Colds, Coughs and Flu
<p><b>5 ways to boost your child's immunity</b></p>
<p>Runny noses, recurrent colds and flu are a part of life for kids, but you can take steps to help reduce their number of sick days.</p>
<p>While COVID-19 cases are still rising, there isn't much you can do to protect your child beyond normal safety guidelines, like social distancing and washing of hands.</p>
<p>But strengthening your child's immune system should always be a priority.</p>
<p><b>Breastfeed your baby.</b> Breastmilk contains immunity-enhancing antibodies and white blood cells. Nursing guards against ear infections, allergies, diarrhoea, pneumonia, meningitis, urinary tract infections, and sudden infant death syndrome. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months.</p>
<p><b>Add more veggies and fruit. </b>Carrots, green beans, oranges, strawberries all contain immunity-boosting phytonutrients like Vitamin C and carotenoids. Broccoli and dark leafy greens pack a power punch of vitamins A, C, E, B2, B6, K, potassium, folate, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.</p>
<p><b>Fill up on nuts. </b>Healthy nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts. These all have vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, protein, and fibre to help your child grow.</p>
<p><b>Increase sleep time. </b>Make sure your child gets a good night's rest. During sleep, the immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. Certain cytokines need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation, or when you're under stress. Sleep deprivation may decrease the production of these protective cytokines.</p>
<p><b>Move it. </b>Exercise increases the number of natural killer cells (NKC) in both children and adults. Lack of exercise can result in obesity and other health problems. Make exercise a family activity. Together you can enjoy bike riding, hiking, soccer, swimming, and tennis.</p>
<p><b>Good to know</b></p>
<p>Maintain a healthy diet in your home and make sure your child gets lots of sunshine and stays active to keep the immune system strong and ready to fight off viral and bacterial infections.</p>
