Article written in collaboration with Christine Lacaze, creator and author of the online magazine Mademoiselle Cricri.
``Our children are full of energy, aren't they? The same is true for their developing immune systems, which are particularly reactive to external aggressions. This is also why they are regularly confronted with acute illnesses that can sometimes manifest violently. You are probably wondering how to compensate for the lack of vitamin D in winter ? As a naturopath (and mother), I have always trusted this natural healing force that my daughter possesses. Rather than replacing her healing power with chemical medications, I prefer to stimulate her ability to repel attacks through natural means. Prevention is therefore essential for me so that my daughter knows how to defend herself against microbial attacks in a sustainable way. Nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, and even homeopathy support and strengthen the immunity of little ones (and older ones!), in order to guarantee them better health, without unwanted side effects. I share my advice with you.``
Health, nutritional deficiencies and the immune system
Just like that of adults, a child's immune system fights against attacks from germs, bacteria, viruses, parasites, and even fungi. The healthier and stronger their immune system, the more effective natural defenses it provides the child against disease. Health, nutritional deficiencies, and immunity are therefore closely linked. Indeed, a body lacking certain essential minerals or vitamins will have a more fragile immune system and therefore less likely to fight off winter infections, colds, or flu. Improving your children's immune system strengthens their health, and vice versa.
Rethinking your lifestyle habits
It all starts with healthy lifestyle habits. The immune system is dependent on nutritional factors and lifestyle habits. Favor a healthy, non-toxic environment. Did you know that there are more than 100,000 chemical substances (pesticides, environmental toxins, chemicals, etc.) in our environment to which our children are exposed daily? Numerous studies have revealed that contact with these substances damages the immune system over time, thus reducing its ability to fight infections. Maintain a healthy intestinal flora. You may not have known this, but the body's first line of defense against any form of external aggression is located in the intestines. This is why it is very important to ensure that your children have healthy intestinal flora to properly fight infections. You can give them probiotic supplements* (as a preventative treatment) to help stimulate good intestinal bacteria. Be careful, however, not to give them to your child if the infection has already occurred! In this case, you risk feeding the virus. Get enough sleep. Quality sleep is essential for the body's recovery. And your children need it more than anyone! Studies show that lack of sleep reduces the number of white blood cells in the body, the immune system's weapons that attack germs. Depending on their age, children need 10 to 13 hours of sleep. Exercise! You've probably heard this before, but physical exercise strengthens the immune system. We believe we should be role models for our daughter. So, to encourage her to do it, every morning we organize a short family exercise session. It's easy and fun. Promotes emotional well-being. Show your love for your child with daily displays of affection. Don't hesitate to hug them tightly and tell them you love them.
Also, laugh together! It's good for your health.
Food: an easy solution to stock up on vitamins
There is a close correlation between diet and the immune system. First, try to favor a "raw" diet, that is, unprocessed. The additives and preservatives found in processed foods are not friends of the immune system. Also, it is essential to reduce (or even eliminate) all sources of white sugar . Why? Many studies show that sugar destroys white blood cells, considered the little soldiers of the immune system. As I told you above, white blood cells fight and destroy germs that can cause diseases. Second, opt for a diet rich in micronutrients, vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc to strengthen the immune system. To do this, offer vegetables and fruits to your children at every meal. Parsley, for example, is very rich in vitamin C. Is it easy to sprinkle it everywhere? For vitamin A, you'll find it mainly in colorful fruits and vegetables, especially orange ones: pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, etc. Zinc is found in animal proteins, but also in wheat germ or sesame seeds. Another tip: I also really like using garlic in my cooking in winter, because it's fabulous for strengthening the immune system thanks to its antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Food supplements
I admit that our busy lifestyles tend to quickly deplete our bodies and those of our children. It is therefore preferable, especially at the beginning of winter, to take some dietary supplements to give them the little "boost" they need. While there are many choices on the market, for my daughter, I always opt for easy solutions—those that don't require me to run after her for 30 minutes around the house to finally force her to swallow her spoon. Homeopathy helps reduce nutritional deficiencies naturally. That's why I find the format of Homeocan Kids 0-9 Gummy Bears super well thought out! They look like candy! In addition to tasting delicious, their compositions are truly ideally made to contribute to the rebalancing of the immune and nutritional systems. Homeocan Children's Multivitamins 0-9: for vitamin and mineral deficiencies The Multivitamin complex (for children 9 years and older) is excellent to use now, with the first cold weather. This mixture is composed, among other things, of vitamins A, B12, C and Zinc - the ones I was talking about above. Give your child a bear every morning to support their immune system. Homeocan Children's Immuni+ 0-9: from the first signs of weakness The Immuni+ complex (for children 4 years and older) is composed of three major ingredients that create a "boost" on the immune system in case of weakness. Vitamin C increases the body's resistance to infection. Propolis , for its part, has great antiviral properties and Echinacea has many immunostimulating, antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. So here's a trio that works very well together and produces great results. And you, what tips do you use to help your children have a healthier immune and nutritional system? *Photo Credit: © Christine Lacaze **Article in collaboration with Mademoiselle Cricri . However, the opinions expressed are hers and 100% sincere! **If in doubt, do not hesitate to seek advice from a healthcare professional.