"Fortifying Your Kids' Immune System: The Importance of Nutrition and the Best Supplements for Optimal Health"
Part 1 - How to support immunity via nutrition practices.
In today's fast-paced world, ensuring that your child has a strong immune system is more important than ever. And when it comes to building their immunity, nutrition plays a crucial role. I know as a parent, I want to provide my little ones with the best possible diet, packed with a variety of nutrients. In this 3-part series blog, we will discuss the importance of kids immunity nutrition and how you can support it with a few carefully selected supplements.
A robust immune system is vital for children's overall health and well-being. To support their immune system, it is crucial to provide them with essential nutrients. These nutrients include vitamins such as vitamin C, D, A, and E, which support immune function and can help keep those winter bugs at bay. Minerals like zinc and selenium also play a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables help protect cells from damage and strengthen the immune response. Incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods in their diet will ensure that children receive the essential nutrients necessary for a strong supported immune system.
A balanced diet and variety of foods are crucial for wellness and optimal health. By incorporating a range of nutrients from different food sources. This means including fruits, vegetables, whole grains (if tolerated), lean proteins, and healthy fats in their meals. Additionally, limiting processed foods and sugary snacks is preferred. In fact, protein is highly involved in immune function and amino acids are involved in many immune responses by regulating (1) the activation of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells and macrophages; (2) cellular redox state, gene expression and lymphocyte proliferation; and (3) the production of antibodies, cytokines and other cytotoxic substances.
I get it though, this doesn't always work with a lot of kids. I have a 5 year old that is being a little fusspot at the moment too. However, I have peace of mind knowing she is getting what she requires by incorporating Nuzest’s kids good stuff into her diet. Not only does this have all of the essential vitamins and minerals that she needs to fill the possible gaps in her diet, but also contains probiotics for gut health + many more amazing nutrients which support health and well-being. If you have fussy eaters, this is one supplement that you could add to your child's routine, to support their season of fussiness. In addition to nuzest, we incorporate a nordic natural’s fish oil, as a family we do not consume fish frequently enough to get required amounts of essential fatty acids (consume 2-3 servings of fatty fish per week at least). DHA and EPA which are omega-3 fatty acids are not only beneficial for regulating the immune system but also a key nutrient involved in brain and eye development. There is also documented evidence that omega 3 can be beneficial for neurobehavioral function. If you don't eat fish, I would recommend supplementing fish oil.
I also on occasion add some mushroom powder to fluffies or smoothies as an additional immune-supporting nutrient (no more than ¼ of a tsp). Check out my previous blog on lions mane mushrooms which outlines its benefits and why I love to add it to our supplemental routine.
Tips to encourage healthy eating at home
- Have some prepared healthy snacks in the fridge for when kids are hungry (cut up vegetables and fruit ready to go, boiled eggs & ham.
- Crowd in some veggies in your meat and pasta dishes (add grated carrot and zucchini to meat bases)
- Make smoothies a few times a week with added vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini and avocado.
- Add some supportive supplements as and when required.
- Get your children involved when you are preparing meals.
- If you are having a treat like ice-cream - add some fruit alongside it.
Supplements I use for my children that you may also find helpful;
Nordic Naturals Fish Oil Chewable
If you need a fish oil for your infant the Nordic Naturals Liquid formulations are a good alternative to the chewable.
You can also find these brands on Therastore and use my discount code wellnesswithjl10 for $10 off any order over $50.
Discount code for all nuzest products is wellnesswithjl which can be used world-wide.
Need personalized help or want to work with me? Email me on jamie@wellnesswithjl.com.
**nb some links are affiliated**