Toddler Immunity
Immune Support for your under 5
It’s been a crazy few years for everyone but I’ve been increasingly worried about the under 5’s and their lack of exposure to real life – not only sunshine and fresh air to thrive but they have not established their defense against the usual amount of pathogens in the environment to build strong immune systems.
Whether this will lead to a long spate of sickness as they now build immunity, or perhaps it has actually given their immune systems time to mature and develop before they’re now exposed - either way it is important to understand how to support their immune systems going forward and not be afraid to expose them to bugs. That said, it’s important they still learn basic hand hygiene to protect themselves from more serious illness.
Here are my top tips
Let them play outside with exposed skin as often as possible to build their stores of vitamin D and exposure to soil and air born bugs. Be sensible though as delicate skin also needs protecting from the sun so limit time to 15 minutes and avoid the midday summer sun.
Over 70% of the immune system resides in the GI tract so gut health is vital. Bone broth soups are full of gut healing l-glutamine and are very easy for them to eat with a chunk of dunk-able fresh bread. Hiding anchovies in bolognes sauces can be a great way to increase omega 3 fatty acids useful for immune health. Chocolate avocado mousse is also brilliant to increase healthy fats needed for cell health and energy.
Ideally, they need to eat a colourful rainbow at every meal for extra antioxidant support, so they can mend and clear the pathogens from their systems. Freeze dried berry powder can also be mixed in. For fussy children hiding vegetables in sauces and creating delicious smoothies that you can freeze into ice lollies can work wonders. This is easier the younger the child is. Serve colourful vegetables as snacks and as a starter before a meal to make sure they are exposed to as many vegetables when they are hungry.
If meals are not being eaten but they find a sweet yogurt or sweet treats more enticing (don’t we all) – this may be learnt or habitual behaviour. The body craves sugar. When we eat sweet foods the brain’s reward system gets activated. Dopamine is a brain chemical that signals if a positive or pleasurable event. When the reward system fires, it reinforces behaviours, making it more likely for us to carry out these actions again. Children will mainly be getting fuel from these foods but not the essential nutrients required to grow and learn. Remember empty calories with little nutrients may not only prevent hunger for the next meal but may fuel unhealthy bacteria in the digestive tract. Treats are exactly that treats that should only be considered once or twice a week, in the middle of the day and well before bedtime. Do not allow the sweet treats to interfere with meals try to make sure they eat a nutritious meal first.
Concentrate on the meals you can make better. Breakfast is important to establish if you can – it’s easier the younger the child is. Beta glucans in porridge oats with added berries, nuts and seeds are a great alternative.
No matter how fussy your child may be – don’t give up or react when they don’t eat what you want. Persevere for their health.
Supplement Ideas
Vitamin and Mineral
Source of Life Animal Parade Gummies Natural - suitable for 4+
Cytoplan Bear – multi vitamin - Children aged 3-5yrs: 1 bear per day. A children’s chewable multi: vitamin and mineral-enriched bear-shaped red gummies with a strawberry flavour
Gardens of life have a great range of products for babies upwards. The elderberry, multi and probiotics
Bionutri Elderberry melts – great for a cold s- Junior Elderberry Complex combines different nutrients such as Vitamins C, B6 and D with Zinc, Beta Glucans and Black Elderberry a rich source of polyphenols, all separately recognised to support various aspects of the immune system - in a natural berry flavoured, easy to take, chewable tablet. Children from age 2-5: One chewable tablet daily after a meal.
Omega 3 - Immune support – Nutri Advanced Jelly Splats suitable for 3+ Eskimo®- pure and stable fish oil in a delicious chewable jelly splat tablet that provides the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA which are important for our health. Now including vitamin D.
Probiotic – Optibac gummies suitable for 3+ Naturally delicious fruit gummies with friendly bacteria, calcium, vitamin D and FOS fibres.
Disclaimer – all information here is generic advice not suitable for all. You should always seek professional advice for personalised nutrition, especially when it comes to children and supplementation. If in doubt leave it out or contact a health professional.
NB
Babies need powders or drops while 12 month plus, a chewable may be suitable
Do not exceed Vitamin D recommendations for small children
12months and younger only 1000iu vitamin D, 1-2 years 2000iu a day