About Children's Immune Systems

Your child's immune system functions very much like your own, with a few key differences. Children's immune systems are still gaining the resistance needed to fight off infection and disease. Parents can make a difference in the health of their children by understanding how a child's immune systems works.

Identification

White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are an important part of the immune system. They work to find and destroy foreign substances or organisms that cause disease. Leukocytes circulate through the body's organs and nodes through lymphatic vessels. The foreign substances and organisms that cause illness in the body are called antigens. As children are exposed to new antigens, their bodies build immunities to them. This is why, when many children first begin to attend pre-school or day care, they experience several months (or years) of repeated colds and infections. But it's a normal part of building the immune system. The lymphoid organs include the adenoids, blood vessels, bone marrow, lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. These affect the growth and development of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell vital to the immune system. They release the white blood cells, which are then carried to and from different parts of the body. This system protects the body against microorganisms and germs. Children's immune systems aren't fully developed until the age of 14.

Function

The immune system is responsible for knowing the difference between normal bodily substances and foreign ones, as well as protecting the body from infections and foreign substances. The immune system begins developing after birth, when the baby receives initial immunities from the placenta. Each time your child is exposed to illness, his body developa antibodies to fight it. Breastfeeding offers additional antibodies and protection against illness.

Considerations

There are several ways in which you can help to support your child's developing immune system. According to Dr. Taryn Forelli, a board-certified naturopathic doctor, parents should consider giving their children probiotics, or live microorganisms, which replace "good" bacteria in the intestinal tract. Probiotics, she says, play a large role in helping to develop the immune system. Dr. Forelli says these supplements are even safe for newborns.

Prevention/Solution

Parents can further strengthen their child's immune system by serving at least five servings of fruits and veggies each day, including things like oranges, strawberries, carrots and green beans. According to Dr. William Sears, these contain phytonutrients like Vitamin C and carotenoids, which help to boost immunity. Make sure that your child gets adequate sleep as well. Newborns need up to 18 hours of sleep per day, while toddlers require up to 13, and preschoolers 10.

Expert Insight

One major issue that can wreak havoc in children's immune systems is the overprescribing of antibiotics. According to Dr. Greene of drgreene.com, 40 percent of kids who see doctors are sent away with a prescription for antibiotics. This figure includes not only sick visits, but also well-child visits. The problem, he says, is that antibiotics were once so revolutionary that they were thought to be a "cure all" and were often prescribed "just in case." This has caused the development of antibiotic-resistant antigens.