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Childhood Immune Defenses: How To Avoid Coughs And The Flu
Childhood Immune Defenses: How To Avoid Coughs And The Flu

Video: Childhood Immune Defenses: How To Avoid Coughs And The Flu

Video: Childhood Immune Defenses: How To Avoid Coughs And The Flu
Video: Influenza (Flu) 2024, March
Anonim

This is the time of year when a lot of people get sick. Wherever you go, you cannot avoid meeting them. You watch your child participate in group activities, alongside other children who have a cough or runny nose. You are helpless as your kid puts his fingers in his mouth or rubs his eyes and you wonder if your pup's immune defenses will withstand the attacks of colds and flu this season. In the text below, we give you some useful tips that will help you stimulate the proper functioning of its immune system which will protect it against cold weather viruses.

Boost children's immune defenses in a natural way without drugs

natural child immunity booster actions to adopt
natural child immunity booster actions to adopt

Immunity is what the body uses as a defense mechanism against infectious organisms and other foreign invaders. Most of the time, this system does a great job of keeping us healthy. On occasion, however, your child's immune system may contract pathogens that cross its path, resulting in recurring nasal discharge, colds, and repeated gastrointestinal infections. If so, now is the time to act to stop these processes. There are indeed many steps you can take to strengthen your kid's immune system and speed up the healing process if he's already been sick.

It all starts with food

healthy diet child strengthen immune defenses
healthy diet child strengthen immune defenses

In order for your child to have a healthy and strong immune system, good, fresh food is key. First and foremost, it's important to minimize processed foods. This includes chips, chocolate, cakes, and cookies. Instead, focus on eating fruits and vegetables, poultry, meat, fish, whole grains, legumes, eggs, and if your little one doesn't have allergies, nuts can. also be included. The foods below are preferred in the daily menu.

Garlic

This vegetable acts as an antiviral and antibacterial agent. Garlic stimulates immune cells and increases the production of antibodies. It also contains the compound sulfur which has powerful antioxidant properties. In order to get the most of the benefits of garlic, it is advisable to add it to your kid's favorite meals.

Berries

These fruits are one of the best sources of antioxidants and nutrients that boost the immune system and beat oxidative stress. They also contain large amounts of vitamin A, as well as vitamin C. Add a handful of berries to your child's morning cereal or to their bowl of yogurt.

Green leafy vegetables

They are exceptionally rich in immunity boosting nutrients like iron which is important for the production of white blood cells and antibodies. Try making morning smoothies with these super foods.

Almonds

Almonds are rich in vitamin E and manganese, a powerful immune duo that enhances the activity of protective cells.

stimulate immunity child healthy eating raw almonds
stimulate immunity child healthy eating raw almonds

Yogurt

The probiotics and prebiotics contained in yogurt increase the immune system. Just be sure to use a product with no added sugar, as the latter has the opposite effect on the body's ability to protect itself against pathogens.

Homemade kefir

This tangy milk drink also contains lots of healthy probiotics that your child needs to be healthy.

Salmon

This fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation. This increases airflow and protects the lungs from colds and respiratory infections.

Eggs

Eggs are a food containing naturally occurring vitamin D.

healthy meal idea omelet strengthen child immune defenses
healthy meal idea omelet strengthen child immune defenses

Broccoli

It contains a number of immune system boosters including vitamins C, A, and E and a number of antioxidants. This vegetable is the most nutritious when raw, so if your kids won't eat it on its own, prepare them for example dips with broccoli and cheese sauce.

Spinach

These green superfoods are packed with many vitamins and minerals that boost our immune system. They contain vitamins A, E, C and K, folic acid, manganese, zinc, selenium and iron. All of these nutrients work in different ways to strengthen the body's immune defenses.

Lean meats

First, they contain important proteins for maintaining the strength of the body. Second, they are rich in zinc which helps white blood cells fight infections.

Keep your child's gut microbiota healthy

fermented food sauerkraut booster immune system child
fermented food sauerkraut booster immune system child

The gut microbiota or gut flora is a complex community of microorganisms that live in the intestine. These protect the digestive tract and play a role in supporting the immune system. In children and adults alike, when the bacteria in the gut go out of balance, the body's ability to fight infections is impaired and this makes the body susceptible to disease.

Probiotics contain live bacteria. A supplement that contains lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and acidophilus is a good place to start. Another option is to offer your child fermented foods such as sauerkraut or kefir.

Colostrum

stimulate immunity child colostrum first breast milk
stimulate immunity child colostrum first breast milk

Breastfed children are often healthier with fewer allergies, due to the protective immune-boosting antibodies that are present in colostrum - the "first milk" produced by nursing mothers. But older children (and adults) can benefit from this valuable substance from grass-fed cows and goats, available as a convenient powder. Add it to smoothies, water, juices, and even kefir.

Water

child water consumption booster immune defenses
child water consumption booster immune defenses

Hydration is very important for the immune system and the overall health of children. In order for them to grow, all their cells need water. Of course there have been times when we allow a small cup of juice or milk but we have to limit all soda during the growing years.

Help children reduce stress and anxiety through physical activity

family physical activities stimulate children to move
family physical activities stimulate children to move

In order for your child's immune system to be in top shape, their body and mind need time to rest. So it's too important that kids have free time for creative and imaginative play.

So, encourage your little one to be outdoors as much as possible year round catching up on vitamin D, instead of boycotting television and video games. It is best to set an example by inviting the whole family to go for a hike, bike ride, play sports or spend time at the pool. Moving the body for at least 30 minutes a day is a great way to strengthen the immune system.

Limit sugar

healthy diet without sugar child strengthen immunity
healthy diet without sugar child strengthen immunity

Summer, kids, and sugar seem to be an inevitable combination of pool parties, barbecues, and camps. However, sugar has been shown to alter the microbiome in quite extreme ways, feeding the most pathogenic bacteria. Give your child's microbiome a boost by sending them to school with fruit instead of cupcakes.

Sleep

good quality child sleep stimulate the immune system
good quality child sleep stimulate the immune system

Sleep plays a very important role in the development of your child's immune system. Toddlers 1 to 2 years old need 11-14 hours of sleep per night, preschoolers 3-5 years old - 11am to 1pm, school kids ages 6-13 - 9 at 11 a.m. and teens ages 14-17 require 8-10 hours of sleep.

In order to improve the quality of your child's sleep, it is important to ensure a dark room. This is because the sleep hormone, melatonin, is secreted in the dark.

Supplements to strengthen the immune system

supplements booster immunity child plant echinacea
supplements booster immunity child plant echinacea

When your child's immune system is a bit depleted and the viruses seem to go on forever, there are a variety of supplements that could help. For personalized advice on the dose and brand of supplement you should give your baby, please consult your healthcare professional.

  • Vitamin A is a major player and helps maintain immunity and fight infections. Vitamin E is also vital for health and healing.
  • In addition to these micronutrients, vitamins C and D are essential for the overall health of your child and can therefore help fight disease better.
  • Zinc is an important mineral for strengthening the body. It has the ability to shorten the lifespan of an infection.
  • The virtues of echinacea are traditionally used to support the immune system of children over 12 years old.

Ban tobacco smoke

protect child smoke tobacco strengthen immunity
protect child smoke tobacco strengthen immunity

Living in a house where people smoke increases a child's chances of contracting illnesses. Second-hand smoke makes children more vulnerable to ear infections, asthma and respiratory infections. Kids are more sensitive than adults because they breathe faster and their natural detoxification system is also less developed. If you or your partner absolutely cannot quit smoking, you can at least significantly reduce the risk to your child's health by only doing so outside the home.

Teach children the importance of good hygiene

protection virus child hygiene wash hands
protection virus child hygiene wash hands

Germs can spread easily, so make sure your child catches sneezes in a tissue and covers their mouth when they cough. Washing your hands before meals is also very important and should not be neglected.

As a parent, you need to make sure your home is always clean. Having a big cleanse once a week isn't enough if you want to keep bacteria at bay. Using the same rags and sponges for days in a row is a big taboo because they can be infested with millions of pathogens in just a few hours. If anyone in your household gets sick, you need to disinfect the surfaces even more diligently than usual and wash their utensils at a temperature high enough to kill viruses.

Use essential oils

essential oil eucalyptus rotection virus bacteria child
essential oil eucalyptus rotection virus bacteria child

Eucalyptus and Oregano oils have been shown to have antibacterial and immunomodulatory abilities. Try to diffuse them in your indoor environment to support the immunity of the whole family. Eucalyptus has an energizing effect, and food grade oregano essential oil can be added to meals to enhance flavor, as well as your child's protective strengths.

Stimulate a baby's immune system

strengthen immunity baby breast milk antibody breastfeeding
strengthen immunity baby breast milk antibody breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is probably one of the best ways to support a baby's immune system as it develops. Breast milk contains antibodies and white blood cells. Studies show that they can increase your infant's brain power and help protect him from insulin-dependent diabetes, Crohn's disease, colitis, and some forms of cancer later in life.

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