7 Tips on how to improve your child’s immunity

A healthy immune system plays a crucial role in protecting kids from illnesses and infections. It helps growing children stay healthy and recover faster if they get sick.

While genetics contribute to immunity, there are other things that have a positive impact as well.

Here are 7 tips on how to improve your child’s immunity.

1. Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is essential for a healthy immune system, leading to a properphysical development in a child.

You must encourage your child to consume a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These nutrient-rich foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that support immune function. Include foods rich in vitamin C (oranges, strawberries, and broccoli) and vitamin D (salmon, eggs, and fortified dairy) as they help to strengthen immunity.

2. Breastfeeding (for infants)

 Breast milk helps build a strong immune system as it has essential nutrients and disease-fighting substances. Breastfeeding is nature’s way of giving your infants a strong and healthy start.

Breast milk is rich in antibodies that help protect the baby against infections and allergies.If possible, try to breastfeed your baby for the first six months.

3. Regular Exercise

Physical activity improves the immune system along with maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise contributes to a stronger defence against infections as it stimulates the production of immune cells and improves circulation in the body. You must encourage your child to engage in age-appropriate physical activitiessuch as sports, dancing, or even regular playtime at the park.

4. Sufficient Sleep

Getting adequate sleep is important for children’s health and their immune system. During sleep, their bodies produce important immune cells and proteins that fight off infections. Sufficient rest allows the immune system to work efficiently and helps in protecting children from getting sick.You must encourage regular sleep patterns and create a calming bedtime routine for your child. You must ensure that children between the ages of 6 and 12 are getting around 9-12 hours of sleep per night.

5. Hygiene Habits

Good hygiene habits support a strong immune system by reducing the chances of infections and keeping kids healthier and more resistant to diseases. You must teach your child good hygiene practices to boost the immune system.

It is important to follow good habits such as washing hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, staying away from dirty surfaces etc.

This will reduce the chances of their exposure to illness-causing bacteria.

6. Limit Sugar and Processed Foods

Excessive sugar intake and processed foods can weaken children’s immune system. These foods provide empty calories and lack essential nutrients in them. You must limit your child’s intake of sugary snacks, soda, and processed foods. Opt for healthier alternatives like fresh fruits, nuts, and yogurt.

7. Vaccinations and Immunization

Immunizations play a vital role in strengthening a child’s immunity against serious diseases. When your kids get vaccinated, a small, weakened, or dead part of the germ is introduced to their body. Their immune system learns to fight it off without causing sickness. This memory helps their immune system to react quickly if they encounter germs later on. You must follow the recommended vaccination schedule provided by healthcare professionals to ensure your child is prevented from getting sick.

Conclusion

Hope these 7 tips on how to improve child’s immunity help you reduce your child’s vulnerability to infections.

Remember, building immunity is a gradual process, and it is essential to be patient and consistent with these healthy practices. As a parent, your guidance and support will go a long way in helping your child lead a healthier life.