3 Ways to Boost Children's Immunity

Schools are little germ factories, and back-to-school shopping no longer includes just pencils, backpacks, and binders! These days, parents are looking for natural health products to support digestion, mental health, and immunity. With a variety of options like omega-3 fish oils, children's multivitamins, probiotics, and many more products, parents have many choices to keep their children healthy throughout the year.

By Health First
2 min read
immunité des enfants

Schools are little germ factories, and back-to-school shopping no longer just means pencils, backpacks, and binders! These days, parents are looking for natural health products to support digestion, mental health, and immunity. With a variety of options like omega-3 fish oils, children’s multivitamins, probiotics, and many other products, parents have many choices to keep their children healthy throughout the year.

Many parents are surprised to learn that 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. Poor nutrition (a diet rich in processed foods and refined sugars), high stress levels, and antibiotic use can destroy good gut bacteria and a healthy gut flora, reducing a child's natural defenses.

 

3 tips to keep children healthy

  1. Ensure your child goes to bed and wakes up at the same time every day. Good sleep habits promote a healthier immune system and provide your child with a comforting routine. Since the body follows a circadian rhythm, children usually sleep better when they maintain regular sleep habits.
  1. Include a variety of fiber-rich foods in your child's diet – avocados, chia seeds, flax seeds, legumes, ancient grains like quinoa, as well as fruits and vegetables. Fiber provides energy to good gut bacteria, and you might want to add it to your child's morning cereal, applesauce, or a fruit smoothie. Always read the ingredient list of fiber supplements as some of them contain aspartame, artificial flavors, and FD&C Yellow, which can contribute to hyperactivity in children.1
  1. Since gut flora is your child's main defense against getting sick, consider giving them probiotics. Beneficial bacteria act like an army against harmful invaders. Look for high-quality, multi-strain chewable probiotics for children that contain Lactobacillus strains.

While parents look forward to new routines, children prepare for another semester of classes, breaks, and homework. Although your child may not want to go to bed on time or eat a diet rich in fiber and fermented foods like kimchi and pickled vegetables – I'm sure they won't say no to a chewable children's probiotic. Since many children think probiotics are like candy, your only challenge will be to hide these delicious health boosters from them!

Reference:

  1. Eugene Arnold, L. et al. Artificial Food Colors and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Symptoms: Conclusions to Dye for. Neurotherapeutics. 2012;9:599-609.