Your child’s immune system is the first defense he or she has against illness and disease. These days, it can be very difficult to support our children’s immune systems because there are so many things they encounter every day that actively weaken their immune systems. Pollution, sugary treats, processed foods, and other environmental factors can all make our children more susceptible to illness. So what can you do as a parent to support your child’s immune system every day? Here are a few suggestions.
Promote Gut Health
Did you know that your gut health has a direct impact on your overall immune health? That’s because your gut is where digestion and absorption of nutrients in your food happens. Many health experts agree that the stomach is like the body’s “second brain.” There are many different kinds of immune cells in the gut, and when the gut microbiome is healthy, these immune systems can function optimally.
To promote gut health, consider giving your child a multivitamin product, as well as probiotics. These products may help improve the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut and thus boost immunity from the inside out.
Encourage Movement
Regular movement and physical activity are just as good for children as it is for adults. Regular exercise decreases systemic inflammation and may improve immunity. Additionally, children who get frequent movement are less likely to be overweight. Since obesity is a risk factor for illness and disease, keeping your child within a reasonable weight range is a very good idea. Regular play and physical activity can help with that while also boosting mental health and enjoyment.
Teach Stress Management Early On
Stress may seem like primarily an adult condition, but it affects children as well. There are well-established links between high levels of stress and decreased immunity. That’s why we’re more likely to get sick when dealing with stressful situations at work, school, or at home.
To help children avoid experiencing weakened immunity due to stress, teach stress management practices early on in life. Suggestions include talking through problems instead of acting out, deep breathing and meditation practices, and muscle relaxation techniques. When your child can deal with stress in a healthy way, he or she is less likely to experience negative effects on immunity due to anxiety.
Prioritize Sleep
The importance of sufficient, quality sleep is often underestimated in our society. But the truth is, lack of sleep is one of the most common causes of decreased immunity. Teach your child that adequate sleep is important for helping him or her feel healthy and strong.
To maintain a healthy bedtime routine, have a specific bedtime and wake time, even on the weekends. You may also want to put up all screens at least two hours before bedtime. Children can wind down and get ready for bed by reading, bathing, and participating in other relaxing activities that promote quality sleep.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
You are what you eat. If you allow your kids to eat junk food all the time, their intestines won’t function properly. Remember, the health of the gut is a huge determining factor in the health of the immune system. So make sure you’re giving your children the nutrition their bodies need to mount an effective defense against various illnesses.
You can make healthy foods more fun by cutting them into fun shapes or “hiding” them in your kids’ favorite meals. Finely chopped broccoli can hardly be noticed in macaroni and cheese, and it’s very easy to hide spinach inside lasagna.
The health of your kids is worth the effort you put into maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Try these tips to help get your kids’ immune systems ready for cold and flu season. If you are looking for some extra ways to boost immunity, try an over-the-counter medicine, such as Wellements Organic Multivitamin Drops.