Child’s Body Immune System
It’s heartbreaking to see your little one frequently fall sick. Whether it's the common cold, a tummy ache, or just feeling under the weather, a child’s immune system plays a major role in how well they bounce back.
A child’s immune system is like a superhero in training. In their early years, it’s still learning how to recognize and fight off harmful bacteria, viruses, and other invaders. That’s why young children tend to get sick more often. Their immune defense is still building strength.
But just like muscles grow stronger with training, the immune system can also be nurtured and supported to become more resilient!
Let’s dive into how you can help support your child’s immune health.
Easy ways to boost their immune system
Here are simple steps to strengthen your little one’s immunity:
1: Proper Hand Washing
Does help support the immune system indirectly, by preventing infections that would otherwise challenge the immune system.
2: Add Rainbow Foods
Fruits and vegetables in all colors provide a variety of vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients that support immunity.
3: Stay Active, Play More
Regular physical activities and sweating make your child healthier and stronger.
4: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Water flushes out toxins and keeps the body functioning at its best. Keep a fun water bottle close by!
5: Prioritize Sleep
Kids need more rest than adults. A regular sleep routine helps the body recover and build immune cells.
‘Bite-Sized Boosters’
Your child’s immune strength can start with what’s on their plate (and sometimes what’s in their supplement routine). Here’s a powerful choice of superfoods and supplements to support their defense system:
Yogurt1
Packed with good bacteria (probiotics), it helps keep your child’s gut happy and strong. And since most immune cells live in the gut, a healthy tummy means better defense against germs!
Dried Fruit2
Dried fruits like figs, raisins and apricots can definitely be part of your child’s immune-boosting diet too. They aren’t just yummy, they help fight off germs, keep little tummies happy, and give a boost of energy too.
Nuts & Seeds3
Tiny but mighty! Nuts and seeds are loaded with good fats, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that help your child’s immune system stay strong and ready to fight off germs.
Seaweed4
This ocean veggie can help little immune systems stay strong and ready to battle any baddies too. It also supports thyroid health, which plays a key role in metabolism and immunity.
Prebiotics & Probiotics Supplement5
Prebiotics (the food for the friendly bacteria) and probiotics work together to keep your child’s tummy strong and their immune system ready to fight off germs.
References:
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Hasegawa, Y., & Bolling, B. W. (2023). Yogurt consumption for improving immune health. Current Opinion in Food Science, 51, 101017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cofs.2023.101017
Alasalvar, C., Chang, S. K., Kris-Etherton, P. M., Sullivan, V. K., Petersen, K. S., Guasch-Ferré, M., & Jenkins, D. J. A. (2023). Dried Fruits: Bioactives, Effects on Gut Microbiota, and Possible Health Benefits—An Update. Nutrients, 15(7), 1611. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071611
De, L. C. (2020). Edible seeds and nuts in human diet for immunity development. Int. J. Recent Sci. Res, 6(11), 38877-38881.
Tamama K. (2021). Potential benefits of dietary seaweeds as protection against COVID-19. Nutrition reviews, 79(7), 814–823. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuaa126
De Giani, A., Sandionigi, A., Zampolli, J., Michelotti, A., Tursi, F., Labra, M., & Di Gennaro, P. (2022). Effects of Inulin-Based Prebiotics Alone or in Combination with Probiotics on Human Gut Microbiota and Markers of Immune System: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Subjects. Microorganisms, 10(6), 1256. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10061256
