Boosting your child’s immune system: Tips to keep your kids healthy all year long.
It’s that time of year again – school is back in session, and kids are coming down with one cold after another. Trying to keep your child healthy can be challenging, especially when their immune system is weak. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
This blog post will discuss some tips on boosting your child’s immune system and keeping them healthy all year long. Keep reading to learn more!
Make Sure they get Enough Sleep
One of the best things you can do for your child’s immune system is to make sure they get enough sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that kids between the ages of six and thirteen get nine to eleven hours of sleep per night. School-aged children need more sleep than adults because their brains are still growing and developing. A lack of sleep can lead to several problems, including a weakened immune system.
If your child is having trouble sleeping, you can do a few things to help. Establishing a bedtime routine can be helpful because it signals to the body that it’s time to wind down for the night. Avoid giving them caffeine or sugary drinks before bed, and make sure their bedroom is dark and quiet. If they’re still having trouble sleeping, talk to your pediatrician about possible solutions.
Breastfeed your Baby
Breastfeeding your baby is one of the best things you can do for their immune system. Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect your child protects against ear infections, allergies, diarrhea, pneumonia, meningitis, urinary tract infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
It also helps to build up their immune system, so they are better prepared to fight off infections in the future. Studies have shown that breastfeeding improves brain function in infants, helps protect them from insulin-dependent diabetes, Crohn’s disease, colitis, and several types of cancer later in life.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months of life. If you can’t do it all, aim for at least the first two to three months to supplement your infant’s prenatal immunity. This means there’s nothing wrong with giving your baby formula instead!
Get them Active
Summer is a beautiful time to get out and play, but it doesn’t have to stop just because school has begun. Encourage your children to spend more time outside throughout the year, not just for the exercise and fresh air but for vitamin D. Studies have shown that getting adequate vitamin D boosts immunity, helping to prevent colds and the flu.
Every cell in your body requires vitamin D, including your immune system. We don’t get enough outside time; therefore, most of us are deficient (vitamin D is one of the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies in the United States), and insufficient levels have been linked to autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and inflammatory bowel issues. Optimum amounts have been linked to reducing symptoms of these ailments by boosting white blood cells, which are the immune system’s defenders.
Playing outside is also an excellent way for children to socialize with other kids and explore their surroundings. Plus, it’s just plain fun! So get them moving and enjoying the outdoors – it will help keep them healthy all year long.
Avoid Antibiotics unless Necessary
Antibiotics are used more than 154 million times every year to treat everything from minor wounds to ear infections. The goal of antibiotics is to destroy bacteria that cause illnesses, and they can be pretty helpful in certain circumstances. On the other hand, the CDC believes that around 30% of antibiotic dosages are unwarranted. This is significant because antibiotics destroy harmful germs and deplete helpful microorganisms in the gut ecosystem. Why eliminate the good guys when it isn’t necessary?
Don’t just accept a doctor’s prescription for antibiotics to you or your child without asking a few questions. Do you need to use these antibiotics? Is it likely that your child’s natural immunity will be able to handle the condition without medication? Are there other natural anti-bacterial choices?
To enhance the immune system in children without depleting the microbiome, doctors focused on natural health may prescribe alternatives such as colloidal silver.
Vitamin Supplements for Kids’ Immune Systems
If you have a picky kid who doesn’t enjoy fruits and veggies, get them some of the top vitamins for children’s immune systems. These supplements will help them stay healthy all year long, without having to eat anything they don’t like.
Some good options include:
- Vitamin C: This is a great antioxidant that helps boost the immune system. It’s also water-soluble, which means your child’s body will flush it out if they take too much. This makes it very safe for kids to take.
- Vitamin D: This vitamin is essential for bone health, but it also helps the immune system by promoting the production of white blood cells. Getting enough vitamin D from food can be tough, so a supplement may be necessary.
- Zinc: This mineral is vital for a healthy immune system, and it’s also involved in the growth and development of children. It can be found in many foods, but if your child doesn’t eat a lot of zinc-rich foods, they may need a supplement.
These are just a few examples of vitamins that can help boost your child’s immune system. Talk to your pediatrician if you’re unsure which supplements would be best for your child.
Boost Your Child’s Immunity Today
So, how do you boost your child’s immune system? There are many different ways to do it, and we’ve outlined some of the best tips in this blog post.
But, if you want personalized advice or help to implement any of these suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I utilize a Functional Medicine approach, a personalized, science-based technique that allows patients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of illness and promote health and well-being.
I would be more than happy to chat with you about your specific situation and help you develop a plan that will keep your kids healthy all year long!