How to strengthen the immunity of children according to traditional Chinese medicine

Children's immunity. This is a topic that every mom would like to have in her little finger. Although it is often talked about, there is one perspective that still remains in the background. It is the view of traditional Chinese medicine. It approaches children's immunity in a way that is close to many mums' hearts. It focuses on prevention itself.

Children's immune systems are fragile and sensitive and therefore require special care. Traditional Chinese medicine offers a holistic approach to boosting immunity that includes not only the use of specific herbal mixtures and vitalch mushrooms, but also diet and lifestyle modification. This article should inspire you to use traditional Chinese medicine to effectively strengthen your children's immunity.

The organism and immunity of young children

The organism and immunity of young children differ significantly from adults. Chinese doctors call children "little people" and use quite different methods to treat them compared to adults.

Children are born with internal organs and acupuncture pathways that are not fully developed. This development is gradual, which makes children more susceptible to external pathogens. Also, the digestive system of children is less developed and more sensitive than that of adults.

An old Chinese medical book says: "Children do not have external defenses in place, so external evil can easily enter the body and attack the lungs." By external evil we mean "external pathogens" such as wind, cold, heat, damp (we nowadays say viruses, bacteria, chlamydia, etc.).

This is why so many children so often suffer from respiratory problems such as coughs, runny noses, congestion, allergies or asthma. This is because young children do not have a fully developed respiratory system and are more susceptible to the invasion of pathogens that attack the respiratory system.

Weakened Qi Energy of the Spleen

The second cause of weakened immunity is weakened Spleen Qi energy (the Spleen in TCM is not just a small organ in the left lower rib cage, but basically the entire digestive system). This is why Chinese medicine places great emphasis on diet, on careful selection of foods that support the health of the Spleen.

The basis of the diet should consist of complex carbohydrates supplemented with small amounts of high-value protein and servings of lightly cooked vegetables. Even children need a diet that is fresh and tasty; local foods are highly recommended. Most foods just need to be lightly cooked to keep the food crunchy.
Digestion starts in the mouth, so it is a good idea to teach children to chew their food thoroughly first and enjoy every bite.
It is extremely important to avoid food additives, ethers, dyes and other chemical additives.
Children should eat regularly at the same times, ideally 4-5 times a day. Regularity in general is important in all aspects of a child's life.
Children should not overeat - it puts a strain on their digestive system. But they should also not eat too little so that the Spleen has something to produce Qi energy from. Both problems, overeating or not wanting to eat, are often related to a weakened Spleen.

Choose foods that strengthen the Spleen

Neutral or warm sweet tasting foods: White rice, rice porridge (congee), oats, roasted barley, sweet rice, spelt, pumpkin, sweet potato, celery, pumpkin, carrots, corn, parsnips, chickpeas, black beans, sweet potatoes, yams, peas, walnuts, compote, chicken, beef, lamb, liver, kidney beans, mackerel, tuna, anchovies.

Foods to give in small quantities

Sharp flavours: onion, leek, garlic, turnip, paprika, fresh ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel.

Complex sweet flavours: molasses, dates, rice syrup, barley malt, palm sugar.

Foods to avoid

Uncooked and raw foods of a cold nature: Salads, raw fruits (including juices, especially citrus), wheat, sprouts and cereal shoots, raw vegetables, tomatoes, spinach, chard, romaine, tofu, seaweed, salt, too many sweet foods and concentrated sweeteners, brown rice, antibiotics, vitamin C (in more than 1-2 grams per day).

Foods that produce excessive moisture: ice cream and dairy products (except small amounts of butter and yogurt), sugar, chocolate, nuts and seeds (except walnuts), nut butters.

It is important to adapt the diet to the season. In winter, eat rather warm foods, but not large quantities. In summer, we can eat more fruit and watch out for dense heavy foods.

Another key factor for good immunity is exercise and rest. Physical activity improves blood circulation and promotes the production of immune cells. Regular exercise also improves mood and reduces stress, which can also positively affect immune responses. And getting enough quality sleep and rest is essential for the body to regenerate and restore energy, which is also important for the proper functioning of the immune system. The combination of regular physical activity and sufficient rest creates the ideal conditions for children to maintain a healthy and strong immunity.

Vital mushrooms are a great helper

The last helper I can recommend to support children's immunity is the so-called vital mushrooms. This is a group of mushrooms that contain higher concentrations of active substances called betaglucans. Vital mushrooms have been known and used in Chinese medicine for centuries for their healing properties. The most important vital mushrooms for boosting immunity are Reishi, Cordyceps, Agaricus and Shiitake.

Reishi - Known as the "mushroom of immortality", it strongly stimulates the immune system, has a tropism for Spit, which means it is particularly effective for respiratory problems.

Cordyceps - valued for its ability to strengthen the Kidneys and Lungs, it is considered a natural antibiotic that destroys pathogenic microorganisms.

Agaricus - very powerful in stimulating immune cells to become more active and is excellent for boosting immunity, especially during periods of impending infections.

Shiitake - very effective for boosting immunity and strengthening the Spleen, suitable for recurrent respiratory infections.

What do I recommend to support immunity?

Dragon syrup

Ingredients: Cordyceps, reishi, echinacea, acerola (natural source of vitamin C).

Benefits: Probably the best-selling immune support syrup in the country. It supports the immune system, supports the Lungs and Kidneys, and contains natural vitamin C, which boosts overall immunity.

Dosage: Ideal for young children up to 4-5 years old who cannot swallow capsules.

MycoComplex

Ingredients: Cordyceps, reishi, agaricus, shiitake, acerola (natural source of vitamin C).

Benefits: Strongly supports the immune system, improves digestion and helps fight viruses and bacteria.

Dosage: Suitable for older children and adults, dosage is adjusted according to age and health condition.

MyImmunity

Ingredients: Agaricus, shiitake, reishi, cordyceps, echinacea, acerola and valerian

Benefits: Strengthens overall immunity, supports proper function of the Spleen, Lungs and Kidneys.

Dosage: It is recommended to take regularly, ideally during periods of increased incidence of illness.

What do I recommend in the acute phase of the disease?

The above mushroom products support the immune system - they act preventively. If your child suffers an acute infection, I usually discontinue these products and use either MycoMedica Children's Syrups or YaoMedica Herbal Tinctures depending on the child's condition. Here, it is important to accurately diagnose your child's condition and choose the appropriate syrup or tincture accordingly. Even a common cold can change over a short period of time and it is good to use a different herbal recipe at each stage. If you are unsure, use Advisory center at www.MycoMedica.cz. Or look here.

You can't have one without the other

Boosting immunity in children using Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complex process that involves the use of mushrooms, proper diet and a healthy lifestyle. Vital mushrooms such as Reishi, Cordyceps, Agaricus and Shiitake are an effective way to boost a child's immunity. But first and foremost, adjusting the child's diet, getting enough exercise, sleep and rest is essential.

Good news at the end

It is usually much easier and quicker to get rid of problems in children than in adults. Illnesses in children come on quickly, but they usually go away quickly too. And because the organs and energy pathways in children are not yet fully developed, they are also "simpler" and so eliminating a pathogen from the body or moving blocked Qi energy is much easier.