Every parent wants to protect their childen from falls, collisions, bruises, and avoidable infections and diseases. To prevent children from getting sick, it is essential to help them develop good habits and take measures to strengthen their immune system from an early age. Here are some tips to help you boost your child’s immune system

1) Ensure That Your Child Gets Enough Sleep

During the night, your child can recover as much as possible, facilitating the recovery process. In addition, sleep is essential to ensure that they have enough energy to fight pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses.

Does your child always wake up with a cough or congestion? These golden tips may help:

• Raise the bed rails.
• Place a basin of water next to the bed or over the radiator. The steam will keep the throat and nose from drying out and triggering a cough. Do not include stimulating essential oils such as mint, as they may irritate small children.
• Peel an onion, cut it in half, and place it next to the bed. The released substance will clear the nose.
• An ointment mixed with essential and vegetable oils can be applied to your child’s chest to help him or her breathe easier. Examples include marjoram, lavender, eucalyptus, savory, and hyssop. Note that eucalyptus and mint are not recommended for infants.
• Rinse the nose with saline solution before bed. This will prevent mucus from the nose from accumulating in the throat and make breathing easier.

2) Avoid Foods and Drinks That Promote Mucus

Milk products and drinks increase the resistance of mucus, making it harder to expel. A dairy-free diet helps reduce and avoid mucus production.
Almond milk, nut milk, or rice milk can be used (temporarily) in place of cow’s milk.
It is possible to replace infant formula with foods other than cow’s milk. If necessary, consult your pediatrician
Cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and butter can be replaced with soy or other plant-based alternatives.
Finally, you may want to avoid all foods that contain milk, such as cookies, white bread, and rolls.

3) Feed More Mucus-Reducing Foods

Prepare fresh meals with foods high in omega-3s, which fight inflammation in the body such as:

• walnuts
• pumpkin seeds
• oily fish
• flaxseed

Foods that reduce mucus are:

• Celery
• Watercress
• Parsley
• Limes
• Apple
• Pineapple

4) Provide Adequate Fresh Air and Sunlight

Open bedroom windows regularly and provide adequate ventilation. Wrap the child adequately and go for a walk. This will help maintain vitamin D levels. Vitamin D plays a vital role in immunity.

5) Allow the Child to Breathe Freely

Rinse their nose with saline solution several times a day, even before bed.

• Let them take a relaxing shower which will help to dissolve the mucus; it is best to keep the temperature no higher than 38 degrees Celsius. Always check to see if the child has a stuffy nose.
• It is possible to remove mucus from the nose using a nasal bulb. Nasal bulbs can be bought at pharmacies.
• Some plants contain expectorant substances, which also increase resistance. Examples are Greek alms, thyme, scots pine, marshmallow, and plantain. These plants in the form of tinctures can be given from the age of six. This way you can naturally eliminate mucus retention.
  If coughing or fever persists, always consult a physician.

6) Ensure Optimal Intestinal Flora

The intestine is not only responsible for digestion but also forms the first barrier to the immune system. To fulfill these two functions, maintaining a healthy intestinal flora and intestinal wall is of utmost importance.

A decrease in immunity occurs when a child’s intestinal flora is out of balance. This is because there is not enough good intestinal flora to fight undesirable microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, parasites). This allows the unwanted organisms to multiply and conquer areas of the intestine. This gives rise to bacterial diseases (such as E. coli, which causes diarrhea, and streptococci, which causes throat infections).

Fortunately, a child’s intestinal flora can be easily replenished. For this, a diet rich in fiber-rich vegetables can help.

Do you have any other tips? Share it with us in the comments below!