{"id":281442,"date":"2021-07-05T16:18:52","date_gmt":"2021-07-05T14:18:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/zaparents-blog\/?p=281442"},"modified":"2022-09-20T20:14:39","modified_gmt":"2022-09-20T18:14:39","slug":"boost-your-childs-immune-system-with-these-top-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/parenting\/covid-19-kids-families\/boost-your-childs-immune-system-with-these-top-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Boost your child&#8217;s immune system with these top tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Urgent! It\u2019s more important than ever to protect and boost your kids\u2019 immune systems. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">We are surfing the Third Wave of Covid in SA right now&#8230;with no signs yet that it\u2019s abating any time soon. Day by day we hear of someone we know who has tested positive \u2014and this time, the strain seems to be affecting a lot of kids, who with the previous wave of infections may have been asymptomatic, and are now presenting with sore throats, headaches and other symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">While schools have thankfully closed for now, there is a great possibility kids will still be exposed to the virus. Although it\u2019s rare for children to be hospitalised with Corona, they can infect you as well as elders in the family who may suffer more complications. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Besides avoiding socializing, extra murals and going out, what else can you do? There is a lot within your control as parents:<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Food First<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Remember that the more optimal the diet, the better equipped anyone is fight off any illness. Making the body a hostile environment for invaders using diet and lifestyle needs to be a top priority. For children this might mean avoiding:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol style=\"list-style-type: lower-alpha;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">dairy (60% of Caucasians or more are lactose intolerant)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">gluten (it doesn\u2019t agree with a large proportion of people even if they seem asymptomatic)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">sugar\u00a0 &#8211; save it as a weekend treat instead (start reading food labels and you may be shocked at all the sugar in ready -made meals, snacks and cereals etc.) . Sugar is addictive and will deplete the immune system.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Since at least 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, it\u2019s essential to make sure that a diet filled with fibre and fresh, nutritious, plant-rich produce becomes a habit in your family.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Top tips for boosting your child&#8217;s immunity<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Eat the rainbow.<\/strong> If your plate is filled with many colours, you know that you are getting a diversity of nutrients.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Use garlic<\/strong> in your cooking at least 3-4 times per week. As a natural anti-biotic it will fortify the immune system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Other herbs, spices<\/strong> and ingredients to use include: onions, leeks, cruciferous vegetables, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Get the kids involved<\/strong> with cooking and they are more likely to eat what you have made.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Cut out plastic in the home<\/strong> as much as possible and never ever heat it up. It disrupts the endocrine system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Drink filtered water<\/strong>, not tap water as much as possible\u2014not from plastic bottles. Invest in the best filter that you can afford.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Use natural sanitisers<\/strong> as most of them contain toxic ingredients (including the alcohol-based ones) that will affect the immune system and the endocrine system.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Mental health Issues<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">There\u2019s a lot to worry about at the moment- kids pick up on everything. Keeping them feeling safe and as happy as possible will strengthen their immune system:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Talk<\/strong> to them about any fears or anxieties in an age-appropriate way.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If they are struggling, consider <strong>play therapy<\/strong> or a social worker<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Routine<\/strong> and structure are important so try and keep to one.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Get outside in the <strong>sunlight<\/strong> at least 2-30 mins per day<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Exercise<\/strong> or movement for at least 30 minutes per day<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Reduce screen time<\/strong> (outside of online school) to 1 1\/2 hours or less per day depending on the age of the child. Have screen-free family time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Even if they can\u2019t see their friends or grandparents physically right now, they can chat on the phone, Skype and What\u2019s app. Keep them<strong> feeling connected<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Get into nature<\/strong> whenever possible.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Sleep<\/strong> is crucial for immune system health and mood. Depending on age, kids need between 9-11 hours of sleep per night.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Is your child battling to sleep?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Try these remedies. (I have tried them all!) Experiment individually and see which one works:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Natural remedies:\u00a0 Valerian, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Passiflora, Rescue Remedy, Magnesium<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Prescription: (in small doses, not for more than 2 weeks) GABA to calm the mind, Melatonin\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Healing activity: Epsom salt bath<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Immune boosting protocol<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">This is what I give my kids at the moment while Covid-19 is raging: Dosages will depend on the age of the child. My kids of 9 and 12 receive the same dosage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 18.6667px;\">Morning<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Vitamin B complex: this is essential for all the biochemical pathways. Vitamin B is a co-factor for so many processes within the body and will also help with stress. Kids often don\u2019t get enough. If your child does not like to take capsules or tablets, then source some good sub-lingual products. Make sure it includes B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12 if possible. Food sources include whole grains (brown rice, barley), meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, dark leafy vegetables.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Probiotic: To be taken on an empty stomach. Keep the gut healthy with the right kind of bacteria. Change brands often to get a variety of different bacteria.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Multi-vitamin \u2013 buy the best you can afford that has a variety of minerals and vitamins including selenium and chromium<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Vitamin D&#8211;liquid form is the most bio-available. Many kids may become Vitamin D deficient if they do not get outside enough, especially in winter.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Top Tip<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Test your kid\u2019s Vitamin D levels as too high can be toxic\u2014this is rare.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Test your kid\u2019s iron levels to make sure that they are not deficient<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Night<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Omega 3\u2014this can be taken in a capsule or in an oil. This can only be obtained from oily fish eg. \u00a0wild salmon, anchovies, pilchards and sardines\u00a0 . If your kids are not having this, it\u2019s essential for brain development and managing inflammation<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Zinc\u2014excellent immune booster. Never take on an empty stomach.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">NAC -this is the pre-cursor of Glutathione which is essential for immine function.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Calcium Ascorbate \u2013 buffered, non-acidic Vitamin C.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Magnesium Glycinate \u2013 mostly everyone is deficient it. It will calm the immune system and relieve stress and promote a good night\u2019s sleep.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Top Tips<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If your kids refuse to take tablets or capsules, you can open them up and add them to a bit of sugar-free (not artificially sweetened) Zinplex or Biostrath and mix it in. I also crush tablets and prick capsules to pour them out when necessary.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 16pt;\">Recommended supplements for when they are ill<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If they are ill, consider these supplements. Be careful not to overdose\u2014herbs and supplements are powerful! Find out the correct dosage: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Citricidal<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Andrographis<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Olive Leaf<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Echinacea<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Curcumin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Quercetin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Vicks vapor rub<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Deep breathing exercises<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><em>Note: If you enjoyed this article, and would like to stay updated with more, you can:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Subscribe to our free weekly Jozikids\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/member-registration\/\"><em>newsletter<\/em><\/a><em>\u00a0 for parents in Gauteng<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Like us on <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/jozikids.co.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Facebook<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<li><em>Follow us on\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/jozikids?igshid=1n8cwedrewul\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Instagram<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Urgent! It\u2019s more important than ever to protect and boost your kids\u2019 immune systems. We are surfing the Third Wave of Covid in SA right now&#8230;with no signs yet that it\u2019s abating any time soon. Day by day we hear of someone we know who has tested positive \u2014and this time, the strain seems to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":266,"featured_media":283518,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[954,626,933],"tags":[949,955],"class_list":["post-281442","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-child-development","category-covid-19-kids-families","category-covid-19-and-kids","tag-immune-boosters-for-kids","tag-immune-system"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/281442","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/266"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=281442"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/281442\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/283518"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=281442"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=281442"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=281442"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}