The Adventure of Children's Immune System
The immune system of children is an important window that unfolds through interesting processes. Our immune system and immune response are influenced by many factors, including genetics, environmental factors, nutrition, allergen exposure, and radioactivity.
The process begins before birth, with the first antibodies transferred through the umbilical cord by the mother, continuing with antigen exposure at birth and the antibody responses that follow. Infants who are not very sick in their early years may start to get sick more frequently based on their vaccination levels. Most of these illnesses are viral infections. In the first two years, the thymus gland located above our heart produces immune cells with a strong memory against the infections we encounter, protecting us throughout our lives. This is why vaccines given in the first two years provide lifelong strong protection.
The effectiveness of COVID vaccines administered in adulthood was not as strong, which is why booster doses (the 3rd and even 4th doses) have been recommended. Up to the school age, it is normal for every child to be sick up to six times a year, and this does not indicate an immune deficiency. In school age, this number can rise to ten. Frequent illnesses are especially expected in the first year of school, which should not alarm us.
Children raised during the pandemic are at a higher risk for allergies. Children who were kept indoors and excessively exposed to cleaning materials often experience allergies. When going to school, the most significant support for immunity comes from healthy nutrition and regular sleep. The sleep pattern disrupted during the summer holiday needs to be restored. The hormone that is important for immunity during sleep is melatonin. Melatonin is the healthiest form produced internally. Screen exposure reduces melatonin secretion; therefore, attention should be paid to sleep times. For children who have difficulty falling asleep, melatonin supplements may be provided.
The foundation of healthy nutrition is breakfast. A hearty breakfast in the morning helps both the child and their immune system have a strong day. Natural honey, yogurt, clotted cream, eggs, olives, and cheese should be provided as much as possible. If children do not like these foods, they should be gradually introduced. Adding bone broth to soups at dinner is valuable for supporting immunity.
School-aged children share their bacterial and viral flora while sharing toys. A virus that does not cause illness in one child can make another child sick. This is because the latter child has not previously encountered that virus. After encountering and overcoming it, the child retains the knowledge of that virus in their memory.
The entry points for a virus into our body are our nose, eyes, and mouth. Our immune system responds first at these locations. The stronger our IgA antibodies, the easier it is for microbes to be recognized and eliminated without causing symptoms. To increase IgA levels, supplements containing probiotics, postbiotics, and colostrum can be used.
As the viral load increases, our immune system must work like an orchestra. To ensure this harmony, healthy nutrition, regular sleep, and stress reduction are essential. Although we may not experience a significant deficiency in healthy nutrition, Vitamin C, zinc, and selenium are important for supporting this harmony. Additionally, Beta Glucan, African Geranium, Elderberry, and Resveratrol are valuable for supporting immunity.
Although it saddens us when our children are sick, successfully navigating the illness process and gaining immunity is the most valuable outcome. Therefore, it is not appropriate to immediately give fever-reducing medication at the slightest fever during the illness process. Observing the process and managing it together with a pediatrician is a valuable approach. We should understand that experiencing environmental pathogens and the associated illness processes can be beneficial for the child's development.
