8 minDuring pregnancy, your little one already receives antibodies, which start to build up their immune system. Breastfeeding provides the baby with even more antibodies, giving them natural resistance during the first few months. After a few months, the baby's immune system starts to work on its own. How can you help your child develop their immune system in the coming years? Read all about it in this article!
In this article, you will learn
- What resistance is and how it works.
- The importance of a healthy gut microbiome in young children.
- Tips for a strong immune system: sleep, outdoor play, hygiene, stress and nutrition.
- Which vitamins and minerals are important for your immune system.
- When a supplement can be useful.
What is the immune system?
Your immune system ensures that your body can fight off diseases. If a virus enters your body, the antibodies you have built up do their utmost to destroy it. In addition, your immune system remembers what caused the reaction so that your body can mount a powerful defence response the next time1. How brilliant is that?
Good resistance for kids
It is good to know that your child's gut microbiome is built up during the first three years of their life. The gut microbiome consists of all the trillions of bacteria in your intestines, in combination with all the viruses, yeasts and fungi 2.
Of course, this continues to change throughout your life, but it becomes much more difficult to accommodate the right bacteria. This is another reason why it is best to start strengthening your child's immunity as early as possible!
Tips for supporting immunity
#1 Ensure good sleep
A good night's sleep sounds so obvious. Yet there are still plenty of parents who struggle with their child's sleep. Despite this, research shows that sleep is not crucial for your immune system3. It not only ensures a good mood, but also a body that is fully charged.
#2 Exercise and being outdoors
Occasional screen time for your child is fine, but we also know how valuable it is to play outside. Not only does it promote your child's physical and social development, but it also ensures the production of vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for a strong immune system and supports the immune system in a natural way 4.
#3 Hand washing
This may be a no-brainer. But ensure good hygiene, especially by washing hands thoroughly. Many things are self-evident to us as adults. Be aware that this may not always be the case for your child.
Teach your child from an early age to wash their hands properly. Also teach them to cover their mouth when coughing and to throw used tissues in the bin and not reuse them. All of this helps prevent the spread of viruses5.
#4 Avoid stress
Anyone who thinks that only adults suffer from stress is completely wrong. Your child can also suffer from stress. Think, for example, of parents arguing, an unpleasant school situation or perhaps your child is struggling with a negative self-image. These are all reasons to get stomach ache and not feel good about yourself. Prolonged stress has a negative impact on your immune system6
#5 Healthy nutrition
Healthy nutrition is important for a growing child. Choose sufficient variety, give enough fruit, vegetables, wholemeal products, proteins and healthy fats. Additional advice for toddlers: give them 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily for strong bones, spread margarine on bread and serve oily fish weekly for omega-3, or give them an omega-3 supplement. Also provide iron-rich foods such as meat or plant-based alternatives, combined with vitamin C for better absorption. This will give your child everything they need for healthy growth 7.
Preferably give water to drink. This can also be hot or cold tea. Or how about flavoured water? Try making healthy iced tea with your child. That can also be a treat, and you don't need to put cola on the table 7.
These vitamins and minerals support the immune system
Vitamins A, B6, B11 (folate), B12, C and D, and the minerals iron, copper, selenium and zinc all have a positive effect on the immune system 8. By following a healthy and varied diet, you can ensure that you get enough of these nutrients. This supports your immune system, which protects your body against pathogens.
Is your child unable to obtain these substances from their diet? Then a natural dietary supplement can be a good addition to optimally support your immune system.
