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immunity

Boost Your Weight Loss Journey: 8 Fiber-Packed Foods That Keep You Fuller for Longer

by Dr. Shruthi R August 5, 2024

written by Dr. Shruthi R

Discover how fiber-packed foods can supercharge your weight loss efforts. From beans to berries, explore eight nutrient-rich options that keep you fuller, longer.

In the quest for effective and sustainable weight loss, dietary choices play a crucial role. Among the various nutrients that can assist in this journey, fiber stands out as a vital component. Fiber not only aids in digestion but also helps in maintaining a feeling of fullness, which can significantly support weight loss efforts. Incorporating fiber-rich foods into your diet can boost metabolism, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce overall calorie intake. This article explores eight fiber-packed foods that can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

1. Beans and Lentils

Beans and lentils are among the most fiber-dense foods available, making them an excellent choice for weight loss. They are not only high in dietary fiber but also packed with protein, which helps to increase satiety and reduce hunger. Beans such as black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas, as well as lentils, are versatile ingredients that can be incorporated into various dishes, from salads and soups to stews and casseroles.

The soluble fiber in beans and lentils slows down digestion, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable. This stability prevents spikes in hunger and reduces the likelihood of overeating. Additionally, the high protein content aids in muscle maintenance, which is essential for a healthy metabolism. Regular consumption of beans and lentils can contribute to a gradual and sustainable weight loss by enhancing the feeling of fullness and reducing calorie intake.

2. Oats

Oats are a well-known breakfast staple, but their benefits extend beyond a simple meal. They are rich in soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which has been shown to aid in weight management. Beta-glucan forms a gel-like substance in the gut, which slows down the absorption of sugars and helps to regulate blood glucose levels.

This delayed absorption results in prolonged satiety, reducing the likelihood of snacking between meals. Oats also have a low glycemic index, meaning they release energy slowly and help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Adding oats to your diet can be an effective way to curb hunger and manage weight. Whether enjoyed as oatmeal, added to smoothies, or incorporated into baked goods, oats offer a versatile and nutritious option for weight loss.

3. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse and an excellent source of fiber, with each serving providing a significant amount of both soluble and insoluble fiber. When soaked in liquid, chia seeds expand and form a gel-like consistency, which can help to create a sense of fullness and reduce appetite.

The soluble fiber in chia seeds slows down digestion, contributing to stable blood sugar levels and prolonged satiety. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which support overall health and can aid in reducing inflammation. Incorporating chia seeds into your diet can be as simple as adding them to smoothies, yogurt, or salads. Their ability to absorb liquid and expand makes them a valuable tool for controlling hunger and supporting weight loss.

4. Apples

Apples are not only a delicious and refreshing fruit but also an excellent source of dietary fiber, particularly in the form of pectin. Pectin is a type of soluble fiber that can help to increase feelings of fullness and slow down the digestion process.

The fiber content in apples promotes healthy digestion and can help to regulate blood sugar levels. Eating apples with their skin on maximizes fiber intake, as the skin contains a substantial amount of dietary fiber. Apples also have a relatively low energy density, meaning they provide fewer calories per gram compared to many other foods. This makes them a great option for satisfying hunger while keeping calorie intake in check.

5. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are low in calories and high in dietary fiber, making them ideal for weight loss. These vegetables are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps to promote a healthy digestive system and increase feelings of fullness.

In addition to fiber, leafy greens are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. The high fiber content of leafy greens helps to slow down digestion and regulate blood sugar levels, which can prevent overeating and support weight management. Incorporating a variety of leafy greens into your meals can help you stay satisfied and maintain a healthy weight.

6. Berries

Berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are not only delicious but also packed with fiber. They are rich in soluble fiber, particularly pectin, which can help to increase satiety and reduce hunger.

In addition to their fiber content, berries are low in calories and high in antioxidants, which support overall health and wellness. The high fiber content in berries helps to regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy digestion. Including a variety of berries in your diet can help you stay full and satisfied while enjoying a naturally sweet treat.

7. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and fiber-rich alternative to regular potatoes. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which contributes to digestive health and promotes a feeling of fullness. The high fiber content of sweet potatoes helps to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in hunger.

Sweet potatoes are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. They have a relatively low glycemic index, meaning they release energy slowly and help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Incorporating sweet potatoes into your meals can provide a satisfying and nutritious option for weight management.

8. Whole Grains

Whole grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, and barley, are rich in dietary fiber and can be an excellent addition to a weight loss plan. Unlike refined grains, which have been stripped of their fiber content, whole grains retain their natural fiber and nutrients.

The fiber in whole grains helps to increase feelings of fullness and regulate digestion. Whole grains also have a lower glycemic index compared to refined grains, which helps to maintain steady blood sugar levels and reduce the likelihood of overeating. Incorporating a variety of whole grains into your diet can support weight management and promote overall health.

Incorporating fiber-packed foods into your diet is a powerful strategy for achieving and maintaining weight loss. Foods such as beans and lentils, oats, chia seeds, apples, leafy greens, berries, sweet potatoes, and whole grains offer numerous benefits, including increased satiety, regulated blood sugar levels, and improved digestion. By focusing on these fiber-rich options, you can enhance your weight loss efforts while also supporting overall health and well-being.

Remember, while fiber is a crucial component of a healthy diet, it is important to maintain a balanced approach to nutrition. Combine fiber-rich foods with regular physical activity and mindful eating practices to achieve the best results. With the right combination of dietary choices and lifestyle habits, you can reach your weight loss goals and enjoy a healthier, more fulfilling life.

August 5, 2024 0 comment

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Unlocking Immunity: How Vaccines Empower Your Body to Fight Disease and Safeguard Global Health

by Dr. Shruthi R August 2, 2024

written by Dr. Shruthi R

Discover how vaccines bolster your immune system, providing targeted protection against diseases, and learn their pivotal role in enhancing global health and well-being.

Vaccines are one of the most significant medical advancements in human history. They have played a crucial role in controlling, and in some cases eradicating, life-threatening infectious diseases. The concept of vaccination involves introducing a harmless component of a pathogen, such as a weakened or killed virus or a piece of its protein, to stimulate the immune system without causing the disease. This primes the body to recognize and combat the actual pathogen if encountered in the future. The question arises: can vaccines boost immunity, and how do they help?

Understanding Immunity

Immunity is the body’s ability to resist or eliminate potentially harmful foreign invaders or substances. It is a complex system involving various cells, tissues, and organs working together to protect the body. The immune system can be broadly categorized into innate and adaptive immunity.

Innate Immunity: This is the first line of defense and includes physical barriers like the skin and mucous membranes, as well as immune cells like macrophages and neutrophils. It provides immediate but non-specific protection against pathogens.
Adaptive Immunity: This is a more specialized and long-lasting response, involving lymphocytes such as B cells and T cells. Adaptive immunity develops after exposure to specific antigens and has a memory component, allowing for a faster and stronger response upon subsequent encounters with the same pathogen.

How Vaccines Work

Vaccines work by mimicking a natural infection and stimulating the adaptive immune system. Here’s how they generally function:

Antigen Presentation: The vaccine introduces antigens (foreign substances that induce an immune response) from the pathogen. These antigens are typically proteins or polysaccharides.
Immune Activation: The immune system recognizes these antigens as foreign and activates various immune cells. B cells produce antibodies specific to the antigens, while T cells help eliminate infected cells and regulate the immune response.
Memory Formation: After the initial immune response, memory B and T cells are formed. These cells persist in the body and provide long-term immunity. If the person is later exposed to the actual pathogen, these memory cells quickly recognize and neutralize it.

Types of Vaccines

There are several types of vaccines, each employing a different method to stimulate the immune system:

Live Attenuated Vaccines: These contain a weakened form of the pathogen that cannot cause disease in healthy individuals. Examples include the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the oral polio vaccine.
Inactivated Vaccines: These contain killed pathogens or inactivated toxins. They are safer for individuals with weakened immune systems. Examples include the inactivated polio vaccine and the hepatitis A vaccine.
Subunit, Recombinant, and Conjugate Vaccines: These use specific pieces of the pathogen (like protein subunits) to trigger an immune response. Examples include the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and the hepatitis B vaccine.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) Vaccines: These vaccines use mRNA to instruct cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response. The COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are examples.
Viral Vector Vaccines: These use a different virus (a viral vector) to deliver genetic material from the pathogen, prompting an immune response. Examples include the COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson and the Ebola vaccine.

Benefits of Vaccines

Disease Prevention: Vaccines are highly effective in preventing infectious diseases. They have significantly reduced the incidence of diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria, saving millions of lives.
Herd Immunity: Vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to community-wide immunity. When a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, the spread of the disease is limited, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or immunocompromised individuals.
Reduction of Disease Severity: Vaccines can reduce the severity of illness in vaccinated individuals who do contract the disease. For instance, the flu vaccine may not always prevent influenza but can lessen its severity.
Eradication of Diseases: Smallpox was eradicated globally through a successful vaccination campaign. Efforts are ongoing to eradicate other diseases like polio.
Economic Benefits: Vaccination reduces healthcare costs associated with treating diseases and prevents loss of productivity due to illness. It also reduces the burden on healthcare systems.

Vaccines and Immune System Boosting

The primary function of vaccines is to prevent specific infectious diseases by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens. While vaccines are not typically considered “immune boosters” in the general sense, they enhance the immune system’s ability to combat specific infections. Here’s how they contribute to overall immune health:

Specific Immunity: Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and respond swiftly to specific pathogens, providing targeted immunity.
Immune Memory: By creating memory cells, vaccines ensure a quicker and more effective response upon future exposure to the pathogen.
Cross-Protection: Some vaccines may offer protection against related pathogens. For instance, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine for tuberculosis has shown some protective effects against other infections.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Despite their proven efficacy, vaccines are often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Addressing these is crucial for public health:

Vaccines Cause Diseases: Vaccines use inactivated or weakened forms of pathogens and cannot cause the diseases they aim to prevent.
Natural Immunity is Better: While natural immunity can be strong, it often comes with the risk of severe disease, complications, or death. Vaccines provide immunity without these risks.
Vaccines Contain Harmful Ingredients: Vaccine ingredients, including adjuvants and preservatives, are used in safe amounts. Regulatory bodies ensure vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety.
Vaccines Overload the Immune System: The immune system is capable of handling multiple vaccines. The antigenic load from vaccines is minuscule compared to the daily exposure to pathogens.

The Role of Vaccines in Global Health

Vaccines are a cornerstone of global health initiatives. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF work to ensure vaccine access worldwide. Key global health benefits of vaccines include:

Control of Epidemics: Vaccines play a crucial role in controlling outbreaks of infectious diseases. For example, mass vaccination campaigns have been pivotal in managing outbreaks of meningitis and yellow fever.
Reduction in Child Mortality: Vaccines are essential in reducing child mortality rates. Immunization against diseases like measles, rotavirus, and pneumococcal infections saves millions of children’s lives annually.
Pandemic Preparedness: Vaccines are critical tools in pandemic preparedness. The rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines have been instrumental in controlling the pandemic.
Improved Quality of Life: By preventing debilitating diseases, vaccines improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. They enable healthier lives and promote socioeconomic development.

Challenges and Future Directions

While vaccines have achieved remarkable successes, challenges remain:

Vaccine Hesitancy: Misinformation, distrust in science, and cultural factors contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Public health campaigns and education are essential to combat this.
Access and Equity: Ensuring equitable access to vaccines, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is a critical challenge. Global initiatives like COVAX aim to address this issue.
Emerging Diseases: The emergence of new infectious diseases requires continuous research and development of new vaccines. The rapid response to COVID-19 demonstrated the potential of mRNA vaccines for future outbreaks.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Despite progress, diseases like measles and polio still pose threats in some regions. Continued efforts are needed to achieve global eradication.

Vaccines are a powerful tool in the fight against infectious diseases. They work by training the immune system to recognize and combat specific pathogens, providing targeted immunity and long-term protection. While not traditional immune boosters, vaccines enhance the immune system’s ability to prevent and control diseases. Their benefits extend beyond individual health, contributing to community immunity, economic savings, and global health security.

Addressing challenges like vaccine hesitancy and ensuring equitable access remains crucial for the continued success of vaccination programs. As we advance, the development of new vaccines and innovative technologies will further strengthen our ability to combat emerging infectious threats. Vaccines are not just a medical intervention; they are a testament to human ingenuity and a cornerstone of public health, safeguarding lives and promoting well-being worldwide.

August 2, 2024 0 comment

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Unveiling the Desert’s Secret Weapon: Camel Milk’s Health Benefits Will SHOCK You (Watch Video)!

by Dr. Shruthi R July 15, 2024

written by Dr. Shruthi R

Camel Milk Benefit: You must have often heard the benefits of cow, buffalo and goat milk. But do you know that camel milk also helps you in keeping your health healthy and fit. Camel milk contains many nutrients which never let you fall sick. For more information watch the video till the end.

While cow, buffalo, and goat milk have long been celebrated for their nutritional value, camel milk remains a hidden gem in the dairy world. This unique beverage, produced by the resilient camels that thrive in harsh environments, boasts a treasure trove of health benefits that are only beginning to be fully explored.

This comprehensive exploration dives deep into the fascinating world of camel milk, unveiling its rich nutrient profile, potential health advantages, and ongoing scientific investigations.

A Nutritional Powerhouse: Unveiling Camel Milk’s Composition

Camel milk stands out for its distinctive composition, offering a unique blend of essential nutrients:

Protein Powerhouse: Camel milk boasts higher protein content compared to cow’s milk. These proteins are rich in all essential amino acids, the building blocks of life, crucial for muscle growth, tissue repair, and enzyme function.
Healthy Fat Profile: Unlike cow’s milk, camel milk contains lower levels of saturated fat and higher levels of beneficial unsaturated fats, like linoleic acid. These fats play a vital role in heart health and may contribute to reducing inflammation.
Vitamin and Mineral Bounty: Camel milk is a treasure trove of essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a good source of Vitamin C, which is uncommon in most milk varieties, and is vital for immune function and antioxidant activity. It’s also rich in B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function. Additionally, camel milk provides calcium, crucial for bone health, and iron, important for oxygen transport and red blood cell production.
Lactose Tolerance Potential: For individuals with lactose intolerance, camel milk may offer a glimmer of hope. The lactose content in camel milk is lower than in cow’s milk, and its protein structure differs, potentially making it easier to digest for those with lactose sensitivities.
Unique Components: Camel milk contains unique bioactive compounds like lactoferrin and immunoglobulins, which are thought to contribute to its potential health benefits. Lactoferrin possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, while immunoglobulins are proteins that play a critical role in the immune system.

A Beacon of Health: Exploring Camel Milk’s Potential Benefits

The unique composition of camel milk translates to a range of potential health benefits that are currently being explored by researchers:

Enhanced Immunity: The presence of lactoferrin and immunoglobulins in camel milk suggests potential immune-boosting properties. These components may help fight against various pathogens and infections, potentially aiding the body’s defense mechanisms.
Diabetes Management: Studies suggest camel milk may offer benefits for individuals with diabetes. It may improve blood sugar control, reduce insulin resistance, and lower cholesterol levels, all of which are crucial for managing diabetes.
Gut Health: The unique protein profile and presence of beneficial bacteria in camel milk may contribute to gut health. Studies suggest it may be beneficial for individuals with conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although more research is needed.
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Camel milk is rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body. Free radicals can damage cells and contribute to various chronic diseases. The antioxidants in camel milk may help protect against these harmful effects.
Allergy Relief: Camel milk may offer some relief for individuals with cow’s milk allergies. The differing protein structure in camel milk may make it less allergenic for some people. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming camel milk if you have a milk allergy.
Bone Health: The presence of calcium and Vitamin D in camel milk makes it a potential contributor to bone health. These nutrients are essential for building and maintaining strong bones, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Anti-Cancer Properties: Early research suggests that camel milk may possess anti-cancer properties. The unique bioactive components may help inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Beyond the Hype: A Look at Ongoing Research

While the potential health benefits of camel milk are promising, it’s important to acknowledge that research is still ongoing. Most studies are in their preliminary stages, and more robust clinical trials are needed to validate these claims definitively. Additionally, the availability and affordability of camel milk can be a challenge in some regions.

Unveiling the Future: The Potential of Camel Milk

Despite the ongoing research, camel milk’s unique composition and potential health benefits paint an exciting picture for the future. Here are some exciting possibilities:

Functional Food Development: Camel milk’s unique properties may lead to the development of functional foods with specific health benefits. For example, it could be incorporated into products designed to boost immunity, manage diabetes, or support gut health.

July 15, 2024 0 comment

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Study reveals method to boost immunity to viral infections

by Medically Speaking Team January 5, 2023

written by Medically Speaking Team

Severe viral infections and malignancies are known to weaken the immune system, particularly T cells, a state known as immunological “exhaustion.” Overcoming immunological exhaustion is a key goal in the development of innovative drugs for cancer or severe viral infections.

According to a study that was published in the journal “Immunity,” researchers from Melbourne have developed a method to improve the immune response in the face of severe viral infections. Immune weariness may be prevented by understanding why it happens and how to do so, according to a team from the Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) led by Dr. Sarah Gabriel, Dr. Daniel Utzschneider, and Professor Axel Kallies of the University of Melbourne.

The group had already discovered that while some T cells lost their function and ran out of energy in a matter of days, others, known as Tpex cells, were able to keep functioning for a considerable amount of time.

“This idea that you need to overcome exhaustion and make T cells better is at the heart of immunotherapy,” Professor Kallies said.
“While immunotherapy works really well, it is only effective in around 30 per cent of people. By discovering a way to prime T cells differently so they can work efficiently in the long run, we may be able to make immunotherapy more effective in more people,” he added.

The researchers has now discovered a mechanism explaining how Tpex cells can retain their fitness over extended periods of time, as reported in their most recent work, which was published today in Immunity. According to Professor Kallies, the discovery may increase the likelihood that immunotherapy may be effective.

In contrast to cells that were running out of energy, Tpex cells have lower activity of the nutritional sensor mTOR, which controls cellular energy generation and expenditure, according to Dr. Gabriel.
This means that Tpex cells were able to slow down their activity so they could continue to operate for a longer period of time. It’s the equivalent of running a marathon at a slower pace rather than a sprint at full speed.

Dr. Utzschneider emphasised that turning on the immune system requires striking a balance.
You don’t want to be left walking the race, Dr. Utzschneider said. “You don’t want to attenuate the reaction too much to the point where the response becomes useless.”
The following step was to identify the mechanism that was causing this. We found that early in an infection, Tpex cells were exposed to higher levels of the immunosuppressive molecule TGF?? By lowering the activity of mTOR and so suppressing the immunological response, this molecule effectively serves as a brake.
It’s exciting to note that the scientists were able to exploit this finding to enhance the immune response to severe viral infection.

Dr. Gabriel explained that early mTOR inhibitor treatment of mice improved the immune response to the illness.
Additionally, mice who had been given the mTOR inhibitor responded better to checkpoint inhibition, a treatment that is frequently given to humans with cancer.

January 5, 2023 0 comment

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Novel approach of inducing immune responses is discovered

by Medically Speaking July 17, 2022

written by Medically Speaking

According to a new study, small proteins called chemokines that drive immune cells toward areas of infection can also generate DNA-bound nanoparticles that can trigger persistent, dysfunctional immune responses.

The unexpected finding of this novel action for this well-studied family of immune signalling molecules may shed light on some immunological diseases. The research, which was published on May 31 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, offers an altogether new way for chemokine-DNA nanoparticles to activate the immune system. Preclinical model results imply that this process is important in autoimmune disorders like scleroderma and lupus.

The research was part of the scientists’ continuous attempts to learn more about scleroderma, an inflammatory disorder that involves skin inflammation and stiffening. “A few years ago, we and others showed that patients with this condition have an elevated level of the chemokine CXCL4 in their blood,” said senior author Dr. Franck Barrat, professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine and the Michael Bloomberg Chair and senior scientist at HSS. “However, the relevance of this chemokine in illness is unknown, and we did not expect the chemokine to elicit this specific immune response.”

Dr. Barrat’s team, which included first author Dr. Yong Du, a postdoctoral associate in microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine and a member of the HSS Research Institute, discovered that CXCL4 and several other chemokines could induce plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) to produce interferon-alpha. Surprisingly, the induction appeared to be independent of recognised chemokine receptors, indicating that these chemicals were activating immune cells via an undiscovered method.

Subsequent research found that chemokines may attach fragments of DNA to produce nanoparticles, which then circumvent the chemokine receptors in cells to directly activate interferon production.

Experiments in skin inflammation animal models show that this process might explain the persistent immune activation that underpins scleroderma and other autoimmune disorders. The findings also show that distinct DNA-chemokine nanoparticles may be at the root of various disorders. While CXCL4 appears to be crucial in scleroderma, another chemokine, CXCL10, may play a similar role in lupus.

Dr. Barrat believes that DNA-chemokine nanoparticles are an important component of the body’s wound healing system. “Following a skin injury, such as a cut, dendritic cells penetrate the skin and generate an inflammatory milieu that allows the lesion to heal properly.

Also Read: Study found that eating lower salt version of traditional Chinese food reduced blood pressure

Our findings imply that these cells do not require the presence of a pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria, and may detect self-DNA directly “He stated. “And that inflammation is aiding in the recruitment of other immune system cells.” In autoimmune illness, the process goes wrong, resulting in a persistent inflammatory state that eventually destroys tissue rather than mending it.

The researchers also worked on a related study, which was published in Nature Communications on June 14th, and found that CXCL4 may cause a comparable inflammatory response in monocytes, another essential kind of immune cell. Taken together, the data suggest potential techniques for suppressing autoimmunity without interfering with normal immune responses.

“It informs you what kind of reaction you need to inhibit, not only at the DNA-chemokine level, but perhaps farther downstream in the cells themselves,” Dr. Barrat explained.

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July 17, 2022 0 comment

Kids News Uncategorized

Immunity, viruses, infections and toddlers!

by Medically Speaking Team May 31, 2022

written by Medically Speaking Team

In comparison to how the pandemic affected adults, the pandemic had a different effect on children’s health. While being at home protected them from pollutants and virus infections, it took a toll on their immunity during the last two years. Children’s immunity develops as a result of their exposure to various germs, bacteria, and viruses while at school, playing, and interacting with other children outside. While the lockdown allowed them to spend more time with their parents, their bodies were deprived of any opportunity to appreciate nature. With the reopening of schools and the lifting of additional limitations such as travelling to parks and swimming pools, toddlers and children’s immune systems are now unexpectedly exposed to viruses.

Is it COVID-19 or viral infections that are causing this?

At least 10% to 20% of the cases we see are still COVID infections, with the remainder being ordinary viral infections. They are prone to developing upper respiratory infections and gastroenteritis, which are mostly viral and thus self-limiting in nature, though a small percentage could be bacterial in nature. Blame it on the heat waves, sudden rain and changes in weather, fluctuating humidity levels, and the sudden exposure to various allergens.

Having said that, children must be exposed to the sun, attend school frequently, and interact with other children in parks or playgrounds in order to develop antibodies and cellular immunity that will protect them from illnesses and diseases.

Tips to help boost immunity in toddlers –
* A healthy and well balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables and protein rich food goes a long way in boosting once immune system .This will ensure healthy gut microbiome as gut microbiota plays a major role in immune response .

* Plan your child’s diet that includes nutrient-rich home cooked food. It is always healthier if you cook your child’s favourite junk food at home.

* Adequate hydration helps in removing toxins from the body .

*Adequate sleep is very essential.

*Ensure that kids are stress free and engage in physical activity

*Age appropriate vaccination and followup boosters are essential.

* In this era of covid simple precautions like ensuring personal hygiene is essential.

* Encourage to wear masks in children at public places above 3 years old.

*Inculcate the habit of handwashing – with soap and water before eating.

Encourage your child to go outside and have fun. Restricting them at home will not keep them safe, but it will have a negative impact on their growth, development, and psychological difficulties, in addition to weakening their immunological levels. Adequate parental engagement and conversation with the child can help build immunity and improve the child’s overall development.

May 31, 2022 0 comment

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