In some ways, getting sick is simply part of your kid's job description. There’s nothing we can really do to stop it from happening completely (nor should we try!). Getting sick is what children need to help boost their immunity as they grow older. But during the winter months, I find that my kids are bringing something home from daycare or school almost every week. It’s not sustainable for anyone, but unfortunately is very common during this time of year.
Over the years, I’ve come up with a few tricks that I personally use to help give my children’s immune system an extra kick to try and minimize how often they get sick during cold and flu season. Take a look!
1. If your baby is still a newborn, breastfeed.
Obviously breastfeeding is not for everyone, but if it’s something you are open to (and capable of doing of course) then I highly recommend it! Breast milk is one of the most powerful immune boosting substances out there.
Breast milk delivers antibodies from your system to the baby’s to help protect it from illnesses. However, it doesn’t end there. Breast milk also delivers all the essential immune-boosting nutrients that you're consuming to the baby; and your baby is actually absorbing it.
I’ve talked about this previously in some of my blogs, but our highly absorbent liposomes were inspired by breast milk - what I like to call “nature’s liposomes”.
Our bodies, believe it or not, are naturally developed to recognize and absorb breast milk more than anything else - more than food, more than supplements. That’s why as babies, it’s important that they get nutrients through breastmilk vs formula or food; it simply absorbs better.
2. Serve more fruits and vegetables
During the winter seasons, it’s always recommended that kids increase their intake of fruits and vegetables (beyond what they’re normally used to), especially the bright colorful stuff! Carrots, strawberries, beans, and oranges.
Ok now we’re about to step into a bit of a science lesson. Why the bright stuff? Because they contain carotenoids, which are immune strengthening phytonutrients! These phytonutrients increase your body’s ability to produce infection-fighting white blood cells, and an antibody called interferon that basically creates a coating on our cells surface in order to block out any viruses and infections.
So, reach for the bright stuff - they’re healthy, taste good, and look good too!
3. Boost Sleep Time
My kids LOVE to stay up past their bedtime, especially on weekends. But during the cold winter months, I do have to put my foot down and make sure they get to bed on time in order for them to get at least 10 hours of sleep. Remember, kids need more sleep than we do, so 8 hours just won’t cut it.
Lack of sleep can really weaken your children’s immune system, and yours too! Sleep deprivation for any kid or adult reduces what doctors call reducing “natural killer cells”. These are immune-system weapons that attack viruses. If you’re not sleeping, your body is not attacking, and so you become more prone to illness.
Make sure your entire family is getting adequate sleep, and if you need support, there are kid-friendly sleep supplements that you can use occasionally to help.
That’s it for today, but make sure you follow our blog by subscribing to our newsletter, as I’ll be sending new tips and resources to you weekly!
Dr. Mallory Blair is the co-founder and CEO of 2x4 Nutrition. She has a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, a master’s degree in bio analytical chemistry, and over a decade of experience in researching and manufacturing Liposomal supplements.