A healthy immune system is crucial in keeping children healthy and able to defend against bacteria & viruses. As a parent, you can help support your child’s immune health through various strategies. One of them is by taking herbal-based products like Sambucol Immune Defense gummies.
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To help you out, here are practical ways to support your child’s health and promote a robust immune system.
Table of Contents
1. Prioritise a Nutrient-rich Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet is the foundation of a strong immune system. Ensure your child eats nutritious meals. You can serve them various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Also, encourage your child to consume immune-boosting foods regularly. The best examples are citrus fruits, leafy greens, yogurt, nuts, seeds, and berries.
2. Promote Regular Physical Activity
Regular physical activity not only contributes to physical fitness but also plays a significant role in enhancing immune function.
Encourage your child to engage in age-appropriate activities such as sports, dancing, swimming, or simply playing outdoors with the neighborhood kids.
Physical exercises improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and help the immune system function optimally.
3. Ensure Sufficient Sleep
Aiming to sleep for the recommended sleep hours for your child’s age, can help support their immune system. Good quality sleep can also recharge their energy and support the brain’s function. On the other hand, lack of sleep can weaken the immune response.
Here are recommended sleeping schedules for young ones:
- Infants (0 to 12 months old): 12 to 17 hours
- Toddlers (1 to 2 years old): 11 to 14 hours
- Preschoolers (3 to 5 years old): 10 to 13 hours
- Grade schoolers (6 to 13 years old): 9 to 12 hours
- Teenagers (14 to 17 years old): 8 to 10 hours
4. Practice Proper Hand Hygiene
Teaching your child the importance of proper hand hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of germs and reducing the risk of infections.
Hence, make handwashing a fun activity for children to encourage them to do it often.
Always remind your child to regularly handwash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Washing hands work best before and after mealtime, bathroom use, or outdoor activities.
If soap and water are unavailable, teach them to use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content.
5. Maintain the Vaccination Schedule
Follow the recommended vaccination schedule for your child as advised by healthcare professionals.
As a parent, always stay informed about the latest vaccines and updates from reliable sources. That way, you can ensure your child receives the necessary immunizations.
6. Limit Sugar Intake
Children love sweets but try to reduce their sugary foods intake. Excessive sugar consumption may impact the immune system.
Alternatively, offer your child healthier food options. You can go with fresh fruits, homemade snacks, and water as their primary drink.
7. Manage Stress Levels
Adults are not the only ones who are trying hard to overcome stress. Many children experience stress since they are still developing and learning the skills to cope with their surroundings.
Stress can impact the immune system. Hence, help your child manage stress by promoting healthy coping mechanisms.
Children should engage in hobbies such as playing, drawing, or painting with other kids.
Above all, spending quality time with your kids encourages deeper connections. Regular family time also helps kids ensure a balanced lifestyle, and you will learn more about their personality, likes, and dislikes.
That way, you can help them manage their difficult emotions.
8. Encourage Outdoor Activities
You can accompany your child to spend time outdoors to play, walk, run, or cycle. Encouraging your kids to play outside can improve their health and fitness.
Outdoor activities can also help reduce screen time on mobile devices and allow children to play and interact more with other kids.
Empower Your Child’s Immune System
A healthy lifestyle is the foundation of a resilient immune system. If your child has healthy immunity, they can continue to thrive.
Of course, getting sick is normal for kids. You must also seek professional medical advice to monitor their condition and support their health.