The key to a healthy child is a healthy immune system. A child with weakened immunity is more vulnerable to viruses, bacteria, and illness in general. These children tend to get sick frequently and have longer recovery times. Children with strong immune systems, on the other hand, become sick less often, and when they do become sick, the illness has a shorter duration. Recovering quickly is a good sign that the immune system is functioning well.
Many childhood health issues can be treated through strengthening the immune system. A weakened immune system can result in food allergies and intolerances, skin ailments such as rashes and eczema, attention and learning deficits, asthma, digestive troubles like constipation and diarrhea, ear infections, parasites, viruses, and bacterial infections. The list goes on!
Creating a strong immune system in children requires a multi-faceted approach. A good start is to make sure your children have excellent daily nutrition –Protection against any illness begins in childhood, where good eating habits form. An ideal diet consists of whole foods and is balanced with adequate protein and a wide variety of vegetables and fruit. Studies show that plant-based diets in particular are high in phytonutrients which strengthen immunity and aid in disease prevention. Also important is to address any nutritional deficiencies, which make children in particular more susceptible to illness and disease. Studies link reduced immune function to deficiencies of zinc, selenium, folic acid, and vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well as inadequate essential fatty acids.
Learn more about our local pediatric naturopath services.
Leave a Reply