Each year as flu and cold season approaches, parents start to get concerned that this will be yet another year of illness making the rounds through the family. While there is no way to completely avoid the usual seasonal ailments, there are several ways to bolster your kids’ immune system so that they are less likely to suffer serious bouts of influenza or the common cold.
Table of Contents
1. A Healthy Diet
Whether you are raising your own children or have taken up fostering in Bristol, the first place to start when trying to boost your children’s immunity is with a healthy diet. Foods high in Vitamin C are particularly effective in warding off upper respiratory ailments but also those high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories work well. A list of foods you should be feeding your kids any time of year, but especially as the days grow colder are:
- Citrus fruits
- Berries
- Leafy green vegetables
- Root vegetables
- Yoghurt
The one on that list that might seem a bit odd is yoghurt. Most people know that yoghurt is great for digestive health. However, did you know that the majority of immunity takes place in the gut? It’s true! Yoghurt with fresh berries makes a delightful snack and one that is quite beneficial in guarding against the common cold.
2. Regular Exercise
Keeping your kids on a regular regimen of exercise does more than promote strong muscles. Actually, aerobic exercise brings life-giving oxygen through the system which helps to improve the overall health of the body. Also, aerobic exercise helps to strengthen the lungs so that if a child should catch a cold or come down with influenza, they may have that extra bit of protection against pneumonia.
3. Adequate Sleep
As a parent, you have been told that your child’s growth happens during the sleep cycle. This is absolutely true because this is when the body naturally produces the growth hormone. In addition to that, every cell in the body can be rejuvenated with proper rest. Think of it in terms of a vehicle running on low petrol. It is only a matter of time before the tank is on empty, and so it is with adequate rest. It’s needed to fill their ‘tanks’ with the energy needed to ward of illness.
4. Healthy Play Habits
This is something that may be difficult to oversee because much of your child’s day is spent in school and other activities outside the home, but it’s important to discuss with your children. Explain to them the importance of staying a healthy distance and not allowing others to literally breathe in their faces. Younger children may not understand, but older kids can be taught about how viruses and other germs can be airborne. Also, teach them not to share food or drinks because that is the easiest ways for germs to be transmitted from one child to the next.
Bolstering your child’s immunity is all about prevention. Isn’t it better to prevent them from getting sick than to watch them suffer with high fevers and an inability to breathe well? A little time and energy spent now can prevent seasonal ailments, so keep that in mind as the days grow shorter and colder. A little bit of caution goes a very long way.