Are you looking for ways to boost your child's immunity? Here are 10 tips to do it the natural way

Do you wonder, when your child is sick, just how many times it is normal for your child to fall sick in a year? Well, the experts tell us that there is no fixed number. Changes in season may cause the onset of infections, and preschoolers who are exposed to infections from other children at school are at a higher risk of falling sick.

There's not a more opportune moment to start thinking about boosting your child's immune system than now. A strong immune system helps fight disease-producing organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. On the whole, it creates a shield that protects your child against diseases. We look at 10 simple ways by which you can boost your child's immunity.

1. Breastfeed your baby

Colostrum, the initial milk that is provided by the mother to the baby, is rich in nutrients. It is very important for immunity development as it enables the formation of immunoglobins in the body. Micronutrients further provide adequate immune factors. The immunity of breastfed children is better than that of bottle-fed children because of its protective nutrients. Also, the bottle may have germs and there is always the risk of the formula or milk being contaminated. A healthy baby grows up into a healthy adult. So, do breastfeed your baby.

2. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics

If your preschooler is suffering from a bacterial infection, your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic, which may kill germs but does not boost immunity. Excessive use of antibiotics results in antibiotic resistance and decreased immunity in preschoolers.

3. Boost your preschooler's sleep time

Adequate sleep is helpful in keeping immunity levels high by providing adequate rest to the body. Sleep deprivation can make a child more susceptible to illness by reducing his immunity and the body's natural ability to fight diseases.

4. Give them nutritious food

A balanced diet that is rich in fiber and fluid will help boost immunity. Limit the intake of junk. Only adequate nutrition can keep the immune system healthy and strong.

5. Engage them in regular exercise

Regular exercise and activity help boost your child's immune system. An article in FitDay states that moderate exercise a few times a week can drastically reduce the number of colds one gets in a year. Doctors have found out that exercise boosts the cells in the body that are assigned to attack bacteria, thus improving the immune system.

6. Include five servings of fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables should be an essential part of your preschooler's diet. Green beans, carrots, oranges, and strawberries -- all contain immunity-boosting phytonutrients like vitamin C and carotenoids. Ideally, your preschooler should consume five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

7. Teach your preschooler hygiene

Preschoolers spend most of their time with children their same age playing. Germs are often transferred through dirty hands, which can result in illnesses. Teach your preschooler to wash her hands after sneezing, playing, coughing, and going to the bathroom. Ideally, hands should be washed with warm water and soap.

8. Don't skip immunizations

Make sure you are responsible and punctual with your preschooler's vaccination schedule. Immunizations begin in infancy and continue into adulthood. This will also strengthen your child's immune system and equip it to fight diseases like measles, chicken pox, and other infections better.

9. Provide a non-toxic environment

Poor quality of indoor and outdoor air, contaminated food and water, and exposure to smoke and other pollutants all contribute to weakened immunity in your child. Buying organic and healthy foods and reducing your preschooler's exposure to harmful pollutants go a long way in strengthening her immunity.

10. Decrease stress

Stress is bad not only for your preschooler's health but his immunity as well. Elevated stress hormones in your child may lead to decreased immunity. For instance, going to school may seem a minor thing to you but for your preschooler, it may be a daunting task as it is an experience. Make sure he takes time off to unwind and relax.

Try these natural immune-boosting methods and watch your child grow up into a healthy, happy, and successful adult.