As a parent, there are a few simple changes you can make to your child’s daily regimen that can do wonders in boosting their immune resilience. At a time where immunity has never seemed so important, here are three immunity-boosting lifestyle interventions you can make that board-certified pediatrician Joel Warsh, M.D. recommends.
Focus on organic, whole foods: No matter what age you are, it’s vital that you give your body the nutrients and vitamins it needs to fight off a virus or chronic disease. That’s why it’s a good idea for parents to bring home healthy, whole foods for their kids. Avoid packaged, processed foods whenever you can, and aim for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes. Your kid(s) may be craving sugary sweets, but you’ll feel good rest assured knowing that a healthy diet is the best form of disease prevention there is.
Pay attention to the products in your home: We’re spending more time in our homes than ever before, which means we’re constantly exposed to the cleaning and soap products we choose to use. Many of the everyday household items we use have harsh chemicals in them that can weaken our immune systems, but it’s relatively easy to switch your cleaning products to non-toxic versions. “You can go and buy non-toxic cleaners, or you can use oil and vinegar,” said Warsh. “Those small changes can have a huge effect on your overall health.”
Spend time outside: Simply being outdoors will entice your child to play and exercise, which is great for immunity. Beyond that, there’s another great benefit that comes with going outside: vitamin D. A solid amount of research supports vitamin D’s connection to immunity and lung health, and a recent randomized clinical control trial even found that vitamin D supplementation nearly eliminated COVID hospitalizations.
