Boosting your child’s immune system this winter

The role of Nutrition
It is essential to give your child excellent daily nutrition to keep their immune system healthy and strong. Nutritional deficiencies make it easier for your child to be susceptible to viruses and bacteria. Make sure your child has a variety of whole-foods including fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains. It is vital to offer a balanced diet with a variety of ingredients. Children who consume the recommended five to eight servings of fresh produce have a reduced risk of cancer later in life and maintain a healthier weight, which decreases the risk of diabetes.

Exercise:
Keep children active with plenty of exercise. Moderate exercise, one to two hours a day, helps children achieve immune-boosting REM sleep and reduces a child's risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. Unstructured active play counts as exercise.

Allergies:
Allergies work against the immune system by causing inflammation in the body, which dilutes immune defense by mobilizing cells to fight the inflammation. See an allergist if you suspect a child has sensitivities.

Snacks
Serve nutrient-dense snacks. Children eat too many processed, sugary foods and refined grains. Sugar depresses immune function. Replace these empty calories with nuts, seeds, whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables. Try making your own snacks such as fruit muffins and picklets made using wholemeal flour or home made muesli bars made from fresh muesli with dried fruits and nuts

Good Bacteria
Include probiotic dietary sources. You can introduce friendly bacteria into your system, which minimize harmful bacteria through competition. Yogurt is great for this or provide a Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement.

Don’t be over cautious.
Allow a reasonable exposure to dirt and germs. Although you shouldn't sacrifice basic hygiene, a child must be exposed to typical environmental bacteria so his immune system can build its defenses. Forgo antibacterial soap, which encourages the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

Over use of antibiotics
Make sure you only give your children antibiotics when necessary. Antibiotics. Over use can build up a resistance to the medicine itself.

Laugh with your children.
Studies have shown that the more children laugh and enjoy life, the better their immune function.
.
Sleep
Make sure your child has enough sleep and goes to bed at a reasonable hour. Your child's body regenerates, repairs and renews itself while sleeping. In addition, it is important to include "quiet time" as part of your child's day when they can unwind and learn the value of being calm.

Enjoy Nature
Give your child plenty of fresh air. Nature is an excellent immune stimulator so enjoy outdoor play when ever the weather permits.

Disclaimer:

This Web site is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Information and interactions contained in this Web site are for information purposes only and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Further, the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information available on this Web site cannot be guaranteed. AES Pty Ltd t/a Modern Mums’ , its affiliates and their respective servants and agents do not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information made available via or through Modern Mums’ whether arising from negligence or otherwise. See Privacy Policy and Disclaimer.