How do you shield your kid against the seemingly limitless quantity of bacteria and viruses? Illness is, after all, sometimes an unavoidable part of being a kid, and it can even be helpful in the long run by allowing kids to strengthen their immune system. 

However, youngsters who follow certain practices may find that their immune systems are better able to fend off viruses and make a faster recovery overall. Vegetable consumption, adequate rest, and frequent hand washing are all helpful methods. We at Pediatric Endocrine and Metabolic Center of Florida urge you to consider the following habits to boost the immune system of your kids safely. 

Prepare Healthy Kid-Friendly Meals

Strawberries, oranges, green beans, and carrots are just some of the colorful produce you and your kids should consume when cold and flu season rolls around. Carotenoids, found in these colorful foods, are phytonutrients that can boost the immune system.

Fruits and vegetables should make up half the plate at every meal, and you should aim for five servings daily. Whole grains and lean protein should also be staples in your healthy kid-friendly meals. Dairy products are another calcium-rich food source; healthy fats, such as vegetable oils, are also part of a balanced diet.

Sugary and processed foods and those high in harmful fats, such as the saturated fats found in animal products, should be avoided. That doesn’t mean you have to deprive your kid of sweets forever. But if you want to strengthen the immune system of your children, you should opt for healthier sweet alternatives. 

The Right Kind of Child Vitamins

Toddler Boy, Eating Alfa Omega 3 Child Supplement Vitamin Pills at Home for Better Immunity

Several child vitamins on the market state that they can help strengthen their immune system. Keep in mind, though, that vitamins and supplements cannot replace nutritious, healthy kid-friendly meals.

An iron supplement may be a good choice if your child does not eat enough meat. Of course, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids are always good child vitamins, especially if the kid is a picky eater. Still, discuss the option of supplements and vitamins with the pediatrician before giving them to your child.  

Proper Sleep Time Is Essential

Like all of us, children require adequate sleep to maintain and improve physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making us more vulnerable to illness by lowering the number of natural killer cells. These cells are the immune system’s primary line of defense against harmful bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells.

Children’s sleep requirements differ by age (from 12 to 16 hours daily for infants to 8 to 10 hours for teenagers) and by the individual (some kids simply need more sleep). Teens, in particular, should avoid having their electronic gadgets in the bedroom at night. Moreover, these devices should be turned off at least an hour before bedtime.

Encourage Regular Kids’ Activities

Regular exercise can reduce the risk of illness and strengthen the immune system. Physical kids’ activities are particularly important for heart health, blood pressure, and weight control.

Playground time and walks count as kids’ activities, too, not just organized sports and the gym. In reality, every day, kids should spend at least an hour playing outside. Extra effort isn’t always better, so if your kid is a dedicated athlete who puts in a lot of hours at the gym, make sure they aren’t missing out on sleep or getting burned out.

It’s always beneficial to show rather than tell when kids are concerned. Therefore, don’t just urge them to go out and play independently, but organize some fun family activities as well. For instance, family-friendly sports and games include cycling, going on hikes, skating, playing basketball and tennis, and more.

Stress Management Is Another Priority

Kids are more vulnerable to illness when they are under stress. See to it that children have time to play and easy access to things and people that bring them joy. Spend time as a family and encourage your kids to share any concerns they may have. Keep things peaceful and relaxing at home to help your kids deal with stress. Don’t cram too much into their day; make sure they have enough downtime to play. 

Many youngsters can be unhappy or anxious because of their grades or social experiences but feel unable to talk about it all; parents who are worried about their child’s mental health should consult a medical professional.

Reduce the Spread of Germs

Though eliminating germs won’t directly improve your child’s immunity, it will help by relieving extra strain on their immune system. This is especially beneficial if your child has any preexisting health issues. 

Ensuring your kids wash their hands frequently with soap is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do. Before and after meals, as well as when they come in from playing outside, touching pets, blowing their noses, using the restroom, or coming home from daycare, you should make sure they are clean and tidy. 

Bring some disposable wipes with you when you’re all going out so you can have them freshen up on the fly. Let your children choose their own bright hand towels and soaps in exciting shapes and scents to encourage them to practice good hygiene at home. Using automatic soap dispensers is also a novel approach to promoting regular hand cleaning.

Keep Immunization Up to Date

Vaccination of Little Girl in Doctor’s Office

Vaccines are a great way to avoid getting sick and generally boost the immune system. It is recommended that everyone six months and older get a flu shot yearly; this is especially important to avoid the combination of influenza and COVID-19. Not to mention that every cold symptom could mean time away from school until the test results come in. 

Your child’s immune system will be better prepared to fend off infectious diseases like chickenpox, polio, and meningitis if they receive all their recommended childhood vaccines on time. If you’re worried about whether or not your kid has had all of the necessary vaccines, you should talk to a doctor.

To Conclude

Even though the common cold and stomach bugs always seem to be going about at school and daycare, we all want our kids to be as healthy as possible. There is no one-size-fits-all method for strengthening your child’s immune system. Still, you can help them avoid illness by encouraging them to live healthy lifestyles that include proper nutrition, adequate rest, reduced stress, and regular physical activity.

As endocrinology continues to expand, our experts remain abreast of all the most recent discoveries and breakthroughs in the field. If your child has an endocrine or metabolic disorder, the Pediatric Endocrine and Metabolic Center of Florida (PEMC) is the best place to get treatment. We have some of the most qualified doctors available and access to cutting-edge medical technology. Don’t wait to get in touch with us if you’re interested in our assistance.