9 Ways to Boost Your Child's Immunity

October 19, 2018

It’s a scary truth—the world around us is filled with many germs and bacteria.

As parents, we can’t really seal our children in up to protect them from harmful germs (like that boy in the movie Bubble Boy), but we can pay close attention to our child’s immune system.

You see, our immune system is the body’s defense against foreign organisms that keep on trying to invade our body.

However, we’re naturally born with immature and inexperienced immune systems. In fact, for children under six years old, six to eight colds and bouts of flu per year is considered normal.

But don’t fret, if you want your child to keep playing outside and enjoy the world’s full potential, there are some effective ways to give your kid the immunity advantage he or she needs.

1. Breastfeeding is the best.

It’s a proven fact that breastfed babies experience fewer infections than those who are fed with formula.

So while you still can, take your time to breastfeed you newborns. Not only are they receiving the nutrients that they need for healthy development, but at the same time, you are able to spend quality time with your child.

2. Let them sleep like a baby.

When someone lacks the ample amount of snooze he or she needs, the cells that work on attacking microbes and cancer cells reduce, which results to us becoming more prone to illnesses. Children need more hours of sleep than adults. It plays a vital role in a child’s development.

Here’s a tip on dealing with kids that can’t sleep early. Make sure that their room is dark. There’s a secret in the dark and that’s the sleep hormone called melatonin.

Also, limiting gadget use an hour before sleep is a good way to increase their quality of sleep.

3. Develop a good hygiene habit.

Cleanliness is always next to godliness. Teaching them good hygiene at an early age is something that they will take with them until they grow up. Always remind your child to wash his or her hands before having a meal, after playing with pets, after using the washroom, and after playing outside.

This will help prevent infections that could possibly be transferred by touching germ or bacteria-filled objects.

4. Create a healthy environment.

Aside from self-hygiene, keeping your home clean is also necessary.

While you can’t control the world outside your home, you still have the power to make yours a safe one. Keep everything in the cleanest state possible.

There are various home sprays that you may use to kill those pesky germs and bacteria. Make sure that your home is also free from pests like rats, flies, and cockroaches for they may harbour diseases as well.

5. Children need to destress too.

There is a direct correlation between stress and having a weakened immune system. By making sure that your child has balanced time for rest, schoolwork, and play, you are making sure that they are able to destress.

Also, in this digital age, it is advised that they also take some time to play or just go outdoors. Too much screen time may cause blurriness of vision at an early age. Moreover, encourage them to try a creative hobby like painting or crafting. This keeps the brain muscles functioning to its fullest.

6. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics.

Always ask the advice of a doctor on which medications your child needs.

However, don’t give your child excessive and unnecessary antibiotics and vaccines. Too much of this can cause chronic immune dysfunction because their immune system is still developing.

7. Encourage them to exercise.

While lack of sleep decreases those killer cells in the body, exercise, according to research, increases them. Be a role model to your children and invite them to exercise with you instead of just letting them go outside and play. Don’t limit yourself to just working out in the gym. Exercise can be as fun as cycling outdoors or running a kiddie marathon.

8. Food is key.

Feed your child with the healthiest food that you can. Make sure they get their daily dose of fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, fish, whole grains, and eggs. Stay away from fast food but rather, cook a hearty meal at home. Better yet, have them prepare a meal with you. They get to know their way around the kitchen and you get to spend some time with them. Make sure that what you feed them is enough to get all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that they need. Lastly, as much as possible, let them drink water.

There are food that are great in increasing immunity of kids like garlic, berries, and green leafy vegetables.

• Garlic — Garlic contains antiviral and antibacterial properties that stimulate the immune cells and increases the production of antibodies. To get most of the immune enhancing properties of garlic, add it till the very end.
• Berries — Aside from immune boosting nutrients, berries are also rich in antioxidants. You can mix berries to your child’s cereals or you can let them eat them fresh.
• Green leafy vegetables — Feeding your child vegetables may be a challenge for you but they are very rich in iron.

9. Give them supplements.

At most times, even with the regular amount and frequent intake of healthy food, we still don’t get the required amount of  nutrients the body needs. That is why it is recommended that you take supplements. There are many critical vitamins and minerals that kids need for their growth. Supplements usually come in cute, adorable shapes and in different colours so that it would be easier for the kids to eat them.

For a list of supplements, you may check out https://onelife.sg/collections/childrens.

• Vitamin A - This vitamin promotes growth and development. It is also responsible for repairing our body, for healthy skin and eyes. You can get them from milk, cheese, and eggs.
• Vitamin Bs - Aside from aiding in immunity, it also helps the nervous and circulatory systems. It’s also a plus factor for metabolism and energy production. Vitamin Bs can also be found in meat, chicken, fish, nuts, and the like.
• Iron - Iron is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. Red meats, beef, pork, and spinach are good sources of iron as well.

Don’t allow your kids to spend their childhood in bed resting from a flu. By raising a strong healthy kid, your child can enjoy everything the world has to offer.

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