate immunity, is the body's basic defense against various infections. In children, it is formed during the first years of life thanks to mother's milk. In turn, specific (or acquired) immunity develops over time and acts as a memory of contacts with specific pathogenic microorganisms.
Why do children get sick more often? Features of children's immunity
The formation of immunity in children is a long process that goes through several critical periods. Most often, five main stages are distinguished: up to 28 days of life, up to 4–6 months, up to 2 years, up to 4–6 years, and up to 12–15 years.
🔹The immunity of the newborn is the most vulnerable, as it is provided through breast milk. During breastfeeding, the baby receives not only nutrients, but also protection - antiviral and antiparasitic factors, leukocytes, a number of anti-infective elements, as well as immunoglobulins of class A (IgA), which are responsible for local immunity - the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs, intestines and skin. A feature of the first few days of life is the extremely high sensitivity to viral infections, since maternal antibodies do not provide complete protection.
🔹The second period is characterized by the breakdown of maternal antibodies and the gradual absorption of its own. The child's immunity begins to get acquainted with pathogens, but does not yet "remember" the experienced disease (there is no secondary immune response). The insufficiency of local immunity during this period explains the high sensitivity to many airborne infections.
🔹During the third stage, which covers the age of up to 2 years, the child becomes more active and curious - he begins to socialize and actively explore his environment. Although innate immunity remains functionally incomplete, the process of forming acquired immunity is already underway - specific antibodies against certain viruses begin to be produced, which gradually reduces the risk of re-infection. However, according to immunobiological characteristics, most children in this age group are not yet fully prepared for the conditions in kindergarten.
🔹During the fourth period, the child's immunity in many indicators becomes similar to that of an adult, but remains vulnerable. The age of 4–6 years is characterized by the frequent occurrence of helminthiasis, which leads to a high risk of developing allergies.
🔹The crisis during the fifth period is associated with the rapid hormonal changes characteristic of sexual maturation in teenagers. The decrease in the volume of lymphoid organs has a negative impact on the effectiveness of the immune system, thereby reducing the body's defenses against infections. In addition, during this period, teenagers often show increased interest in alcohol consumption, smoking and other xenobiotics, and many of them begin their sexual activity at an early stage. These factors further burden the immune system, which leads to an increase in the frequency of viral infections and an increased risk of developing chronic diseases.
From the above, it follows that a child's immunity differs from that of an adult due to its immaturity - a matter largely of time, but factors contributing to its weakening cannot be ruled out.
Strengthening immunity. General recommendations.
1. Nutrition. A child's diet should be balanced in both macro- and micronutrients. It is necessary to take into account the specifics of the physiological processes in the child's body, always remembering that the child is growing and it is in childhood that he acquires the foundations of proper nutritional behavior, and therefore - of his future health.
2. Sleep and wakefulness regime. Adhering to the approximate duration of these periods helps prevent overloading the child's body, as well as balance activity and rest during the day.
3. Family environment. The atmosphere in the family has a huge impact on the psycho-emotional state of the child. Good relations between parents and their constructive interaction with the child create the most comfortable home environment, form a sense of security. No less important is the coordination of the educational policy, which should be the same on both sides.
4. Fresh air and physical health. Sports should be appropriate for the child's age and health. Dancing, gymnastics, and outdoor games are great as additional physical activity. Regular walks and sunbathing will contribute to the synthesis of vitamin D.
5. Vitamin and mineral complexes. Today, enriching the diet with additional vitamins and minerals is a necessity, as there is a pronounced trend towards a decrease in the nutritional value of food products.
What does Artlife offer for children's health?
- “Lecithin-gel with vitamins” – lecithin, vitamin D and B vitamins. Lecithin is the energy “motor” that powers all the cells of the body and charges them with energy.
- “Cheerful vitamins” – vitamins A, E, D and vitamins of group B. A unique complex with no analogues on the market. It is issued in the form of a gel with multi-colored balls.
- “MultiMegin – Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and lutein, which contribute to the harmonious development of all systems in the child's body.
- “Panbiolact Kids” – restores the intestinal microbiota in children from 3 years old, supports the digestive and immune systems during the period of adaptation to kindergarten or school and prevents intestinal disorders and dysbiosis.
- “Multiliz” – a new generation metabiotic, a unique drink based on fermented pumpkin puree, lysates, prebiotics and kombucha. Suitable for children with weakened immunity and intolerance to lactose and milk protein.
Useful snacks: bars enriched with vitamins and trace elements; cocoa with iodine and vitamins; cocoa with iron and vitamin C; high-protein cocktail for children enriched with vitamins, dietary fiber and ultralysates.
