As soon as there is a slight change in the weather – whether it is the onset of cold after rain or increasing heat after winter – the health of small children is the first to be affected. Children are constantly exposed to bacteria and viruses during school and sports. Due to weak immune system, many children become vulnerable to cold, cough, throat infection, flu or viral fever every 15-20 days. Giving antibiotics or cough syrup repeatedly is not good for the delicate liver and intestines of children. According to pediatricians and nutritionists, the most sustainable and safe way to keep children safe from seasonal diseases is to include natural immunity-boosting superfoods in their diet. If children are given the right nutrients in their diet right from childhood, their body becomes fully capable of fighting infections on its own.
Vitamin C is the most basic soldier of children's immune system. It increases the formation and functionality of white blood cells in the body, which destroy infection-causing germs.
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Which fruits to give: Include fresh seasonal fruits like orange, sweet lime, kiwi, strawberry and guava in the daily diet of children.
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Amla's magic: Amla is the richest natural source of Vitamin C. It contains 20 times more Vitamin C than orange. Since children do not eat Amla directly as it is astringent, they can be given homemade Amla murabba, Amla candy or half a teaspoon of Amla powder with honey. It strengthens the respiratory system of children and protects them from seasonal allergies and colds.
Dry fruits are essential for both the physical and mental development of children, but almonds and walnuts provide special protection in the changing seasons.
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Vitamin-E and Zinc: Almonds are an excellent source of Vitamin E, which protects cells from oxidative stress. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, which help in reducing inflammation in the lungs and keeping the immunity cells active.
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Correct way of feeding: Soak 4-5 almonds and 1 walnut in water overnight. In the morning, remove the peel and give it to children to chew and eat. If the child is reluctant to eat it directly, it can be ground and mixed with lukewarm milk or porridge/oats and given as a smoothie.
According to medical science, almost all of our body 70 percent immunity intestines (Gut Health) Is situated in. If the digestive system of the child remains healthy and there is a balance of good bacteria in the intestines, then no infection can attack easily.
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Natural Source of Probiotics: Feed freshly prepared curd at home to children instead of flavored or packaged sweet yogurt from the market. It contains live probiotic bacteria like 'Lactobacillus', which keeps the digestive system healthy and protects against stomach infections, diarrhea and seasonal flu.
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How to give: Give a bowl of plain curd in lunch or add roasted cumin and rock salt to it and give it in the form of buttermilk. Keep in mind that during the changing weather, avoid giving curd in the evening or at night, so that there is no problem of cough.
In Ayurveda, 'Golden Milk' i.e. milk with turmeric is the oldest and tested home remedy for seasonal diseases of children.
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Miraculous properties of curcumin: 'Curcumin' present in turmeric is a powerful anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory compound. It instantly soothes sore throat, chest congestion and dry cough that occurs at night.
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Correct way to make: Before sleeping at night, mix a pinch of pure turmeric, a pinch of ground nutmeg and half a teaspoon of pure desi ghee or a little honey in a glass of lukewarm milk. Nutmeg helps babies get restful sleep, while ghee eliminates dryness of the throat. This drink provides internal warmth to the children's body throughout the night in the changing weather.
It is very important to include colorful vegetables in children's plates instead of junk food and items made from refined flour.
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Spinach and Fenugreek: Green leafy vegetables contain abundant amounts of folate, iron, vitamin A and antioxidants, which accelerate the production of new antibodies in the body.
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Sweet Potato: Children eat sweet potatoes with great enthusiasm. It is a rich source of beta-carotene (vitamin A). Vitamin A keeps our body's mucus membrane (inner membrane of nose, throat and lungs) strong, due to which viruses and bacteria are unable to enter the body. Sweet potatoes can be boiled or roasted in light ghee and given to children for breakfast as chaat.
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Ban on white sugar and packaged snacks: Excessive sugar, chips, cold drinks and packaged foods dull children's immune cells (neutrophils) for several hours, increasing the risk of infection by 50%.
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Adequate Water and Hydration: As the weather changes, children forget to drink water even when they feel thirsty. Due to lack of water in the body, mucus dries up and germs stick easily. Provide lukewarm water, coconut water or fresh homemade soup throughout the day.
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8 to 10 hours of deep sleep: During sleep, the body releases proteins called 'cytokines', which fight infection and stress. Make sure children go to bed on time and get enough sleep at night.