According to ayurveda immunity is the body's ability to resist disease. The term for immunity in ayurveda is Vyadhishamatva, which is made up of two parts:
- Vyadhi-balavirodhitvam: it is the ability to resist the severity of a disease.
- Vyadhi-utpadakapratibandhakatva: it is the ability to prevent the occurrence and re-occurence of a disease.
Ayurveda also describes three types of immunity:
- Sehejavyadhi-kshmatva: it is known as inherited immunity.
- Vyadhijavyadhi-kshmatva: it is known as acquired immunity.
- Yuktikritvyadhi-kshmatva: it is known as the acquired immunity through a healthy diet, lifestyle and general well being.
What is Low Immunity?
The immune system of your body that defends you against various diseases by killing the disease causing agents. After coming in contact with an infection some people get ill while some do not. This is due to strong and weak immunity depending on the person.
To avoid illness your immune system should be healthy and strong. Strong immunity can be attained by many different natural ways.
Understanding Immunity in Children
Ayurveda also understands that children's immunity develops slowly. It is not meant to be forced or rushed. Gentle support over time helps the body to become stronger in a natural and lasting way.
According to ayurveda, immunity depends largely on digestion. When digestion works well the body absorbs nutrients properly and builds natural resistance. If digestion is weak even the best food cannot help. This is why ayurveda gives equal importance to what children eat and how well they digest it.
Common Mistakes That Weaken Immunity in Children
Many everyday habits unintentionally reduce a child's natural resistance. These mistakes are common but are easy to correct.
- One major issue is irregular eating, skipping meals or constant snacking which confuses digestion.
- Another common mistake is relying too much on packaged and cold foods. These foods often look attractive but it weakens digestion over time.
- Lack of sleep also plays an important role in immunity. Just as adults feel drained after poor sleep, children also lose their natural energy and resistance when sleep is disturbed. Overuse of screens before bedtime further affects sleep quality.
- Frequent use of antibiotics without proper guidance can also weaken natural immunity.
Boosting Your Child's Immunity the Ayurvedic Way
The ayurvedic approach is one of the best ways to build your child's immune system naturally.
As per ayurveda immunity is related to your child's digestive system. Your child's gut (digestive system) contains immune cells and healthy bacteria that prevent the growth of microbes, and fight pathogens, toxins that are ingested along with your child's food. Thus strengthening your child's digestive system will naturally help and boost your child's immune system.
Certain Natural Herbs Essential for Children Are
- Curcumin (Curcuma Longa): It is rich in anti-oxidants and has anti-microbial activities. It is also known as turmeric (haldi) and has strong ability to moderate immune cell activity. A cup of turmeric milk will improve your child's immunity which will keep them away from catching frequent colds and flu. Turmeric milk is an effective remedy to reduce your child's nasal congestion and sore throat during a fever.
- Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Amla is a rich source of vitamin C and dietary fibers. Vitamin C is known to support the functions of your child's digestive and immune system. You can give the whole raw fruit or in the form of murabba (sweet fruit that is made with amla) as well. Include amla in your child's diet in the form of amla chutney or in the form of amla juice.
- Ginger (Zingiber Officinale): due to weak immunity, children are more prone to seasonal flu, which is characterized by fever, dry cough, headache, muscle and joint pain. Ginger is the best and safest remedy for prevention as well as treatment at home. Ginger has antiviral and antibacterial properties that help in strengthening your child's immunity. You can give ginger tea or ginger with honey in lukewarm water to your children. Ginger can also improve your child's appetite and digestion.
- Tulsi or Basil (Ocimum Sanctum): basil is considered holy in ayurveda. It has powerful medicinal properties that can boost your child's immune power. Tulsi is considered very safe and easy to consume and use. Antimicrobial properties of tulsi will help fight any kind of infections, both bacterial and viral.
- Guduchi or Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia): it is a potent immunomodulatory herb beneficial for children. It has antipyretic action (to prevent or reduce fever).
In ayurveda immunity is directly related to digestion. When digestion is dull, your child does not have a proper appetite. Ayuvya Appetite Drops for kids is an ayurvedic support for natural appetite and hunger, aids healthy digestion, promotes balanced growth, it has no refined sugar and no synthetic flavours and is gentle for daily use.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips to Boost Your Child's Immune System
The process of building immunity is not a one day phenomenon. It starts from the day a baby is born.
- Daily Routine (Dincharya): ayurveda focuses on the importance of following a daily routine. This includes regular wakeup, sleep times, proper hygiene and regular on time meals, all of which support a healthy immune system.
- Yoga and Exercise: physical activity is important for maintaining good health. Simple yoga poses or light exercises can help improve circulation, strengthen the body and boost immunity.
- Sleep and Rest: children should sleep for eight to ten hours which is important for a strong immune system. The importance of a regular sleep routine ensures that your child's body can repair and rejuvenate itself.
Conclusion
Boosting your child's immunity doesn't have to be a difficult task. With the natural and holistic approaches of ayurveda, you can support their health and well-being in a balanced way. Apply these ayurvedic tips and practices into your child's daily routine and watch them grow with a stronger immune system and fewer infections.
