We've known for some time now that children are less likely to have pronounced symptoms of Covid-19. Certain studies have recently concluded that children under 10 have reduced susceptibility for transmission, however with reports of the constant mutation of the virus, prevention for all bugs remains top of mind for parents – despite their child's age.
That being said, taking steps towards building a stronger immune system in our children is vital. For times like these and also in life in general. A strong immune system will help fight and protect the body from pathogens to keep your family healthy.
Everybody is born with an immune system. It's made up of a team of cells, organs and proteins that fight off germs, illness and other invaders. However, in their first few months, a baby's immune system isn't fully developed. Fortunately, some of the mother's antibodies are passed to her through the placenta during pregnancy. And the same thing occurs during breastfeeding. Around 6 months of age, the immune system is more developed and keeps on getting stronger with time, at a specific pace.
How do you boost your children's immune system ?
Fortunately, with the right habits, a healthy lifestyle and the use of good antioxidants and remedies, we can help our children develop strong and healthy immune systems. Below are some tips:
Healthy diet for a healthy immune system
Our children learn by example. If you eat the rainbow, (meaning your daily portions of fruits and veggies), your children will most likely tend to imitate. A fun way to have our children eat more fresh produce is to introduce more exotic ones that they have never tried before. Such as fresh coconut, papaya, mangosteen, cherimoya.
Discovering new things is always fun and can be an opportunity to open a discussion on the importance of eating healthy. Also involving our children in the preparation of meals and giving them some creative space in the kitchen is a key point. My own children are more likely to drink the green smoothie if they were involved in making it. Adding superfoods in their smoothies is an awesome way to add more nutrients. A spoonful of chia, flax, spirulina or wild blueberry smoothie will bring it up a notch!
Superfood smoothie:
- 1 cup Elderberry cocktail
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup frozen wild blueberries
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon spirulina
- 1 medjool date
Blend all ingredients and enjoy as is or in a bowl with some shredded coconut or granola of your choice.
Exercise to activate your children's immune system
Moving the body is essential in maintaining good health and fitness. With all the technology, IPADS, apps and games becoming more prevalent, especially during confinement; physical activity is sometimes dismissed or not done enough.
Exercise activates the body's circulatory systems, especially the lymph system which drains fluids and is part of the immune system.
A fun way to get my kids moving at home is to take out the yoga mats and play the game of animal movements. We simply all take turns choosing an animal and then we imitate the way they walk, crawl, swim or climb.
On sunny days we enjoy walking in the forest or biking. We also like to start our mornings with dancing to one of the kids favorite songs; dancing is underrated as to its efficiency for breaking a sweat!
Anything that gets your children breathing fresh air and moving their bodies is a mission accomplished!
Natural remedies to boost the whole family's immune system
The use of herbal and natural remedies can be an effective way of stopping germs in their tracks before infection takes hold. It can be sometimes tricky to find the right one for children.
My go to remedy since having children has been Echinaforce Junior. I know it is effective and safe. It has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been clinically proven to reduce cold and flu symptoms by 65%. It can be taken as a prevention and as a treatment. A big plus is that the tablets are sugar free, but still taste good, which my kids enjoy.
I hope these tips will serve you and your family in staying healthy during these school months!
