Page 36 - ParentsWorld June 2020
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against diseases to which her mother
         has developed immunity because she
         contracted the disease and survived,
         naturally or through vaccination.
         this passive immunity mediated by
         immunoglobulins lasts for about six-
         nine months after birth. it is boosted
         by breastfeeding. Subsequently, as an
         infant enters into early childhood she
         becomes more susceptible to diseases
         and viruses.
           immunoglobulins can also
         be transfused to provide passive
         immunity, but they have an even
         shorter life span. On the other hand
         active immunity lasts a lifetime. it
         can be acquired naturally as a result
         of contracting infection or artificially
         with vaccinations and immunization.
         these are injections or oral solutions
         containing small doses of active,
         weakened or dead organisms.
         Once the body’s own cells produce
         immunity, memory of the previous attack (natural or   immunity to stave off infections and survive pandemics:
         artificial) is ingrained. it remembers the attack by the    exercise regularly. it increases the heart rate and
         disease-causing bacteria or virus and responds vigorously   circulation, pumping blood through dilated vessels and
         to a second invasion. it produces immunoglobulins which   supplying an army of WBc and immunoglobulins to
         attack and kill the invader organism.             the body.
           natural production of immunoglobulins becomes    People with a healthy weight BMi 23-25 (weight in
         less efficient with age. that is why people over 65 years   kilograms divided by height in meter squared) are less
         sometimes respond poorly to immunization and develop   prone to immunity-suppressing lifestyle diseases such as
         pneumonia and other infectious diseases. good and   diabetes and obesity.
         sustained immunity requires timely childhood and adult    Abjure alcohol and tobacco.
         boosters.                                          Balanced diets are important for boosting
           herd immunity develops when many people become   immunity. include 4-6 helpings of fruits and vegetables
         immune to a disease either through immunization or   and 10 nuts such as almonds which are rich in
         because they contract it en masse. harmful viruses are   antioxidants and micronutrients (essential vitamins and
         unable to find a susceptible host and therefore die of   minerals) in your daily diet.
         their own accord.                                  Potent immunity-boosting foods include curry
           Here are some ways to boost the body’s innate active   leaves, papaya, broccoli, spinach, capsicum and citrus
                                                           fruits. Spices such as pepper and turmeric and additives
                                                           like garlic and ginger also boost immunity. Probiotics
                                                           are naturally present in curd and other home-made
                                                           fermented food and ward off infections.
                                                             the pharma industry has attempted to extract and
                                                           package immunity-boosting micronutrients into capsules
                                                           and supplements. But it’s unclear how much of the
                                                           active ingredients is destroyed in the manufacturing
                                                           process. My advice: avoid vitamin/mineral pills and
                                                           include natural immunity-boosting foods in your
                                                           family’s diet instead.



                                                          (dr. gita Mathai is a well-known vellore-based paediatrician and
                                                          author of Staying healthy in Modern india)



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