The best gift you can ever gift to your child is a healthy body and strong immunity to fight infections. Life is more difficult now days. Ill health is the biggest hurdle in a child’s life journey. From food, climate, eating habits, and lifestyle, to almost everything is constantly changing (not all for good as at seems).  In this evolving scenario, immunity plays a major role and it can be achieved by feeding some foods for immunity booster.

Feedback from parents

Immune system

Immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues and organs that not only protects your body from harmful disease-causing viruses and bacteria but also aids in tissue repair and wound healing. In the context of corona pandemic, we can only rely on our immunity to safeguard us from the nerve-wrecking battlefield. While, to some extent, our immune system depends on genetics and it is also majorly influenced by our everyday choices- food and lifestyle.

How to increases child’s immunity? Immunity boosting is a comprehensive process which starts right from the early age. As babies grow and start preschool, they are more likely to be attacked by viruses and bacteria causing cold cough and other infections. Building immunity becomes key at this early stage.

Also check, Seasonal allergies in kids.

Tips to Strengthen Immunity

• Breastfeed your baby (studies suggest that it is a natural immune booster for kids)
• Follow kid’s vaccination schedule
• Encourage kids to eat nutritious and healthy diet
• Proper rest and sleep (studies indicate that sleep and immunity are positively related)
• Develop hygienic habits (washing hands)
• Access to fresh air and sunlight (outdoor activities and vitamin D both help build immunity)
• Avoid Antibiotics (unless necessary because they reduce good bacteria in the body which build immunity)

There are certain nutrients required for the growth and functions of immune cells such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium, Iron and Protein. Focusing on nutrient rich food and a well-balanced diet is the best way to boost your kid’s immunity. Below are some best foods for immunity booster

Foods for immunity booster

Vegetables:

Study shows that vegetables provide nutrients like beta- carotene (Vitamin A), Vitamin C and Vitamin E that can act as a natural immune booster for kids. Many vegetables are also rich in other antioxidants that help reduce free radicals in the body (what are free radicals?). Vegetables are often good source of prebiotic fiber that supports a healthy gut and immune system by becoming the food of the good bacteria living in the gut. Encouraging your child to eat variety of vegetables in all colors like Broccoli, Spinach, bell paper, tomato, carrot, and beet root in a day will take care of multiple vitamins and minerals required to keep the immunity high.

Also check, How to give complete nutrition for kids?

Citrus fruits:

Citrus fruits are considered as one of the best foods for immunity booster for children. Vitamin C is a key ingredient in all the citrus fruits. Vitamin C helps building up your immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which fights infections. Fruits like orange, guava, grape fruit, lemon and kiwi are high in Vitamin C.

Also check, Best fruits for kids and teens?

Ginger:

Known for its amazing medicinal properties, ginger has been used as an active ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines. Loaded with Vitamin B6 and magnesium, ginger also has gingerol (photochemical compound in ginger that activates spice receptors on the tongue) which helps in enhancing immunity. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory property, which helps in fighting infections.

Also check, Home remedy to treat cold in kids that actually works?

Nuts:

The vitamin E found in nuts like pistachio, almonds, cashews, walnuts and others help immune system to fight against invading bacteria. They are a great source of antioxidants that keep body healthy and disease free by neutralizing free radicals and reduce inflammation. Study shows that some roasted nuts appear to have an increased antioxidant level as compared with raw one.

Also check, What are some high protein nuts and seeds?

Cinnamon:

This aromatic spice is the richest source of antioxidants among all the spices that give a boost to immune system. Loaded with antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties which fight against viruses causing infections like cold and flu., Cinnamon is one of the best foods for immunity booster.

Moringa:

Moringa is a magical tree with lots of health benefits attached. Every part of this tree such as roots, barks, fruits, flowers and leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The leaves are good source of vitamin A, B, C minerals like calcium and Iron, which makes it a natural immune booster for kids. Apart from immunity it also helps in bones development, fight iron deficiency and aids in muscle building.

Also check, What’s an easy food for fixing healthy eyesight?

Seeds:

Seeds are incredible source of nutrients. Subja seeds are rich in omega3 (alpha- linolenic acid) and also packed with flavonoids both of which help to keep the immune system strong. Sunflower seeds are rich in magnesium, vitamin E, antioxidants and good fats. Together they help to boost immunity. Sesame seeds is rich in zinc which aids in healthy immunity by protecting the body cells from invading bacteria and viruses. Pumpkin seeds are rich in Vitamin E which is necessary for immunity building and also packed with other bone-building nutrients like potassium, magnesium and vitamin K.

Also check, What are some seeds good for brain?

Curcumin:

A compound found in turmeric, offers therapeutic relief. Turmeric is also rich in vitamin A, Thiamine(B1), Riboflavin (B2) and vitamin C and works as a perfect immunity booster food for kids as well as adults. It is a rich antioxidant which supports against body cell damage. It has been found to delay or reverse diseases or age related decrease in body functions. Read more about the scientific study on immunity here.

Check this Haldi (curcumin) kadha recipe:

Ashwagandha & Brahmi: 

It improves the body’s defense against disease by improving the body cell immunity. It also possesses antioxidant properties that help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals. Bacosides, the active ingredient in Brahmi can neutralise free radicals and prevent fat molecules from reacting with the free radicals, thereby maintaining high immunity in the body. Read more about the scientific study on immunity here.

Licorice:

It contains more than 20 triterpenoids and nearly 300 flavonoids and hence works as a great anti-bacterial remedy. It is a common herb which has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for centuries. Read more about its immunity benefits here.

Kids and Teens Immunity Boost Chocolate Spread

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