The Important Vaccination Your Child Cannot Afford To Miss

 Ayurvedic
Sep 222020
 

Vaccination or Immunization can be an overwhelming concept for new parents and you must know about it in detail. The process of vaccination do not only help your child by saving him/her from life-threatening diseases like tetanus, polio, and diphtheria but also prevents other children from getting it as many diseases spread from one child to another. This article consists of the details about vaccination and the vaccines that must be taken by your child in order to live a healthy and long life.

A vaccine is a biological preparation that enhances or facilitates the acquired immunity of a person against a certain diseases. The vaccine consists of dead or weakened microbe, or surface proteins or its toxin which is responsible for causing that particular disease or infection when in actual state. When this dead or weakened microbe is introduced into the body our body recognizes it as the disease-causing agent and destroys it by making the antibodies (army) against it.

So when in the future, that particular child comes in contact with the real version of that bacteria or virus our body already knows about it and kills it at the initial level, hence preventing the body from any kind of disease or agent. Over the years, there have been made many allegations against this vaccination system and blamed for because of increasing cases of autism and other diseases. However never any convincing proof has been produced to support it. That’s why still the vaccination is considered as the safest way to prevent children against many deadly diseases. The benefits of vaccination outweighs the side effects of it.

Your child will receive most of the vaccines from birth up to the age of 6 years. You must keep a record of your child’s vaccination, however, must be given a card for that. Some hospitals or doctors also keep these records but never rely on them to keep it yourself as many times doctors or hospitals are changed and hence the record can be lost.

Even today in India after so much awareness creating programs many children are found to miss their immunization. In India, even paramedics go from door to door to give some of this vaccination like that of polio, which has helped a lot more to cover an area of the people (mainly the uneducated and underprivileged) who do not take initiative for their child vaccination.

There are three main vaccines that your child should not miss at any cost.

1. OPV or Oral Polio Vaccine

Polio or Poliomyelitis is caused by Poliovirus. It is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system and can lead to paralysis and death even in a few hours. This explains the seriousness of this infectious condition. Children below the age of 5 years are vaccinated in order to prevent polio. OPV is the most critical vaccine in India and many programs are organized by the government to vaccinate the children door to door to administer the vaccine.

All the children below 5 years are given this vaccine in India in these programs every time the camp is organized as there is no risk of overdosing. However, with every dose the immunity enhances further against the infection, and surety with every dose increases more.

2. MMR or Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine

You can figure out from the name itself that this vaccine gives immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella or also known as German measles. This monovalent vaccine is given after the age of nine months and the second dose is repeated from 12-15 months of age. Generally, no side effects are seen of this vaccine, only 10% of children have been reported of having fever, rashes, and malaise after the first vaccination. This reaction is seen due to the presence of reagent in the vaccine which is similar to the disease-causing agent.

3. Hepatitis B vaccine

The Hepatitis B Infection has covered a large number of population worldwide and is also a leading cause of Liver cancer throughout the world. So the Hepatitis B vaccine is also known as the first anti-cancer vaccine. Hepatitis B is one of the commonest and life-threatening infections of the liver hence the vaccine for it should not be missed. This vaccine is usually given in the 2-4 shots and the first dose is given at birth and other shots should be given within the age of 6 months.

Other than these three important vaccines there are other vaccines as well which your child should receive in order to prevent certain prevailing infections and diseases

1. Rotavirus vaccine

This vaccine is given to prevent the rotavirus infection in children which is the cause of severe diarrhea in infants or young children

2. Pneumococcal vaccine

Streptococcus pneumonia is the causative agent of life-threatening conditions in infants like pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections in children. Pneumococcal vaccine is given to provide immunity against these diseases.

3. Varicella vaccine

Chickenpox is very common among children and this vaccine provides immunity against this highly infectious condition.

4. HPV vaccine

Human papillomavirus is the very commonly affecting virus that causes mucous membranes and skin growth like warts.

Ayurvedic perspective of vaccination

After talking about the Vaccination concept let’s have a look at the Ayurvedic perspective of vaccination. Ayurveda in itself does not have an exact vaccination but there is a tonic which can help in boosting immunity when administering to the children. This tonic is known as Swarna Prashana which might be a good option to enhance immunity however it is not an alternative for vaccination.

Method for preparation

Take 1 part of ghee with two parts of honey and gold bhasam of just one needle head quantity. Honey should be at least 2 months aged and unheated and bhasam of gold should be of the best quality.

However, till now the vaccination is the only mode of prevention from various dangerous diseases and your child must not miss it. As it is very well said that the best physician is the one educating the masses regarding the prevention of the diseases rather than focusing on giving medicines for the diseases.

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Foods And Remedies To Improve Your Child’s Memory And Concentration

 Ayurvedic
Feb 032020
 

Concentration refers to a skill that helps you to focus all your attention on one particular aspect of your environment. Since there are so many distractions around you, such as noise, color, and novelty, concentrating on one thing is a major challenge. Find what the benefits of concentration for children are.

  • They can make quicker decisions.
  • They will score better results because of enhanced short-term and long-term memory.
  • It will reduce day-dreaming.
  • The mind will remain free of negative thoughts.

Best Brain Boosting Foods For Children

Common concentration problems children face

Some of the most common concentration problems in children are-

  • Restlessness: This leads to a state where the child cannot still. Fidgeting with items on the desk, shaking of the legs, and constant hand-movements are signs of restless behavior.
  • Day-dreaming: This is a condition where the child is physically present in the classroom, but mentally he is in another zone. A drifted look is the first key to identify a child who is day-dreaming and lost in thoughts.
  • Hyperactivity: Last but not least, a child who wishes to engage in too many class tasks cannot concentrate fully on anything.

Food that children should avoid for better concentration

The food items that can affect concentration are-

  • Processed food items: Processed dishes are high in sugar, salt, and fats. Thus, they lead to lower mental capacities and increase brain-blood barriers.
  • Sugary drinks: Since sugary beverages can lead to diabetes, the child is exposed to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life. It can also cause dementia in those who do not have diabetes.
  • Food with a high level of trans fats: While natural trans-fat is not a topic of concern, artificial trans-fat found in instant cakes, snacks, and frosting can lead to poorer memory.

Food that children should eat for better concentration

The best memory boosting foods are-

  • Blueberries: Blueberries have antioxidants that improve the blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain.
  • Green tea: The top two ingredients of green tea that help you concentrate better are caffeine and L-Theanine. Green tea is a memory booster contributing to both speed and accuracy.
  • Green and leafy vegetables: While vitamin B is the best way to improve memory and concentration; folic acid plays a major role in developing mental clarity.

What is Ayushakti’s Sumedha Syrup?

Ayushakti’s Sumedha Syrup is a safe and natural ayurvedic brain tonic for children to help them enhance their brainpower. Herbs like Brahmi, Neer Brahmi, Kushmand, Shankhapushpi, Mundi, etc. in Sumedha Syrup are proven to increase IQ by 20% in 3 months. These herbs also help improve concentration, awareness, memory, and cognition. It is available online & at all the Ayushakti clinics.

Ayushakti Sumedha Syrup | Ayurvedic Memory Booster Tonic For Good Memory & Concentration

Ayushakti has more than 32 years of excellence in treating child health and memory problems such as Low Memory, Low Immunity, Poor Concentration, Slow Body Growth, Slow Mental Growth, Restlessness, Stress, and Depression. Visit http://bit.ly/37Gaf3K to know more and to book an appointment online.

Find the nearest Ayushakti Clinic simply by searching ‘Ayushakti’ on Google! You may contact us on our toll-free numbers 18002663001 (India) & +18002800906 (Global) or email us at info@ayushakti.com for more details.

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Happy gut, happy child

 Naturopathy
Mar 262018
 

The human gut plays host to more microbes than any other part of the body, with an estimated ten million bacterial cells- and these are just the ones we know about so far. While it is commonly known that these bacteria help maintain our health by improving our digestion and absorption of food and by enhancing our immunity against infections, recent studies have also suggested that gastrointestinal bacteria may influence children’s behaviour.

Researchers from the Ohio State University studied microbes from the digestive tracts of toddlers aged between 18-27 months and found that an abundance and diversity of bacterial species is linked happy, sociable, curious and impulsive behaviours when compared with less variety and fewer numbers of bacterial species.

An interaction between intestinal bacteria and stress hormones is proposed to be the mechanism behind this. Through a complex network of nerves and tissues, the gut can communicate with the brain and influence its functions. This communication pathway is a two-way street and, conversely, the brain can influence digestive function.

What can we do to help our children grow healthy gut flora?

Firstly, say no to sugar!
 And by sugar, I mean refined and processed foods. This includes canned foods, breakfast cereals, baked goods, desserts, sweetened dairy products, condiments, fruit flavoured beverages, lollies and fast food items. Instead, shift your child’s diet to include less processed and more complex sources of carbohydrates. Incorporate whole grains, lean proteins and let them enjoy liberal amounts of fruit and vegetables.

How they eat is just as important.
Have your child do their part to take some of the burden off their digestive tract;

  • Encourage your child to sit down and relax when eating, and avoid doing so at moments of stress.
  • Encourage children to chew their food thoroughly- digestion begins in the mouth.

Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics.
 Antibiotic treatment dramatically destroys the microbial balance within the gut, so keep use of these to a minimum.

Nourish their intestinal bacteria.
Invest in good quality probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotic supplements inhibit harmful pathogens from thriving and can help maintain microbial balance within the digestive tract. Alternatively, prebiotics are beneficial foods that stimulate growth of the beneficial gut bacteria. Prebiotics are health supporting and have been found to increase numbers of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria whilst decreasing counts of potential harmful bacteria. Prebiotic food sources include whole grain foods, fermented vegetables, chicory, artichokes, garlic, onion, banana and leeks.

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