Although my family has chosen homeschooling for a variety of reasons, we’re still not shielded from the wave of illnesses that seem to accompany the start of the school year. As the weather cools, we spend less time outside and more time at places like libraries and homeschool co-ops, where germs can easily spread.
While hand sanitizers seem to be everywhere in public spaces, they’re not our only line of defense. The best way to ward off illnesses is by having a strong immune system. This doesn’t happen overnight but takes time and effort to build. I’ve found that starting to enhance our immune system before the school year begins gives us a better chance to stay healthy.
Of course, we can’t avoid every cold or flu, but boosting our immune system naturally can certainly help in fighting off common germs. As summer ends, I begin to focus on strengthening our immune systems with several strategies:
Eating a healthy diet is crucial for a strong immune system. However, convincing picky eaters can be challenging. Here are some tips and recipes that might help your kids start the school year right.
There’s often debate about what and when we should eat, but one thing is clear: foods loaded with preservatives, artificial colors, or sweeteners are not healthy options. These types of foods can cause inflammation, making it harder for the body to fight infections, which is the last thing we need during cold and flu season.
I encourage my kids to enjoy nutrient-dense foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals to support their body and mind. For quick and easy breakfasts, healthy snack ideas, and lunches they enjoy helping to prepare, we try to make eating healthy a fun experience.
Junk food can be tough to resist, especially for kids. Educating them on making healthier choices can be tricky, but teaching them healthy eating habits early on sets them up for a successful future, even though there might be some initial resistance.
Exercise is vital for overall health. It not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also boosts heart health and brain function, and possibly even strengthens the immune system. A 2019 review highlights how exercise can increase gut bacteria diversity, which plays a significant role in immune health.
We love exercising as a family and turning physical activities into games. These fun exercises not only keep us active but also benefit our health in numerous ways. Playing in the dirt is another good way to enhance the diversity of gut bacteria, which is essential for a strong immune system.
As school starts again, kids often spend more time indoors. To balance this, we enjoy activities such as walking barefoot in the yard and creating things with natural materials. A little outdoor play can do wonders for our physical and mental wellbeing.
Getting good sleep is another important factor when it comes to health. Cultivating positive sleep habits before the school year starts can help ease the transition into a new routine. Sleep not only enhances immune defenses but a healthy immune system also supports sleep through certain signals.
I recommend setting a consistent bedtime a week or two before school starts to help regulate the sleep cycle. Reading before bed works wonders for winding down and is a cherished routine in our household. We avoid night lights and limit screen time to prevent the disruption of melatonin production for a balanced night’s rest.
Returning to school can be stressful for many kids. A calming bedtime routine can help ease this anxiety. We incorporate natural ways to relax, setting the tone for a healthful year.
Herbal remedies have long been used for their immune-supporting properties. We’ve adopted several herbal solutions that absorb easily and offer a host of benefits. While a healthy diet is crucial, supplements can help fill any nutritional gaps, ensuring kids get what they need to stay healthy.
Probiotics are beneficial for gut health, which in turn supports the immune system. Including probiotics in our diet, with fermented foods or supplements, boosts gut flora diversity and resilience against infection.
Vitamin C is a must-have during the colder months, as it helps reduce recovery time from illnesses. We increase our intake before and after the school year begins to strengthen our immune system as kids adjust to new environments.
With kids staying more indoors, vitamin D levels can drop. Monitoring vitamin D levels and consulting a healthcare professional can help determine the right amount of supplementation needed to maintain immunity.
Magnesium is another mineral that is vital for immune health and is often lacking in our diets. We apply it topically for quick absorption and also include it in our daily routines for overall wellness.
Gelatin, with its anti-inflammatory properties, aids in keeping the digestive system healthy. It’s simple to incorporate into everyday meals to boost our body’s natural defenses.
Good personal hygiene is another cornerstone of preventing illness. From washing hands to brushing teeth correctly, we emphasize these habits with our children. Creating our own natural, chemical-free products like hand soap and bubble bath helps us avoid unnecessary chemicals while maintaining hygiene.
Finally, teaching kids about how their actions can impact others is important. Simple daily conversations about hygiene and health can empower kids to take charge of their own wellbeing.
Remember, boosting the immune system is a process, and even small changes can make a big difference. Focus on diet, rest, and exercise first, then gradually incorporate other healthy habits.
