What does it take to boost your kids’ immune system? Strengthen your child’s natural defense system are some simple, natural immunity boosters for kids.
Kids’ immune systems naturally get stronger over time, but pandemic-related isolation and lack of interaction with other children have had an impact. Our immune systems are playing catch-up, and it seems like the kids are constantly sick. To get ahead of the latest cold or flu, learn how to bolster your child’s natural defenses and promote proper immune system development with these natural immunity boosters for kids.
Fresh Air for Stronger Immune Systems
From day one, it’s important to spend ample time outside with your children. As long as you dress them warmly in the winter months, the fresh air does a world of good and helps to boost your kids’ immune systems.
In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that Amish children who live on farms are far less prone to developing asthma and allergies than those who grow up in more germ-free environments. If you’re looking for immunity support for kids, take them outside to play — that means enjoying outdoor activity in the mud, dirt, sand or snow.
Clean, But Not Too Clean
The results of this study suggest that the key to boosting your kid’s immune system may not lie in keeping their environment overly sterile. The “dusty” nature of Amish farms may just play a pivotal role in strengthening and developing immune defenses.
In an article from the New York Times, Marsha Wills-Karp. professor of environmental health and engineering at Johns Hopkins University, highlights the role less sterile environments play in proper immune system development — particularly how it gives kids’ immune systems a boost. According to Wills-Karp, “[W]hile you don’t want to go out and expose your child to aggressive infections, you don’t want to create such a sterile environment that their immune system doesn’t develop normally; it puts them at risk of developing immune diseases.”
Eczema and asthma are a few examples of autoimmune conditions that healthy immune system development can help avoid. Dr. Jack Gilbert, one author of the study of immune profiles of Amish children, adds that less-than-perfectly-clean living environments may be more than just immunity boosters for kids. Early-life exposure to microbes may also positively affect the endocrine system and neurodevelopment.
So, it looks like eco-friendly cleaning is not only better for the planet but is also the healthier option for your kid’s immune system. Natural or even homemade soap is a great choice for hand washing.
Here are some extra all-natural homemade cleaning products and other household hacks to try out:
- How to Wash Stuffed Animals: In The Washing Machine or By Hand
- Citric Acid for Cleaning: Practical Household Uses
- How to Clean Your Water Bottle: Keeping Your Reusable Bottle Germ-Free
- Homemade Dish Soap: DIY Dish Soap and Dishwasher Detergent
The Best Immunity Boosters for Kids: Healthy Meals
A balanced diet means focusing on providing the right nutritious food for kids. Healthy eating also supports kids’ immune systems. Put together a healthy grocery list and remember the following core elements of a healthy diet:
- Boost your kid’s immune system with an ample supply of fresh fruit and vegetables packed with essential vitamins (such as vitamin C), and minerals.
- Organic whole grain products are loaded with fiber, another dietary essential for a strong immune system. Try this: Easy Bread Recipe: Simple and Quick 1 Hour Prep.
- Make sure your little one stays properly hydrated, preferably with water or unsweetened tea instead of soda.
Sleep is the Key to a Strong Immune System
Adequate nightly rest is one of the easiest-to-achieve immunity boosters for kids. Generally speaking, growing children need much more sleep than adults. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) provides an overview of recommended sleep requirements for children on its website.
According to the NSF, newborns through school-age children should maintain the following nightly sleeping hours to stay healthy:
- Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours
- Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours
- Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
- Preschool (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
- School-age (6-13 years): 9-11 hours
Utopia’s Tip: Best Morning Routine: 10 Tips for Healthy Morning Rituals That Will Kick-Start Your Day
Exercise Provides Vital Immunity Support for Kids
It’s important for everyone to get enough exercise, including kids, youths and adolescents. Starting at an early age, set aside lots of time for your little ones to let off steam. Give them the opportunity to move around and let their energy run free.
You can do this by arranging a play date, enrolling them in a sports group or yoga for children group, or taking a trip to the playground or the park. You can also teach your kids to ride a bike to encourage life-long independence and fitness or go hiking or camping as a family to spark a love of the outdoors.
Immunity Boosters for Kids: Support Their Mental Health
Stress is just as unhealthy for children as it is for adults. Avoid or reduce stress involved with hectic schedules or arguments at home. An active schedule does your child good, but only so long as it remains manageable for all involved.
You can familiarize your child with stress reduction exercises when they’re young. Feeling secure is also crucial for all children. Make them feel valued and secure with lots of cuddling and reading books together. These picture books about the environment are beautifully illustrated and teach your kids about the importance and beauty of the natural world.
If you have specific questions about your child’s health or immunity support for kids, contact a pediatrician or your family doctor for professional medical advice.
Important Information regarding Health-related Topics.
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