Natural Children’s Vitamins and Immunity

With over 90 cases of measles reported in the United States in just the first three months of 2014, this most recent outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease has shed new light what happens when parents do not vaccinate their children. The MMR vaccine, which is used to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella, has long been the source of debate over its safety. However, children who are not vaccinated are at risk of acquiring otherwise preventable diseases.

Regardless of what side of the vaccine debate you fall on, supporting your child’s natural ability to fight off infections is vital to their long-term health. This includes providing healthy, balanced meals that supply ample amounts of vitamins and minerals to support a properly-functioning immune system.  For those who have dietary restrictions, food allergies, aversions or any number of nutritional issues, obtaining sufficient vitamins and minerals each day from food is not always possible. In these cases, it makes sense to supplement with natural children’s vitamins.

Let’s take a look at some of the primary ways you can boost your child’s immune system:

Fruits and Veggies
Fresh fruits and vegetables are, without a doubt, the best source of vitamins and minerals. And, these nutrients are fundamental to a child’s health. Some of the best sources are berries, melons, tomatoes, broccoli, sweet potatoes, bananas, apples, carrots, and leafy greens.

Natural Children’s Vitamins
To bridge any nutritional gap, getting in the habit of offering natural vitamins for children is a good idea. Look for a brand that is naturally sweetened with Xylitol and contains a full range of the vitamins and minerals that are needed each day.

Sleep
Young bodies need lots of downtime for re-energizing and repair. Make sure your child is getting the right amount of sleep for their age.

Exercise
Daily play and exercise is an excellent way to promote a healthy immune system. Whether it’s organized sports or running around in the backyard, every activity helps.

Fluids
Children are prone to getting dehydrated. And, this can lead to a drop in the body’s natural immune function. Make sure your child get plenty of water, along with recommended amounts of milk and fruit juice in their daily diet.

From natural children’s vitamins to drinking plenty of H2O, there is a lot you can do to stave off the germs and viruses that your child is exposed to each and every day. Of course, you should talk to your pediatrician about vaccines and other ways to prevent infection to keep him or her as healthy as possible throughout these important years.