Until toddlers build a strong immune system, they tend to get sick, a lot. Toddlers get sick an average of eight times per year, either they get colds, flu or gastrointestinal bugs. But, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are natural ways you can boost toddler’s immune systems to make sure they achieve the best possible health.
How can you boost your toddler’s immune system naturally?
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1. Maintain a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies
A diet loaded with fruits and vegetables will definitely help to boost your toddler’s immune system. Vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are essential for the health of your toddlers. Plus, phytonutrients found in beans and citrus fruits, help them build a very strong immune system.
2. Avoid Sugar
Sugar is everywhere. Even in those “natural” fruit juices. Sugar lowers the white blood cells activities, which are the cells responsible for protecting the body. It’s harder for children to fight bacteria and viruses when they have sugar in the bloodstream.
3. Up your toddlers’ iron & zinc intake
These two minerals are vital for our health at any age, even more so when we’re toddlers. Iron and zinc help the body cells communicate and develop the immune system. Make sure your toddlers are getting enough:
- Iron: beans, nuts, fortified cereals, green leafy vegetables, and red meat
- Zinc: milk, cheese, bread, fortified cereals, and meat
4. Increase Vitamin C in your toddler’s diet
To boost your toddler’s immune system naturally, you need vitamin C. White blood cells use this vitamin to fight viruses and bacteria. Also, it’s a natural antioxidant, which helps protect the toddler’s cells. It can be found in peppers, lemons, berries, broccoli, tomatoes, and many other foods.
5. Make sure your toddler gets enough Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an immune-boosting vitamin that helps the body defend itself against infections. Sunlight exposure is the best way to absorb vitamin D. If toddlers don’t get enough exposure, you can always supplement it.
6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Keeping toddlers hydrated can boost their immune systems because it helps their kidneys flush out all the toxins. Hydration is vital for fighting sicknesses.
7. Exercise more
Regular activities help the toddlers’ body produce more cells and boost their immune system naturally. Exercising will also help your toddler sleep better at night, which is crucial for their immunity. Toddlers need about 12-13 hours of sleep and sleep deprivation can lower the body’s ability to defend itself.
8. Wash their hands, often
Hygiene plays a massive role in a child’s health. Make sure you create a habit of washing their hands often, especially before and after meals, when they’ve played outside, or blowing their nose.
Extra tip: If your toddler gets sick, throw out his or her toothbrush. It will help keep the rest of the family healthy and prevent the toddler from getting sick again!
Even though toddlers will get sick from time to time, as parents, it’s imperative that we do whatever we can to give them optimal health. An immune support supplement can ensure that your toddlers are getting enough vitamins and minerals to boost their immune systems naturally.
Zarbee’s Naturals Children’s Immune Support is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help you boost your toddler’s immune system naturally. They come as gummies and taste great! It’s an excellent option when it comes to giving your toddler’s immune system a natural boost.