How to strengthen the immunity of children before entering kindergartens and schools?

One of the most common questions I receive in our counsel at the end of summer holidays is how to strengthen the immunity of children before entering schools and kindergartens. Enhanced immunity can prevent numerous diseases. Regular use of medicinal mushrooms is one solution, the effects of which are not only confirmed by traditional Chinese medicine but also by modern scientific studies. Let's take a look at three products that help in strengthening the immunity of your children.

MycoBaby Dragon syrup

This syrup is especially suitable for young children who are unable to swallow tablets. I has an excellent taste thanks to the addition of quality Dutch cocoa so children are sure to like it. Its effects on increasing immunity lies in the combination of herbs and medicinal mushrooms. Dragon syrup contains Cordyceps, Reishi, Echinacea and Acerola. 

Cordyceps strengthens the kidneys as well as the immunity and works well for atopic issues and for strengthening the lungs. Also, the Reishi medicinal mushroom has considerable beneficial effects on strengthening the immunity and has proven to be excellent for allergies and atopic eczema. Echinacea is also very well known for its beneficial effect on the immunity, which also has a positive effect on the psyche. A sufficient intake of natural vitamin C is one of the most important components for proper functioning of a child’s body, therefore Dragon Syrup contains Acerol with a high content of this essential vitamin.

For correct dosages, I recommend that you follow the enclosed instructions.

MycoComplex

The second preparation is MycoComplex and this is in capsule form, which is suitable for older children as well as adults. The capsules contain the aforementioned medicinal mushrooms such as Cordyceps, Reishi and Acerol and are additionally supplemented with the Agaricus and Shitake mushrooms.

The Agaricus mushroom is one of the strongest and most efficient mushrooms for strengthening the immune system. It also has beneficial effects regarding the treatment of eczema and other skin problems. The Shitake mushroom is often a favourite mushroom for cooking thanks to its taste, but it also strengthens immunity and digestion and can handle viruses and bacteria.

As far as the preventive strengthening of immunity is concerned, for pre-school children I give one capsule twice a day and for school children, I recommend two in the morning and two in the evening. In a more serious condition, the dose can be adjusted upwards.

BIOcell beta-glucan

The third preparation giving support to immunity is called BIOcell, which is pure beta-glucan, which is obtained from food yeast. BIOcell beta-glucan is used as a supplement to medicinal mushrooms. To boost the immunity, one capsule is needed along with the usual dose of mushrooms. In the case of acute conditions, BIOcell beta-glucan can be used separately at higher doses. Thanks to its effects, it’s possible for children to get rid of their illness over a period of time. In cases of acute conditions, I recommend not taking medicinal mushrooms (e.g. MycoComplex) and to start taking the BIOcell at a higher dose. I return to the mushrooms after the acute symptoms disappear.

Fourth product?

I wrote three but I’m going to write something about a fourth product too, which is especially important if the child is often congested, often coughs and has a runny nose... Also, if stool is soft or they suffer from flatulence. This product is MycoClean. It contains a high proportion of tear extract (job tears) that greatly boosts the spleen and removes pathological humidity and various other impurities from the body. We could say that it detoxifies the body. For preschool children, usually about half a teaspoon is mixed in such foods as fruit pyre or porridge. For school children, 1-2 teaspoons per day.

Rule 5/2

If you need to solve problems concerning the immune system, I recommend using the mushrooms for 5 days a week and then a 2 day pause. The effect of medicinal mushrooms on the immune system is then significantly more effective.

Vitamin C intake

Whilst using medicinal mushrooms, I recommend increasing vitamin C intake. Either in the form of a Brazilian cherry Acerola extract or just increasing the intake of fruit and vegetables.

Medicinal mushrooms = half the success

In the case of weakened immunity, medicinal mushrooms are one of the best ways to strengthen your child's organism. However, according to traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, it’s important to take care of correct spleen functioning, which is one of the sources of immunity. Is it possible to strengthen a child’s spleen? The answer is yes, but it’s important to follow several rules. Children should eat regularly 4 to 5 times a day, the diet should be varied and it’s important to eat so that children don’t over-eat. Of course, the food must be quality that contain enough nutrients that are important for a child’s growth and proper development. In the case of a weakened spleen, a considerable reduction in sweet foods, dairy products and products containing wheat is advisable. Regular movement is another important aspect.

What foods to include in the diet?

The basis of the diet is complex carbohydrates supplemented with a small amount of high-value protein and portions of slightly cooked vegetables. Even children need a diet that is fresh and tasty, local produce is very good. Most food only need to be slightly cooked, therefore the food stays crispy. Digestion begins in the mouth, so it is good to teach children to chew the food thoroughly and enjoy every bite. The saying “you are what you eat” is not in vain and for children who need quality food for their healthy development, this counts double.

Which foods boost the spleen?

Neutral or warm sweet tastes are suitable: light cereals, particularly white rice and congee, oats, roasted barley, sticky (sweet) rice, spelled, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, celery, gourd, carrot, corn, parsley, chickpeas, black beans, batata, peas, walnuts, fruit compote, chicken, beef, lamb, liver kidneys, mackerel, tuna and anchovies.
Spicy taste (in small amount): onion, leek, garlic, turnips, paprika, fresh ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel and kitchen spices.
Complex sweet tastes (in small quantities): molasses, dates, rice syrup, barley malt and palm sugar

Which foods are not suitable?

Uncooked and raw cold food: salads, raw fruits (whole and squeezed juice, especially from citrus), wheat, shoots and cereal shoots, raw vegetables, tomatoes, spinach, mangold (Roman spinach), tofu, millet grain, brown alga, salt, too much sweet food and concentrated sweeteners, brown rice, antibiotics, vitamin C (in excess of 1-2 grams a day), beer.
Moisturising and moisture-retaining: ice cream and dairy products (except a small amount of butter and yoghurt), sugar, chocolate, nuts and seeds (except walnuts)and walnut butter.

Author: Milan Schirlo - Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapist (tcm-point.cz, MycoMedica.cz)