Building Health Immunity:

In the First Year of Life

The prevention of illness is a major objective for naturopathic doctors. When it comes to preventing childhood illnesses such as infections, asthma, eczema, and allergies, the first year of a child's life is an extremely important time for building a healthy immune system. While we cannot control every variable, such as genetics, there are a few key things that are within our control that can have profound impacts on our children's health, now and in the future.

Breastfeeding

By far the most important influence on healthy immunity is breastfeeding. In addition to being the most balanced source of nutrition for babies, breast milk contains at least 50 different immune components, including anti-microbial compounds, anti-inflammatory compounds and chemicals that help develop the cells of the immune and neurological systems. Breastfeeding is protective against many of the diseases we routinely vaccinate against, including Hemophilus (Hib), pneumococcus, polio, rotavirus, measles, mumps and rubella, from birth to six months of age. Formula, no matter how "balanced," contains NONE of these compounds. There is simply no comparison between breast milk and formula as far as the ability to develop a robust immune system is concerned. For women who may be experiencing difficulty producing enough milk, there are numerous naturopathic approaches to stimulate milk production quickly and effectively, including herbal medicine, acupuncture and simple lifestyle and diet changes.

Smoking

A second influence that has a profound negative effect on newborn immunity is a family member who smokes. Research demonstrates that exposure to smoke is a major risk factor for infection with Hemophilus influenza (Hib) and pneumoccal bacteria, which can both cause meningitis in susceptible children. In fact, exposure to second hand smoke accounts for over half of all cases of pneumococcal disease in children. The reason for this is two- fold. First, smokers are much more likely to become asymptomatic carriers of these two bacteria; they can then be spread to family members through close contact. Secondly, exposure to smoke diminishes the response rate to infections, by compromising passive and active immunity. Therefore, smoking outside the home in an effort to protect your child from the effects of smoke is not enough. Quitting smoking before a child is born is one of the best things a parent can do for their child's health.

Beneficial Bacteria

From the moment we are delivered, our bodies are colonized with over 420 species of bacteria that influence immune development in profound ways. Babies are born with an immune system that is dominated by a type of cell that creates allergic-type symptoms when activated, such as asthma, eczema, and immediate allergic reactions. During the first year of life, the immune system should shift away from this response towards one that is more effective at fighting off most bacterial and viral infections. An exposure to microbes at an early age helps to drive this immune system development. If this balanced state is not achieved, then a child may be more likely to exhibit symptoms of asthma, allergies and eczema. Fortunately, we can supplement with a wide variety of beneficial bacteria, if needed, to help establish a healthy microflora in the body and promote a shift to a balanced immune response. Naturopathic doctors are actually starting to use individual species of probiotics in certain conditions, in order to fine tune the benefits for the immune system.

While there are many more factors that determine a healthy immune system, research has consistently established that breastfeeding, the avoidance of second hand and third hand smoke, and promoting a healthy microbial milieu in the body are three of the "must haves" in order to optimize immune system development in the first year of life. Since the pattern established in infancy sets the stage for our immune system patterns later in life, it is well worth the effort by parents to ensure these three pillars of immunity are in place for their child.

Questions about vaccinations and childhood immunity? Send your questions in to "Ask the Expert," or attend the OIHC's Vaccination information seminar this September!