A healthy immune system is the hallmark of a healthy life. However, low immunity in children makes them prone to frequent infections. The immune system helps protect the body against infection caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. A strong immune system is necessary to fight infections and maintain good health. If the immune system becomes weak, it leads to recurring infections. It is quite common for a child to get an infection, just like an adult, and it is part of growing up. If it happens very often and at short intervals, it indicates a lack of immunity to fight these infections. The reason behind poor immunity could be genetic factors that predispose a child to frequent infections; lack of a well-balanced diet with the right nutrients, including vitamins and minerals; lack of physical activity; insufficient exposure to germs due to an intensely clean environment; lack of adequate sleep, stress, exposure to smoke and air pollutants, etc.
Signs of poor immunity
1. Frequent infections are one of the main signs of weak immunity in children. One of the various infections that a child can often suffer from is the common cold. Colds are caused by a viral infection and it is quite common for children to catch colds three to four times a year, but if a child catches colds more often, this indicates weak immunity. Other infections include tonsillitis, ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection.
2. Another sign of weak immunity is irregular bowel movements, including constipation (a condition in which a child has less frequent bowel movements, meaning fewer than 3 bowel movements per week or hard, dry, hard stools or difficulty or pain in passing urine) , gas problem and diarrhea (loose stools three or more times a day). Our intestines contain both good and bad bacteria. The good bacteria help keep the stomach system strong and healthy and also help fight the diseases. Reduced good gut bacteria can lead to improper digestion and weak immunity.
3. Lack of energy to play or do other activities, and getting tired very quickly, is another sign of weak immunity.
4. No weight gain and poor physical growth indicate low immunity.
5. Other signs of weak immunity may include slow wound healing, loss of appetite, anemia (a condition characterized by a lack of enough red blood cells to carry enough oxygen to the body’s tissues).
Homeopathic treatment
One can rely on homeopathic medicines when it comes to boosting immunity in children. These medicines are 100% natural medicines without any side effects and are therefore completely safe to use. They naturally strengthen the body’s immunity. Based on symptomatic treatment, homeopathic medicines gradually reduce the frequency of acquiring infections, often by building stronger immunity and improving intestinal health. There is no one specific medicine that can help every case of poor immunity; the drug should be selected in each individual case from a range of different drugs based on the detailed case history. An individual assessment is required for case analysis and prescribing. It is therefore advised to use homeopathic medicines only under the guidance of an expert homeopathic doctor and to avoid self-medication.
Homeopathic medicines for boosting immunity in children
1. Calcarea carbohydrates
This medicine is effective in cases where the tendency to colds and sore throat is quite common. This medicine strengthens immunity and ensures that children are less likely to suffer from colds and sore throats at very short intervals. Additionally, it can be helpful for children who regularly get ear infections. Children who need this may tend to sweat excessively, especially around the head, especially while sleeping. A sour odor can come from sweat and also from feces. There may be a tendency to eat indigestible things such as chalk, pencils and dirt. They may have an intense craving for eggs and an aversion to milk.
2. Baryta carbohydrates
Baryta Carb is prominently indicated to build strong immunity in children who suffer from recurring colds and tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils) at relatively shorter intervals. They feel pain in the throat while swallowing, a burning sensation in the throat and increased salivation during acute tonsillitis. There may be a tendency for pus to collect behind the tonsils (vulnerability, also known as peritonsillar abscess). Children who need this also have delayed growth and development and are short in height. After infections, they may experience weight loss. There may be offensive sweat on the feet.
3. Tuberculinum
This medicine is very similar in effect to the above medicines. It also helps boost immunity to keep away the tendency of recurring upper respiratory infections like cold, tonsillitis and sore throat. It increases immunity thereby reducing the tendency to recurrent bronchitis. Children who need this may not gain weight depending on their age and they may appear thin and weak. They also feel tired and tend to sweat profusely at night.
4. Lucerne
This medicine is considered in homeopathy as a general tonic to improve appetite and digestion and strengthen immunity. It also helps in cases where fatigue and exhaustion are marked, in addition to low weight. Alfalfa helps in gaining weight and improves the child’s endurance to prevent fatigue and infections.
5. Ferrum Phos
This medicine is recommended for children with anemia and low immunity. They look thin and pale. There is obvious weakness as they feel tired and exhausted. There is an aversion to any form of physical exertion due to exhaustion. There may be weight loss.
6. China Officinalis
China Officinalis can be used in children with weak digestion. They tend to have gas problems along with a bloated abdomen. Frequent stomach pain due to gas may occur. They may often suffer from diarrhea (loose stools). There may be excessive weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss and anemia.
7. Aluminum oxide
Alumina can help in cases where the digestive process is hampered and constipation occurs. Children who need it suffer from intense constipation. They do not pass feces every day. There is a lack of urge to pass stool for many days, so they go for days without passing stool. The stool is very difficult to pass. Great effort is required to expel the feces. Aluminum oxide helps regulate bowel movements and improve digestion, which can reduce immunity. In addition, children who need this may be inactive and want to lie down all the time.
8. Silicea
Silicea is a well indicated medicine where a child is thin and has stunted growth and development. This is not due to a lack of appetite, but due to poor assimilation (absorption and transport of the nutrients from food to body cells via the bloodstream). Children who need this have a good appetite, but grow poorly due to improper absorption of food. They are excessively tired and get exhausted easily. They are very sensitive to cold and tend to sweat heavily on the feet and head. They may also be prone to skin infections with pus formation.