How to Support Children's Immune Systems

A complete, balanced diet, good sleep and moderate exercise are the most important factors for supporting children’s immune systems against possible viruses and bacteria. The first step in supporting children’s immune systems is to avoid too much sugar and foods high in fat such as sweets, cakes, fried foods, juices and fizzy drinks. According to a study published in the official journal of the American Academy of Paediatrics, these foods add very little nutritional value to children’s diets and may encourage the development of many illnesses. So what should we do instead? Follow a diet based on vegetables, fruit, pulses, cereals, fish, dairy products and a smaller amount of red meat. These are some of the nutrients that help protect children against disease and infection.

Tips to support children’s immune systems

Vitamins and minerals

As for the vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the immune system, you can include the following in little ones’ routines:

• Vitamin A: broccoli, carrots, pumpkin, spinach and mango.
• B vitamins: wholegrain cereals, pulses, meat, fish and eggs.
• Vitamin C: strawberries, cherries, oranges, kiwis, peppers, tomatoes and broccoli.
• Zinc: pork, eggs, brown rice and peanuts.
• Iron: red meat, nuts, pulses, leafy green vegetables and seafood.

How can they take them? Through multivitamin complexes, such as Redoxitos, formulated with vitamin C in gummy format to help support children’s immune systems.

A proper sleep routine

It is important to follow a daily sleep routine, even during holidays and weekends. To do this, set a regular bedtime; most children need between 10 and 14 hours of uninterrupted sleep every day. Following this schedule means they will go to school more rested and their bodies will be better protected against viruses and bacteria.

Outdoor exercise

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is one of the main components of our bones and plays an important role in the nervous, muscular and immune systems. Low vitamin D levels are linked to autoimmune disease and inflammatory bowel disease. That is why it is recommended for children to spend time outdoors, play, socialise and do exercise. This will also help keep their immune system strong and stop it from becoming weakened.