As face to face school starts as parents we buy school supplies, prepare their school uniform, and brainstorm their school lunch. One of the things we worry about is how to protect them while they’re there. They are exposed to different temperatures, bacteria, and viruses. To increase their protection we need to boost their immune system to fight against the negative elements around them. Because of their age we typically want to increase immunity the natural way and avoid introducing harsh chemicals to their developing body.
Here are the 6 natural ways you can boost their immunity with things you already have at home. To remember it easier, think of "POSSED."
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PPARS: Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors is a natural gene activator and gene regulator. What does that mean? PPARS is able to penetrate the nucleus of a cell, by doing so is able to go into your genes and modify it. It is then able to increase the nutrients that are lacking and lower the nutrients that are too much in your body. By doing so biological functions of the organs in your body become unified. Thus your immune system is able to perform at its best.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acid: Nuts, avocados, and seeds are a great source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. It was believed that omega-3s only suppressed inflammation but due to new research studies we learned that they do much more than that. A study in 2013 found that they enhance B cell function. These types of white blood cells fight pathogens and ward off sickness. Omega 3s remodel the cell membrane in T-cells that strengthen the immune cells. It also helps in the production of chemokines that attract the immune cells to an infected area.
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Sleep: When we sleep our bodies rest, regenerate, and heal. It is when we produce cytokines that help fight infection and reduce inflammation. It keeps our immune system functioning at its best to fight off bad bacteria
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Stress: Teaching kids how to manage stress and anxiety is essential to have a positive coping mechanism and regulate difficult emotions. It gives a proper outlet where they can appropriately express concerns. Deep breathing, mindfulness, medication, and open communication can minimize negative emotions. These negative feelings can weaken the immune system and make us more susceptible to infection. Spending time with family encourages trust and lessens worry.
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Exercise: Kids engaging in physical activity for an hour keeps our body strong and likely to fight off infections. It does not necessarily mean going to the gym but playing hide and seek or going for a walk. Build it into your daily routine to experience an increase in energy, low blood pressure, and good circulation. Encourage kids to get off their screens and spend some time in the sun for vitamin D. The body needs sunlight as each cell requires Vitamin D to function properly. However most people are deficient and it leads to type 1 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disorders. Exposure to sunlight increases the production of our natural protectors, white blood cells.
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Diet: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and especially mushrooms encourage a process called methylation that promotes detoxification. These foods are loaded with B-vitamins that encourage methylation and superchange their ability to protect and fight the body from pollution to chemical exposure. Limit sweets such as candies, as they’re known to alter the microbiome and feed the bad bacteria and outnumber good bacteria. Give it a boost through fruit instead of sugary desserts to gain vitamin C and antioxidants.
*Edited by Rez Maninang