Supporting a child’s immune system the holistic way by Charne de Klerk from Holistic Kids

 

A child’s immune system is there first defence against illness and disease and it should therefore be protected, supported and cleansed to keep it healthy.  By having a health immune system a child’s chances of becoming ill are lessened and the less ill your child is the stronger their immune system becomes.  This can either become a very healthy cycle OR it can work in reverse and the more often your child is ill the more their immune system becomes less efficient.

 

As parents we have the best intentions of wanting to keep our children healthy but often only think of their state of health when it becomes compromised. Here are some easy to implement immune boosting tips that will help keep your family healthy the holistic way.

 

  • Increase your family’s intake of fresh fruit and vegetables to five portions a day per family member.
  • Add pulses and wholegrains to meals to promote energy levels.
  • Reduce animal fat intake and reduce dairy products as they stimulate mucus production.
  • Limit sugar and processed foods to a once a week treat and cut out foods that contain colorants and caffeine as they put the immune system under strain.
  • Have a central point in your home were you have a jug of clean water and glasses readily available for your children to help themselves to a drink of water when they are thirsty.
  • If your child will only drink juice either dilute it with water or encourage them to drink 100% pure cranberry or mixed berry juice, as it is high in vitamin C.

·         Give a good multivitamin and mineral supplement daily that contains zinc.

  • Add garlic and parsley to your family meals as they boost the immune system and contain Vitamin C and antioxidant.
  • Make breakfast an easy meal by making a infection/immune boosting smoothy from apples, cranberries, citrus fruit, figs, peaches, plumbs, grapes, raspberries and strawberries