Protect Your Child During The Flu Season

By Dr. Ganesh Kadhe

Three tips to help support your child’s health and immunity during the upcoming flu season:

Prioritize Immunity

A robust immune system is the first step toward preventing the flu. A diet rich in foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein offers immune-rich ingredients which provide the building blocks the body needs for vigorous defenses. Setting a regular bedtime is especially important because lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making children more susceptible to illnesses like the cold and flu.

Vitamin A rich foods can aid proper immune system function. Some excellent sources of vitamin A include everyday diet. Some food sources rich in vitamin A include orange and red vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers, as well as fruits like cantaloupe, apricots, and mangoes. Certain types of fish and dairy products also contain vitamin A.

Vitamin C is well-known as an immune system booster. Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits, along with strawberries, kiwi, tomatoes, and various vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and kale, are abundant sources of this vital nutrient.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that supports a strong immune system. Nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts, along with their butters and oils, as well as sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and fortified foods like breakfast cereals and fruit juices, are excellent sources of vitamin E.

If you find it challenging to get enough fruits and vegetables in your child’s meals to ensure they meet their nutrition requirements, try adding PediaSure to their glass of milk as it will not only elevate the taste but also increase the nutritional value of that glass of milk. It is a complete and balanced nutritional solution with 37 nutrients, scientifically tested to help improve children’s immunity.

Encourage Movement

Physical activity offers numerous benefits for children, including improved immune health, better sleep, and enhanced learning. Engage your child in online exercise classes or arrange playdates with their peers to promote movement and active play.

Try New Activities

Stress can weaken the immune system. Help your child unwind by curling up with a story, listening to a podcast, or trying activities together like cooking. Engaging in culinary activities with your children not only strengthens your bond but also enhances their nutritional intake. Encourage your little ones to create their own snacks to support their immune system, such as combining vitamin C-rich strawberries with yogurt or spreading vitamin E-packed peanut butter on crackers.

For older children, you can involve them in preparing high-protein scrambled eggs or French toast for a family breakfast or ask for their assistance in making a salad or their favorite vegetable side dish during dinner time. (IANS)