Children are born with inexperienced immune systems, which is why most healthcare providers say that six to eight colds or bouts of flu or ear infections a year are perfectly normal and in fact essential for building a healthy immune system. That said, lifestyle choices and good habits should be taught to children from the early days.
Live Their Best Lives
It is important to minimize stress and anxiety in your children by encouraging communication and teaching them deep breathing and basic meditation techniques. Investigate the benefits of kids ashwagandha that not only supports the immune system but also improves sleep quality, sharpens memory and focus, helps balance weight, reduces stress and anxiety, and restores the overall well-being of the body.
Eat Well
Encourage five servings a day of fruit and vegetables. Carrots, green beans, oranges, and strawberries contain carotenoids that are great immune boosters and can protect against diseases like cancer and heart disease in adulthood. Breakfast is a crucial meal for young bodies as it has a dramatic effect on metabolism and concentration throughout the day. If your child struggles to eat in the morning, try offering them a smoothie or something light but potent. Many children will enjoy vegetables more if they have participated in planting and harvesting a garden. Working with dirt, soil, and dust also helps build a healthy immune system and encourages a love of vegetables.
Yogurts and fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, pickles, and apple cider vinegar provide your child with the necessary probiotics for healthy gut bacteria that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. Prebiotics are plant fibers that stimulate the growth of good bacteria and these can be found in green bananas, plantains, Jicama root, yams, and asparagus.
Omega 3 fatty acids are found in walnuts, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and ground flaxseeds. For healthy development and cell turnover, omega 6 is also required. It is recommended that children (and adults) eat two servings of fish per week.
Play Hard
Children need to be encouraged to play: it is the basis of their learning. Exercise as a family will encourage a lifelong fitness habit. Hiking, bike riding, skating, basketball, and tennis are great examples of exercise to do as a family. Getting outside in the sunshine also allows our bodies to absorb vitamin D that promotes healthy bones and immune system development.
After playing hard, remember to teach your children basic hygiene habits. A great way to help them relax and soothe itchy skin is to put some Epsom salts into the bathwater. This encourages a restful night’s sleep and also addresses any magnesium deficiencies. Sleep is important to keep their immune systems functioning at an optimum.
Healthy lifestyle choices are a gift all parents can give their children by teaching them good habits and by striving to be a good role model. These top tips will put your child on the road to healthy living and encourage happiness and well-being into adulthood.