6 autumn immune boosting tips for kids

With the end of summer, children are back in the community, which increases the chances of exposure to germs. They spend less time outdoors, get less exercise, have a different daily routine, more expectations and schoolwork can be a source of stress. These all have an impact on the body's resistance.

But what can we do for our children's health and resilience?

1. Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is very important, which for children means 9-11 hours. This is essential for optimal functioning of the brain and the body's various physiological processes.

2. Fresh air

Despite the cold weather, make sure that after sitting at a desk all day, the next activity at home isn't pushing the phone, but spending some time outdoors.

3. Liquid consumption

Drinking water (tap water, mineral water) is best. The recommendations are 8 glasses (8 x 1.5-3 dl) of fluid per day, the vast majority of which (min. 5 glasses) should be drinking water. Fruit and vegetable juices, sugar-containing teas, soft drinks, smoothies, milk drinks (e.g. cocoa, café au lait) should be consumed only occasionally to supplement fluid intake.

4. Healthy eating

Good nutrition is the cornerstone of good health and immune support. Try to eat healthy, whole foods. It is recommended that you eat at least 4 portions of fruit or vegetables, 3 portions of cereals and 3 portions of milk or equivalent dairy products per day. Although children are often fussy eaters, it is worth trying to eat as many whole foods as possible. Include seeds and fruit in snacks, add green leafy vegetables to sandwiches and feel free to use herbs. Make cooking a shared activity and introduce your child to new ingredients. However, the example we set is also very important. So, if we want to develop healthy habits, let's make it a family project, not just talk about healthy eating, let's set a good example!

5. Vitamins and trace elements

Consuming vitamins and trace elements naturally guarantees the best absorption. During the winter months, however, there is less supply of fresh, vitamin-rich fruit and vegetables, so you can target foods that are high in certain vitamins (such as vitamin C in peppers and citrus fruits) or look for vitamin supplements to complement your diet. Vitamin D supplementation is particularly important in the period from September to March, as it requires sunlight, which is limited in winter.

Antioxidants also contribute to the balanced functioning and support of the immune system. These include vitamins C, E and A, flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids. Certain trace elements such as selenium, zinc and magnesium also support the immune system.

6. Probiotics

We now know that the gut flora is linked to the immune and nervous systems, so it's worth looking after it. In children, it's particularly important to boost the immune system, and probiotics can be a big help. Probiotics are an essential and natural inhabitant of the intestinal tract, without them neither our immune system nor our digestive system could function healthily and well. The bacteria in the gut also play an active role in the development of proper immunity, preventing the overgrowth of fungi and pathogens through their metabolism.

Super supplements to support the immune system:

1. NOW Vitamin C 1000 mg (250 tablets)
2. NOW Vitamin D 2000 IU (240 softgels)
3. Jarrow Formulas CINK capsules - zinc balance (100 capsules)
4. JutaVit Ginko Biloba 120 mg + Magnesuim 150 g (50 capsules)
5. NOW 8 billion acidophilus & bifidus - probiotics (60 capsules)