5 Ways to Strengthen your Toddler's Immune System
It’s that time of the year again- no, we’re not talking about Christmas or any other celebration, it’s that time where all the kids seem to be getting sick. It’s sick season, that’s common right? But why is it that not all kids are getting sick? It’s our immune system.
We don’t just have to accept our child’s current state of health, a strong immune system provides children with powerful natural defences against diseases, and it is possible as parents, to take measures to boost your child’s immune system. Here’s how:
1. Look into child’s diet
A child's immune system can be affected when given too much processed food loaded with sugar and fats. Sugar, in particular has been shown to reduce white blood cells that help fight against infections. Choose wholesome foods like whole fruit, fresh vegetables, eggs, meat, and grains instead.
2. Probiotics
Hippocrates once said that “All disease begins in the gut”. Our gut protects us from infection, supports our metabolism, and promotes digestion and waste elimination. Probiotics are the good bacteria in our gut that help to maintain a healthy digestive system. Yogurt, cottage cheese and miso are rich in probiotics and you can always add it into your kids’ diet any time of the day. Alternatively, you may choose a growing up milk supplemented with probiotics like Bifidobacterium lactis.
3. Balanced schedule with enough downtime and rest
Children’s bodies have the same response to stress that adults’ do — their cortisol and adrenaline levels will rise in response to stress. When they are over scheduled with no downtime and rest, it can cause an increase of level of cortisol and adrenaline which then triggers their immune system. Children, too, need a balanced schedule between downtime, play and rest in order for their immune system to thrive.
4. Avoid antibiotics unless necessary
The purpose of antibiotics is to kill off bacteria that causes infections. But they can sometimes be overly prescribed. It’s important to note that antibiotics not only gets rid of the bad bacteria, but the good ones too. Remember to always ask your doctor if they are absolutely necessary or if there are other options.
5. Fresh air and exercise
Limit screen time and get our little ones to spend some time outdoors. Besides getting a dose of vitamin D which is much needed by our immune system, it’s also a great time to rest their eyes, move their body and spend that quality time with the family. Take them for walks, encourage them to run around, go to an outdoor playground or even hang out at the community pool. Spending time outdoors can do wonders to the body.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/probiotics-for-children#probiotics-and-food
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/immune-system#1
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/all-disease-begins-in-the-gut-hippocrates_b_58f9ed4ee4b086ce58980fc3
https://drwillcole.com/8-ways-to-naturally-boost-your-childs-immune-system/
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