There is a way to reduce your child's susceptibility to contracting the flu this season which goes above maintaining good hygienic practices like washing hands constantly. By increasing certain immune boosting foods and decreasing other immune suppressing foods you will be giving your kids immune system the nutrients it needs for defense during the cold and flu season. Winter calls for some tips to boost our kids immune system. The number one food to decrease or eliminate is SUGAR . I know this is hard during the season of Halloween candy, holiday treats and Christmas cookies, but if you follow this one cold and flu season tip, you can make a big impact on your children's susceptibility to illness.
Sugar feeds bacteria, and negatively affects the balance of healthy gut flora. Sugar also works to suppress the immune system. Evidence shows that even a moderate amount of sugar, the equivalent of 1 can of soda, can deem the immune system useless for up to 4 hours. Some good, natural sugar substitutes are honey, agave, stevia and xylitol.
What to Eat
A diet rich in phytonutrients is paramount to keep your kids immune system functioning at an optimal level. Phytonutrients are most prevalent in fruits and vegetables. You and your child should eat an abundance of whole fruits and vegetables, in their natural and unrefined state, particularity ones which are rich in vitamin C and zinc, which have helpful immune supporting properties.
Foods high in vitamin C including kale, spinach, sweet potatoes
Foods high in zinc including ginger, cinnamon, turkey and chicken
Foods high in vitamin D including salmon, mushrooms and fortified eggs
The effects of sugar on your child's immune system http://www.babyfooddoctor.com/sugarandourchildrenshealth.html
Try this kid friendly recipe
to increase your kids immune supporting nutrients:
Õ ¢ï¿½Õ ¢ Vitamin C: Sweet Potatoes
Õ ¢ï¿½Õ ¢ Zinc: Chicken, thyme
Õ ¢ï¿½Õ ¢ Vitamin D: fortified egg
For the complete article and recipe please visit http://www.babyfooddoctor.com/kidsimmunesystem.html
About the Author
Dr Bruno pursued and received her Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine from National University of Health Sciences in Chicago where she concurrently attained her Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN).
Dr. Bruno has dedicated herself to working with female health issues as well as promoting a prevention model of health care for all of her patients. She addresses nutritional issues including but not limited to: weight loss, hormone imbalances, fibromyalgia, pre and post natal needs, food allergies and fatigue.
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