Simple Tips on How to Boost Your Child’s Immune System (Part One)

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Matthew Imerhion

You’ve probably heard countless times that the immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs working together to defend the body against the several harmful microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, encountered on a daily basis which cause infections and diseases. In children, this system is still immature, making them more susceptible to falling ill.

Find ten simple ways to equip your child’s body with what it takes to guard itself against these foreign invaders:

1. Exercise Your Right to Health

As you may have rightly guessed or know by now, exercise keeps the body and heart fit enough to withstand the attacks of those spoil-sport viruses and bacteria. It also helps the body produce offensive T cells that track and kill invading microbes. Play throw-and-catch with a ball or Frisbee, race along the beach in your bare feet, ride bicycles and play soccer. An average of one hour of any of these activities per day will do you all a world of good.

2. The Wonders of Slumber

There are incredible benefits in store for the mind and body when we sleep. Research shows that while sleeping, the body relaxes, regenerates and renews worn out cells. Experts say lack of sleep reduces the production of special proteins called cytokines which combat inflammations, infections and reduce stress.

Researches also show that sleep deprivation disrupts the functions of special genes that help in digesting food. This may lead to obesity and may weaken the heart. This is one of the reasons why toddlers need 13 hours of sleep compared to adults who need between 7 – 8 hours. Help them unleash the wonders of sleep by setting consistent sleep routines.

3. Veggies and Fruity Fortresses

It’s common knowledge that vegetables and fruits are priceless to our health; it’s even more essential to a child’s developing immune system. Colourful fruits and vegetables like oranges, rich in vitamin C, berries, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, apples, grapes, cantaloupe, eggplants and sweet potatoes (to name a few) contain phytonutrients. These increase the fighting capacity of the immune system.

Fruits like oranges, strawberry and apples are sweet and are more acceptable to children than vegetables like celery and cabbage. Find creative methods of ensuring that your children not only eat but enjoy fruits and veggies. Make homemade fruit-based smoothies like a mixture of strawberries and bananas.

4. Be a Germ Buster

Realistically, you cannot totally keep germs from getting into your children’s bodies. Nevertheless, parents can assist in keeping infectious diseases at bay by paying particular attention to their children’s level of hygiene. Teaching them to form a habit of washing their hands after play as well as before and after meals, really helps. Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out harmful substances from the body.

5. Don’t Abuse Drugs

Some parents who have experienced the cleansing capacity of antibiotics have become addicts. Yes, antibiotics are helpful against bacteria but wrong and prolonged use of antibiotics could cause ordinary bacteria to evolve into die-hard microbes that attack and crash your child’s immune system.

In fact, they could weaken their immune system directly by attacking the ‘good’ bacteria in the intestines called probiotics. These antibiotics may attack friendly bacteria and leave your child’s intestine and immune system open for the ravaging pleasures of unfriendly bacteria. If you have to do antibiotics, go natural or consult your doctor.