Once you become a parent, you not only learn about your new role and responsibilities, but you also relearn everything you know about emotions - sadness, worries, happiness, doubts, and so on. Your feelings are amplified when it comes to matters concerning your child, and this is especially true when your child falls ill.
Caring for a sick child is no easy feat. It’s not just about the physical exhaustion, but it also takes a toll on you mentally and emotionally. Your child would have to miss school for several days, and you would have to juggle work and family at the same time while struggling to stay strong without ample rest for days!
So how do we handle this, parents?
When it comes to children’s health, we believe that prevention is better than cure. As parents, we surely want to do our very best for our children’s health and well-being so they can experience a happy childhood, which is undoubtedly important to ensure a brighter future. It all starts with good health, and good health begins with a strong and healthy immune system.
Let’s Understand The Immune System
The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, tissues, and organs. It serves as the body's protective shield, safeguarding it against detrimental substances such as viruses, bacteria, and toxins.¹ It comprises 2 main parts that work together:
1. The innate immune system, is the body's first line of defence against germs entering the body.
- Made up of skin, the eye’s cornea and the mucous membrane that lines the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts.¹
- The innate immune system is inherited. It is active from the moment your child is born.
- The first to respond when our body is being invaded by harmful germs, parasites e.g. worms.¹
2. The adaptive immune system, which is the one that we develop when our body is exposed to microbes, or chemicals released by microbes.
- Receives help from the innate system to produce antibodies to shield our body from a specific invader. Antibodies take several days to form and will remain in our bodies. When our body is exposed to a certain invader, the adaptive immune system will recognise it and produce specific antibodies to defend against it. The adaptive immune system adapts to changes as we grow older. Immunisations train our immune system to make antibodies to shield us from dangerous diseases.¹
How do we know if our immune system is working?
When we get symptoms like headaches, fever, and rashes during an infection, it actually indicates that our immune system is actively engaged in fighting off the infection. So don’t be too worried when your child’s body temperature spikes a little, it just shows that her immune system is working.
What are the SIGNS of a weakened immune system?
Typically, we remain oblivious of our immune system's functioning until we sense a slight disturbance in our overall health. Children’s immune systems are still developing, so do keep an eye on the early signs of concern. Here are the 5 most common signs and symptoms of a weakened immune system:
- Frequent illness2,3
It is normal to fall ill due to colds or infections now and then, but frequent or severe illness could be a sign of a weakened immune system. Consult your child’s Pediatrician. if she happens to fall ill frequently and takes longer to recover from an illness compared to her peers.
- Slow healing of wounds or injuries2
The immune system is in charge of healing wounds and injuries. Your child may have a weakened immune system if her wounds take longer to heal than usual or show signs of infection.
- Fatigue2, 3
Children are generally active, so if your child seems to lack energy or is noticeably more lethargic than usual, it’s best to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
- Digestive issues2,3
A big part of the immune system resides in the digestive tract, so gut health and the immune system are closely intertwined. Diarrhoea, gassy tummy and constipation happen when our immune system’s balance is disrupted. This suggests an imbalance in the gut microbiome, possibly triggered by a weakened immune system.
- Delayed growth and development3
Aside from physical growth, there are certain developmental milestones that children should hit as they grow. If you find your child slightly behind on these milestones, do consult a pediatrician as this may suggest a potential risk in your little one’s immune system.
Other signs include skin infections, autoimmune diseases, blood disorders, organ inflammation, recurrent or severe infections, unexplained weight loss3 and more.
Boosting Your Child’s Immune System
By now, you should already understand the importance of having strong immunity, especially among growing children. What’s important to remember here is that building a strong immune system is a continuous journey that requires perseverance. Take a 360 approach and make it part of your daily routine so it becomes second nature to you and your little one.
Here are some practical tips for you to support your child in building a healthy immune system holistically:
- Be active, stay active
Encourage your child to get involved in sports, active play or any outdoor activities such as camping and nature walks. Even better, join them and have some family fun time! Being physically active enhances blood circulation, builds stronger bones and muscles, reduces stress and boosts immune response.
Studies have shown that adequate sleep is beneficial for children because it “improves attention, behaviour, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health”4. It is during sleep that our body releases cytokines, which are essential to regulate the immune system. Cytokines are needed in greater amounts when our body is fighting off a pathogen or when we are under stress.5
We mentioned earlier that gut health and the immune system are closely intertwined, hence keeping your child’s gut healthy with nutrient-rich food is essential in ensuring their immune system is developing well. Fibre-rich foods such as pears, yam, zucchini, apples, broccoli are known to support gut health and reduce inflammatory response.6
- Stress on the importance of rest and power sleep
Studies have shown that adequate sleep is beneficial for children because it “improves attention, behaviour, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health.”4 It is during sleep that our body releases cytokines, which are essential to regulate the immune system. Cytokines are needed in greater amounts when our body is fighting off a pathogen or when we are under stress.5
- Support good gut health
We mentioned earlier that gut health and the immune system are closely intertwined, hence keeping your child’s gut healthy with nutrient-rich food is essential in ensuring their immune system is developing well. Fibre-rich foods such as pears, yam, zucchini, apples, and broccoli are known to support gut health and reduce inflammatory responses.6
- Reduce stress and encourage emotional wellbeing
Your child may be too young to understand the effect of stress on children's immune health and the connection between emotional well-being and the immune system. So, use age-appropriate ways to nurture and support a stress-free environment at home e.g. rest when they are tired, take breaks in between activities, have quiet time, practise mindfulness, engage in creative activities, and fostering positive relationships.
- Choose nutritious foods
Fast food and instant meals are tempting and convenient, but they’re obviously not the best option for your little ones. Remember that 70% of the immune system is in the digestive tract, so consuming foods with high nutritional values is indeed beneficial in building a strong immune system in children. Among foods that are known to be superfoods for our immunity are citrus fruits, broccoli, garlic, red bell peppers, yoghurt, almond, poultry, green tea and more. Introduce a variety of food to your little ones and experiment with different recipes so they’ll always look forward to something new and exciting at meal times. Get them involved in the kitchen and talk to them about the nutritious ingredients they will be enjoying that day.
Did you know that DHA and a good mix of pre and probiotics are beneficial for children’s brain development, immunity and overall health?
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain and eye function in children. It is known to help boost cognitive and learning ability, concentration, IQ, memory, speech and reading.7
Probiotics, often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria, play a vital role in boosting your child’s immune system by helping to keep their gut healthy. They offer relief for acute constipation, colic, and acid reflux in infants and children. They can also aid in preventing secondary infections and diarrhoea caused by antibiotics and may provide relief for eczema and allergies in certain children.8
Prebiotics are types of dietary fibre that the human body is unable to break down, however, they can be broken down or digested by our gut bacteria. They are nutrients that nourish the growth of probiotics.9
We mentioned earlier in the article that building immunity is a continuous journey. So if you are looking for a convenient AND more cost-saving way to add DHA, prebiotics and probiotics to your child’s daily diet, you should try AptaGro™ growing up milk!
Supplement Your Child’s Daily Nutritional Needs With AptaGro™
From Europe’s No.1#Company in Milk Formula for Children - AptaGro™ is backed
by the latest scientific research to support children for a stronger immunity, and smarter future.
With over 40 years of pioneering research, AptaGro™ with ActiveDuoBio+™ is fortified with a combination of probiotics and prebiotics, DHA and other important nutrients to help support your child’s immunity and learning development so they can build their resilience by experiencing the world.
AptaGro™ with ActiveDuoBio+™ contains:
- 1 Billion Probiotics^* ( breve M-16V)
-
- A beneficial bacteria strain that is well-accepted by the human body and was granted GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) certification.
- This bacteria strain has been used safely for over 20 years and is supported by more than 17 clinical studies.
- The unique mix of prebiotics GOS/lcFOS (9:1)
- A combination of fibre that feeds the good bacteria.
- Supported by more than 40 clinical studies and more than 90 scientific publications.
- The highest DHA+
- 101mg/100g milk powder.
- Among the highest compared to other cow’s milk-based growing-up milk in the market.
AptaGro™ growing up milk makes it easier and hassle-free for you to provide your little ones with their daily dose of immunity support to build their resilience day by day.
Buy More, Save More With AptaGro™ 3KG Value Pack
AptaGro™ is now available in a 3kg pack - that has 5x600g individual packs for better freshness! It’s bigger and has more value for money, which means you can save** even more! Both AptaGro™ Step 3 and Step 4 come in the 3kg pack, and are exclusively available on AptaGro™ OFFICIAL STORE on Shopee now. It is not only cost-saving for your wallet but also super convenient as you can shop anytime, anywhere and have it delivered directly to your doorstep.
**Compared to AptaGroTM 600g RCP/KG
So parents, let’s help our children build a healthy immune system every day! Pay attention to the tell-tale signs of a weakened immune system so you can take the necessary steps to help your little ones grow up stronger and healthier. Supplement your children’s nutritional needs with AptaGro™ as it supports stronger immunity for growing children, so they are always ready and resilient to explore the world.
Here's to Stronger Immunity, Smarter Future with AptaGro™!
Get your AptaGro™ 3kg Value Pack at AptaGro™ OFFICIAL STORE on Shopee today!
Prefer to try before you buy? No problem! Get your FREE SAMPLE now on the AptaGroTM official website.
^1 Billion (1x10⁹ cfu) of probiotics from 100g milk powder
*B.Breve M-16V
+AptaGroTM consists of 101mg/100g DHA, the highest among all cow's milk-based
growing-up milk brands in Malaysia as of July 2022
#Source: Euromonitor International Limited, Dairy Products & Alternatives 2022 ed, Groupe Danone, in the growing up milk formula category (for children aged 13 months onwards) value sales RSP, 2021 data. Nutricia part of Groupe Danone
References:
¹ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/the-immune-system
² https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/march/weakened-immune-system
³ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/primary-immunodeficiency/symptoms-causes/syc-20376905
⁴ https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/The-importance-of-sleep-for-kids
⁵ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757
⁶ https://www.uclahealth.org/news/want-to-boost-immunity-look-to-the-gut
⁷ https://www.verywellmind.com/the-health-benefits-of-dha-89183
⁸ https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/healthy-living/probiotics-and-children
⁹ https://www.chla.org/blog/advice-experts/prebiotics-and-probiotics-whats-difference-and-benefits