My Kid Keeps Getting Sick! What Can I Do To Help?
It can be incredibly frustrating when your kid is constantly getting sick. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help them feel better and prevent further illnesses. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to help boost your kid's immune system and keep them healthy. In this blog post, we'll discuss ways to help your kid when they are feeling sick and how to help boost their immunity.
Frequent Hand Washing
Good hygiene is an important part of keeping your kids healthy and boosting their immune system. Ensuring they wash their hands often, especially before eating and after using the bathroom, can help keep germs at bay. Proper handwashing techniques should involve washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds and should be done often throughout the day. Additionally, it’s important to remind your children not to touch their faces or to bite their nails in order to prevent any germs that may have been on their hands from entering their bodies. Teaching your children these habits from an early age can help them stay healthier and boost their immune systems.
Proper Nutrition
Proper nutrition is key to a strong immune system, as it provides the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for optimal functioning. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich whole foods can help your child’s immune system stay healthy. Focus on fruits and vegetables, which are packed with antioxidants and other disease-fighting nutrients. Incorporate lean protein sources such as eggs, fish, nuts and seeds, and legumes. Whole grains like oats, quinoa and brown rice provide energy and fiber to keep your child feeling full and energized. Avoid processed and sugary foods, which can weaken the immune system. When it comes to drinks, opt for water or herbal teas instead of sugary juices or sodas. By providing your child with a balanced, nutritious diet, you’re helping to boost their immune system.
Adequate Sleep
When it comes to helping boost your child’s immune system, adequate sleep is key. Ensuring that your child is getting the recommended amount of sleep each night is important in helping them fight off illnesses. The amount of sleep a child needs will depend on their age. For example, infants typically need 14-15 hours per day, toddlers should get 12-14 hours, preschoolers require 11-13 hours and school-aged children need at least 10 hours of sleep.
In order to ensure your child is getting enough rest, be sure to create a regular bedtime routine. This can involve activities such as reading stories, taking a warm bath and playing calming music. Additionally, avoid allowing your child to have caffeinated beverages or any other stimulants late in the day. If your child has difficulty falling asleep, try to limit their screen time before bed as well.
Getting an adequate amount of sleep every night is a great way to help boost your child’s immune system and keep them healthy.
Avoiding Sugar
When it comes to boosting your child’s immune system, one of the best things you can do is limit their sugar intake. Excessive sugar consumption can suppress the immune system, making your child more vulnerable to catching viruses. To keep their sugar intake low, make sure that you are giving them healthy snacks and drinks. Avoid sugary treats such as candy, sodas, and processed fruit juices. Instead, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, unsweetened yogurt, and whole grain breads and cereals. Keep a watchful eye on how much added sugar is in packaged foods, like breakfast bars and granola. As much as possible, try to stick to natural sugars from fruits and vegetables and limit your child’s intake of processed sugars.
Reducing Stress
When it comes to keeping your child healthy, reducing stress can be one of the most important steps you can take. Stress can weaken the immune system, making your child more susceptible to illnesses. To reduce stress in your child’s life, try to limit the amount of activities they are involved in, give them regular breaks throughout their day, and make sure they have time to just relax and have fun. It’s also important to create a calm environment at home and talk to them about any worries they may have. You can also encourage relaxation techniques such as yoga or deep breathing, which can help them manage stress more effectively.
Exercising Regularly
Exercising regularly is an essential part of boosting your child’s immune system. Exercise helps to improve circulation, reduce stress, and release endorphins that help to boost the mood. It can also improve strength and endurance, which can help your child stay healthy and fight off sickness.
Make sure to encourage your child to get regular physical activity, like playing at the park or running around with friends. If possible, try to make exercise fun by incorporating games and activities into it. Consider joining a local gym that offers classes designed for children or taking them out for a walk or bike ride on the weekends.
Encourage your child to get creative with their exercise. Activities such as dancing, hiking, and martial arts can be great ways to keep them active and help build their immunity. Furthermore, outdoor activities expose them to fresh air, which can help to clear their lungs and support a healthy respiratory system.
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be a great way to spend quality time with your kids while helping them stay healthy!
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help improve your gut health, which is essential for a strong immune system. Probiotics can be found in many fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt. You can also take probiotic supplements to ensure that your kid is getting the beneficial bacteria they need. When giving probiotics to kids, it’s important to find the right strain and dosage for them. Some probiotics are specifically designed for kids and are tailored to their needs. These probiotics will help replenish the good bacteria in their guts and improve their digestive health. Probiotics can also help strengthen their immune system and reduce the chances of them getting sick.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in helping to maintain a healthy immune system, so it is important to make sure your child is getting enough of it. Some good sources of vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon, fortified dairy products, and eggs. Sun exposure is also a great way to get vitamin D, so if you live in an area with plenty of sunlight, be sure to take your kid outdoors for a few minutes each day. Vitamin D supplements can also be a good option if your child isn’t getting enough from food or sun exposure. Talk to your doctor about the right dosage for your kid based on their age and overall health.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a great way to help boost your kid's immune system and keep them healthy. Essential oils have been used for centuries to help treat a variety of ailments and illnesses, and can be especially helpful when it comes to fighting off colds and viruses.
Some of the best essential oils for boosting your kid's immune system include:
• Eucalyptus: This oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off the germs and bacteria that can cause illness.
• Tea Tree: This oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which makes it a powerful ally when it comes to preventing infections.
• Peppermint: This oil has both antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it an ideal choice for treating respiratory infections.
• Rosemary: This oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is known for its ability to boost the body's natural defenses against germs and bacteria.
When using essential oils on your child, make sure to use only pure, undiluted oils and dilute them in a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut before applying them directly to the skin. It's also important to be aware of any allergies your child may have, as essential oils can be highly allergenic. As always, consult with your doctor or naturopath before using essential oils for medicinal purposes.