With the onset of Coronavirus, the insecurity of the parents has increased towards protecting their kids from illness. Here are some best ways to boost Immunity in kids to guard them.
New viruses and bacteria are becoming a threat for everyone, and kids are at maximum risk as their Immunity is the weakest. Normal Cold and cough is an everyday thing for kids and giving them antibiotics, and other medicines seem to be the only solution to them. That makes us even more worried.
As parents, we feel responsible for their health and growth, and we are very concerned about their immune system as that is the only way to guard them against diseases. Does this raise a big point as to how we can boost the immunity level in kids naturally? Is it about bringing the change in food or lifestyle?
Here's a list of 10 Best ways to Increase Immunity in kids:
1.Replace Junk Food
Junk Food is called junk for all reasons. It actually has no nutritional value; rather, they are full of saturated fat and sugar. Potato Chips, Burger, Pizza, French Fries are all that are very harmful to health. A regular diet containing junk food can really affect the immunity level of kids. Despite all this, it is very difficult to keep kids away from Junk food.
Alternative: If Junk food is prepared at home with all the healthy ingredients, then it would not remain unhealthy, and kids' craving can also be pacified without impacting their health and Immunity. There are several healthy optional recipes available on the net for the most craved foods.
Try Chocolate dipped nuts, Base free Pizza, Almond Chocolate bites, and many others. Just be more creative with the combination of healthy and tasty, and that's it. It's an effort worth taking for our kids, at least.
2.Dry Fruits and Nuts
Dry fruits and nuts are a rich source of proteins, Vitamins, Minerals, dietary fiber. Including them in a daily diet does make a lot of difference as a large part of the nutritional requirement can be sufficed through them. They have huge health benefits.
Remember our old traditional methods of keeping us safe from the changing weather by our grandmothers. They would make Jaggery lad with loads of nuts. This still stands the best way to keep our kids protected from harsh weather.
We might not have time to make ladoo, but we can surely include jaggery and dry fruits nuts in other ways in the daily diet.
3.Turmeric Milk:
Although there are several protein powders available in the market, nothing compared to the benefits of Turmeric Milk. Turmeric is known to repair and heal the internal damages, and thus, it strengthens the internal system. It improves memory. It has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties.
If a little Ginger Powder and tulsi leaves are also added to this milk, then it becomes highly beneficial.
4.Fruits and Vegetables:
Fruits are a great source of essential Vitamins and Minerals, and they improve gut health. They are high in fiber. Especially citrus foods are good in Vitamin C, so they have anticancer, antibacterial properties.
Every fruit is rich in one or the other vitamin or minerals, so making them a part of a daily diet certainly ensures better health and Immunity.
5.Exercise/ Sports:
Kids active in sports and physical activities have more strong immune systems. Outdoor sports activities promote healthy growth of the heart, lungs, muscles, and bones. Other than teaching Teamwork, discipline, social skills, leadership sports activity also relieves stress and improves memory.
Involving kids in any kind of physical activity or sports is important for their proper growth and development and increasing their Immunity.
6.Yogurt:
Is a good source of calcium and protein. Probiotics present in it protects from various illnesses, strengthens the gut health, and thus helps in building Immunity. Make it a daily part of your kids' diet to make their Immunity strong.
7. Avoid Packaged Food:
Packed Foods are high in trans fat; they contain hydrogenated oils, harmful preservatives, excessive sugar, sodium, and salt levels. Try to give only fresh food to kids, which gives them not only energy but required nutrition for their growth and development.
8. Proper Sleep:
Experts advise that kids need to sleep for at least 9- 10 hours every day. Several research has shown the direct link between the sleeping hours with their learning and memory. Sleep affects the brain, body, emotions, and behavior. National Sleep Foundation (NSF) has also formulated daily sleep need a chart of kids of different age group.
9.Power-packed Breakfast:
There are several ready to eat cereals available in the market, and most of them are highly processed and hardly add to any nutritional value and contains a high level of refined sugar. In a nutshell, our traditionally cooked breakfast is far more healthy and nutritious.
There are many quick Breakfast ideas like Porridge with milk or vegetables, Upma, Poha, Semolina savory Pancakes, etc. A healthy, freshly made breakfast is very important for kids' growth and development.
10.Replace Sugar with Jaggery:
Everyone knows how harmful White Refined sugar is, yet we are consuming a good amount of it in different forms like All Protein powders, chyawanprash, Flavoured Corn Flakes/ Flavoured OATS, Mayonnaise, Tomato Ketchup, Packed Juices, and so many others. Experts say that the energy drink powders have loads of sugar and very little nutritional value.
It would be a better idea to create milkshakes with crushed Dryfruits, Gulkand, Soaked dates.
Replacing Sugar with Jaggery goes a long way in improving the immunity level. Jaggery is a good source of iron and is loaded with antioxidants and minerals. Jaggery also comes in powder form and can be easily added in the sweets or milkshakes.
After highlighting the healthy foods and habits, we are sure that bringing certain changes in lifestyle and eating habits can really boost the kids' immune system and prevent them from catching various infections ad falling sick.
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