The topic of frequently sick children is becoming more and more relevant and unfortunately, more and more families are facing this problem. In Bulgaria , as in many other countries, the tendency is for children to have increasingly poor health .
Born in an era of fast pace and polluted environment , we families are facing a battle for the health of our children.
From the impact of the first days of life to the influence of the environment and the excessive use of drugs . In this article , we seek a path to understanding children’s health . Using a holistic approach , in which we seek answers and solutions for a healthier future .
All the conveniences of the modern way of life , such as television , telephones , cars , quick and easy access to everything , our consumerism leads to little time for physical activity and time outdoors . We are increasingly moving away from nature , such as eating , moving , giving birth , breastfeeding , raising children and overall lifestyle .
There is a feeling that since everybody lives like this, there is no problem. When our child starts to be constantly absent from nursery or kin dergarten is the moment to think. To review our daily routine, our habits, our exercise and to realise that there is nothing more important than the health of our children. But what should we be on the lookout for?
Often sick children – causes
Birth
With the sharp increase in births by ” Caesarean Section “ or so-called ” Section ” and the increase in the use of artificial feeding , many questions are asked. They are related to the impact of these factors on the health of newborns . A C-section changes the way the baby primarily benefits from the mother’s flora , missing out on important bacteria that are critical to the balance of gut flora .
Breastfeeding
Formula feeding offers convenience , but cannot be compared to the complex benefits provided by breast milk . Breast milk is full of antibodies , probiotics and other biologically active ingredients that not only provide nutrients , but also support the development of the baby’s healthy intestinal flora .
Influence on the Intestinal Flora
The gut flora , popularly known as the ” microbiome ,” plays a key role in the digestive system and the body’s immune response . A “C-section” birth cuts off the baby’s contact with the mother’s bacteria . Additionally, artificial feeding does not provide the same prebiotics and probiotics that support the development of healthy gut flora as breast milk does.
Malabsorption of Nutrients and Weak Immune System
Formula-fed babies are deprived of certain nutrients found in breast milk that are essential for their healthy development . The benefits of breast milk are not only nutritional . They include antibodies and other ingredients that help build a strong immune system . The issue of the mental and intellectual development of the baby is separate .
The combination of cesarean delivery and artificial milk feeding can disrupt the balance of intestinal flora . This can lead to a weak immune system in children . In order to reduce the possible negative effect , it is important to consider options for maintaining healthy intestinal flora . This can happen by adding probiotics like Bifidus and Acidophilus . In addition, promoting breastfeeding whenever possible can be a key factor in strengthening the baby’s immune system .
Lack of building blocks
Children whose diet does not provide enough vitamins and minerals can have a reduced resistance to diseases . Some of the key elements that support healthy immune system function include vitamins C, D, and E , as well as minerals such as zinc and iron . Lack of these important nutrients can make children more vulnerable to infection and disease.
Here it is very important to make the connection between good intestinal flora and absorption of vitamins and minerals. It is possible for the child to take wholesome and varied food, but due to compromised intestinal flora, cannot process and digest it.
The role of macronutrients in frequently ill children
Macronutrients , such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats , also play a key role in supporting a child’s health . Proteins are necessary for building and regenerating tissues . Carbohydrates provide energy . And fats are involved in the formation of cell membranes (mucous membranes, heart, joints, bones, metabolism and many other bodily functions). A deficiency of these macronutrients can undermine overall immune function and predispose a child to disease. Foods containing Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 are essential for normal function and development in children. Since we cannot synthesize fatty acids ourselves , we must obtain them from the outside , usually from food. But how often do we consume raw nuts and seeds?
Sharing Infections
Children are often in close contact with each other , especially in nurseries, kindergartens and schools . This constant contact can contribute to the rapid spread of infections , such as flu, colds and other respiratory diseases . It is important for parents and educational institutions to promote hygienic habits and proper hand washing to reduce the risk of infections .
Environmental Factors
Environmental pollution and children’s exposure to harmful substances can increase the risk of illness. Air pollutants, smoking and chemicals in the environment can contribute to respiratory problems and other health problems. Maintaining a clean and safe environment is essential to keeping children healthy. Here it is important to pay attention to the household chemicals we use in our home.
Unhealthy Diet in Frequently Sick Children
Lack of variety and balance in a child ‘s diet can lead to a decline in the immune system. Excessive consumption of processed foods, rich in sugars and fats , can contribute to a weak resistance of the body against infections and diseases .
Allergies and Asthma
Children with allergies and asthma are more prone to frequent illnesses due to their more sensitive airways and bodies. Allergens and asthmatic conditions can increase the frequency of respiratory infections , affecting the general health of the child .
Low Level of Physical Activity
The daily life of families is extremely busy. Especially in winter , when the weather is colder and the days are shorter, many children spend all day indoors without spending any time outside. This makes them even more tender and susceptible to infections .
Children who do not engage in regular physical activity are often not in good physical shape and have a weaker immune system. Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight , improves circulation and supports overall immune function.
* you can see a report on the topic of obesity in children, in which I was invited to participate,
Frequently Sick Children – The Impact of Overuse of Medicines Negative Effects and Risks for the Intestinal Flora and Immune System
Excessive use of drugs, especially antipyretics and antibiotics is a prerequisite. This can negatively affect children’s health, including the balance of gut flora and immune system function.
Antipyretic Medicines
The frequent use of antipyretic drugs in children can lead to the suppression of the body’s natural immune reactions. Preventing the temperature from rising during a cold can make it harder for the body to fight infections and viruses. While having an impact on the intestinal flora, which plays a key role in a healthy immune system.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are powerful tools for fighting bacterial infections, but their overuse can have negative consequences. Antibiotics not only recognize harmful bacteria, but also beneficial microorganisms in the intestinal flora. This imbalance can lead to problems with digestion, absorption of nutrients and poor immune function of the body.
Negative Aspects of Overuse:
- Bacteria resistance:
Overuse of antibiotics can contribute to the development of bacterial resistance. This makes it difficult to treat infections in the future. - Allergic Reactions:
Medicines, including antibiotics, can cause allergic reactions that contribute to compromising the immune system. - Imbalance in Intestinal Flora:
Excessive use of antibiotics and other drugs can lead to an imbalance in the intestinal flora, which can worsen the condition of the immune system.
To reduce the risk of negative consequences of excessive use of drugs , parents should follow the recommendations of health professionals and use drugs only after consulting a doctor. Conscious use of medication and maintaining a balance in gut flora can be key to supporting a strong immune system in children.
Frequently Ill Children: Social Aspects and Consequences
Common diseases in children do not only affect physical health, but also have a significant impact on the social aspect of their lives. This context includes interaction with the environment, education, interpersonal relationships and community participation. In the following lines, we will consider some of the social aspects that are closely related to children’s illness.
**1. Educational Process and Skipping Lessons:
Frequent illnesses can lead to continuous missed classes, which can affect a child’s academic success. Missing classes can lead to missing material, difficulties in completing tasks and learning new knowledge.
**2. Social Isolation and the Opportunity to Play:
Children who are often ill may experience social isolation due to constant absences from school and other social events. Refusal to participate in games and activities with peers can create feelings of isolation and affect a child’s social skills.
**3. Impact on Family Relationships:
Illnesses in children often place an additional burden on family relationships. Parents may face stress and anxiety due to caring for a sick child, which can lead to changes in the usual family dynamics. Many families begin to avoid social contact in order to protect the child from a new illness. This behavior leads to consequences, stress and isolation for the whole family, which in turn can lead to tension within the family as well.
Common illnesses can cause emotional and psychosocial difficulties in children. The stress associated with the illness can lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Conclusion: Common diseases in children not only affect their physical health, but also have a significant impact on the social health of both the children themselves and the entire family .
Frequently Sick Children: The Experiences of Working Mothers and Career Balance
Common illnesses in children pose significant challenges for working mothers. We are faced with the need to manage our children’s health challenges while simultaneously maintaining our careers. This social aspect affects the balance between our professional and personal commitments.
**1. Absence from Work and Occupational Risk:
Frequent illnesses of children lead to unavoidable absences from work, which can become a challenge for our professional progress. Constant interruptions in working days can affect our presence at work. This creates a risk of reducing our professional capabilities.
**2. Psychological and Emotional Stress:
Balancing caring for a sick child and fulfilling professional duties can lead to psychological and emotional strain. The fear of job loss, financial worries and feeling conflicted between the role of parent and professional can create stress and anxiety.
**3. Risk of Career Loss:
For working mothers who have children who are often sick, there is a real risk of losing their career. Employers may appreciate a mother’s erratic presence in the office, and this may influence promotion and salary decisions.
How we can improve the situation:
By stopping for a moment and realizing how we live and how we raise our children. Once we take stock, we can create a plan of action. What changes will we make in the direction of nutrition, movement, intake of sufficient amount of water, time outdoors, as well as how much stress we allow in our daily life.
Conclusion: Frequently Ill Children – Challenges and Solutions
Common diseases in children pose a serious challenge to families and society as a whole. We have analyzed various aspects that may contribute to frequent illness in children. We investigated the relationship between childbirth, breastfeeding, lack of certain nutrients, environmental factors, low physical activity. As well as the impact of excessive drug use on gut flora and the immune system.
Birth by “section” and artificial feeding
are factors that can lead to an imbalance in the intestinal flora and a weak immune system in children. Combined with the lack of certain vitamins, minerals and macronutrients, as well as with a low level of physical activity, they form a complex of factors that increase the frequency of illness.
Excessive use of drugs,
especially antipyretics and antibiotics, represents an additional risk for the intestinal flora and the immune system. Negative consequences include bacterial resistance, allergic reactions and an imbalance in the intestinal flora.
From a social point of view, frequent diseases in children have an impact on the educational process, social isolation, family relations and psychosocial well-being. Working mothers face the challenges of balancing caring for a sick child and career commitments, putting themselves at risk of losing professional opportunities.
To improve the condition, it is essential to emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, regular physical activity and avoiding the unnecessary use of medications.
Supporting the digestive system with probiotics, providing valuable nutrients from a natural and digestible source, can radically change our lives and health.
Below the article, we will leave a link to our packages, with which you can support your child’s health in the best, natural and proven way.
We created this article because we are parents and know the feeling and fear when a child is sick again . We were able to change our family’s life and regain peace of mind. We want to share what we’ve learned with families who want to improve their health.
We hope you found the article useful and got something for yourself.
Team Naturalno
Geri Ivanova