When cold or winter sets in, that is not the right time to begin to fortify your children against cold. You need to boost a child’s immune system ahead of that time.
Although, you can start anytime if you have not prepared the child ahead, you have to be strategy with quite a few things.
We know that children fall ill most when the rain or winter comes.
Children could love the feeling they get from the cold breeze and forget they need to wear something to keep warm.
As a result, they could fall ill.
Beyond dressing a child for the cold season, there are other things a parent could do to boost a child’s immune system.
Again, for emphasis sake, no time is late. You can start anytime and still get results.
Therefore, to boost a child’s immune system against cold, here are a few things that you can add to the child’s diet to boost immunity.
1. Encourage A Healthy Diet
Provide a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
This combination will ensure that your child gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals to boost their immune system.
Some foods that fall in this category are oranges, lemons, leafy green vegetables, red rice, red kidney beans, oat and others in this category.
Also, adding superfoods like flaxseed, black seed oil and others can help.
2. Ensure Adequate Sleep
Sleep is important for the immune system to function properly.
Ensure that your child gets enough sleep, depending on their age.
For instance, infants and toddlers require between 11 and 14 hours of sleep daily, while preschoolers need 10 to 13 hours.
3. Promote Good Hygiene
Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, before eating, and after playing with toys.
This will help keep the germs away.
4. Encourage Exercise
Some persons say children do not need exercise because they run around too often.
Well, that is true, but what happens when they grow up and do not run around. Except they have formed the habit of exercising, they will not pick it up at old age.
Regular exercise can help to boost the immune system (1).
Encourage your child to engage in physical activities such as playing outside, riding a bike or scooter, or participating in sports.
5. Consider Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to support a healthy immune system (2).
You can give your child probiotic supplements or add probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt and kefir to their diet.
6. Manage Stress
Stress can weaken the immune system.
Help your child to manage stress by encouraging relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
7. Avoid Smoking And Secondhand Smoke
Exposure to cigarette smoke can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections.
Ensure that your child is not exposed to smoking or secondhand smoke.
8. Use Castor Pack
Castor pack is a combination of castor oil and hot water bag. Rub the oil on the child’s abdomen and then place the bag on the right side of the abdomen to help make the liver work better.
This has helped in lowering children’s temperature even when they fall ill.
Ensure that the water is diluted to the point that it will only provide needed heat.
By following these tips, you can help to boost your child’s immune system and reduce their risk of getting a cold