Having a strong immune system that’s ready to battle the different colds and viruses that come your way is essential, especially when you’re a child in school. Kids face a multitude of different germs, bacteria, and viruses every day between the different surfaces they touch and the objects they share at school.

Because of everything they come into contact with throughout the day, it’s crucial to make sure you and your child work to keep your immune systems working to the best of their abilities. Here’s everything you need to know about how to boost kids’ immunity for school.

What Are the Best Methods for Strengthening Your Child’s Immune System?

When it comes to strengthening a child’s immune system, there are a variety of methods that can help to give them the boost they need—many of which work better together. Some of the best ways to get your child and their immune system ready for school include:

Taking Vitamins Accordingly

Making sure your child gets all the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they need as they grow and go to school is imperative. While eating a healthy, well-rounded diet will help to make sure your children are getting a good amount of the nutrients they need, many kids require extra supplementation to keep their immune systems and overall health in better shape. If you’re not sure of the supplements to use, it’s always a good idea to talk to a professional to see what they recommend. Common supplements like a good child’s multivitamin are always beneficial, too.

Prioritizing Activity and Sleep

Physical activity is a great way to help your child strengthen their immune system. For a child, being active can come in many forms, but what’s most important is that they’re out and moving. From playing outside to going on a short walk, keeping your child active helps keep them healthy in the long run.

In addition to helping your child stay active, prioritizing sleep is just as important. Kids going to school are not only tired from long days full of activities and learning, but they’re also continuously battling germs and bacteria. Without proper rest, a child’s body can struggle to take care of itself, whether it’s physically or emotionally. If you have a child who is involved in constant activity, such as participating in multiple sports all year round, make sure they don’t get burned out.

Help Them Manage Stress

Stress can take a toll on a child’s health just as much as it can on any adult’s health. Studies have found that long-term stress can cause imbalances in immune function, ultimately lowering the ability of a person (or child) to fight germs and viruses. When a person is stressed, particularly over a long period of time, it can be hard for them to perform basic tasks and functions.

For children, constant stress can turn into long-term health issues if it is not addressed and reduced. Stress can affect the way a child eats, sleeps, and even interacts with their peers. Teaching your child healthy coping mechanisms such as journaling, deep breathing, and taking time to themselves can help lower their stress level. These are only a few ways to help them fight stress and keep their immune systems working properly.

Stay Updated with Vaccines

The CDC has a basic immunization schedule that is recommended for all children. While vaccine recommendations may vary depending on the age of your child and where you live, there are multiple basic vaccinations that all children should have, especially when going to school. Certain vaccines require boosters or multiple doses. Making sure your children’s vaccines are up to date helps lower the risk of them catching an infectious disease or illness.

Eating a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is important for everyone, adults and children alike. If you’re eating poorly, your body can’t function at its best. As a child, making sure you’re eating healthy, whole, and nutritious foods is fundamental for proper growth. It also greatly impacts the overall function of your bodily systems, like your immune system. According to the CDC, children between the ages of 4-8 should be consuming 1½ cups of fruit and 1½ cups of vegetables daily to meet their nutritional needs. If you’re a parent looking to help boost your kid’s immunity, implementing a diet that provides them with the different food groups full of required nutrients will help immensely.

What Foods Boost a Child’s Immune System?

There’s a variety of healthy, whole food that can help boost your child’s immune system and help them continue to grow and develop properly. Some of the best foods to feed your child for immunity are:

Ginger

Ginger is a superfood known for its multiple health benefits along with its unique taste. Most commonly known as an anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea treatment, ginger also helps to support immune system function. It’s a common home remedy for anyone who’s feeling under the weather, nauseous, or trying to keep from getting sick. When having your kids try ginger, putting a bit in smoothies or a sauce is always a great way to have them try the flavor first. Ginger tea is also a great product for when you’re battling a cold.

Citrus Fruit

When it comes to supporting your immune system, one of the most common vitamins you will hear about is vitamin C. Vitamin C has been found to not only help with the overall functioning of your immune system, but it also increases the production of white blood cells in your body. White blood cells help to fight infections trying to enter your body, so by increasing the amount of white blood cells you have, you are able to ultimately fight off viruses and infections much better. Lemons, grapefruit, oranges, and other citrus fruits contain high levels of vitamin C and are great snacks to give your kids throughout the day or add into their favorite foods.

Broccoli

Broccoli is another superfood packed with vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, and even fiber. This vegetable is one of the best that your child can eat, delivering vitamins A, C, and E. One of the best ways to get all of the nutrients that broccoli has to offer is by eating it raw, but that isn’t always easy with children. Steaming is also a great option to keep your broccoli healthy, too.

Garlic

Garlic is delicious and fantastic for your child’s immune system. It contains a substance known as allicin, which converts into new compounds containing sulfur when eaten. These compounds are what help give garlic its medicinal properties, such as boosting the immune system and providing anti-inflammatory effects. Garlic can be used as an antibacterial and antiseptic as well.

Blueberries

Blueberries are full of antioxidants that can help your children’s immune systems perform to the best of their abilities. These berries contain a flavonoid known as anthocyanin, which has antioxidant features that help the immune system to function. Flavonoids have also been found to aid in immune system health and fight infections.

Supplements to Boost a Child’s Immune System

Consider the following supplements to help boost your child’s immune system.

Vitamin C

For decades, vitamin C has been one of the most popular immune-boosting and cold-fighting supplements to date. It’s a strong antioxidant that has been found to not only improve the function of the immune system, but it also helps with heart disease risks, fighting iron deficiencies, and it battles high blood pressure. You can find vitamin C in many different fruits and vegetables, which is why it’s so important that your child is getting the proper servings of each.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is another supplement that helps to boost your child’s immune system—and it works even better when paired with vitamin C. Most people know the sun as the strongest source of vitamin D, but your kids might not always be getting as much as they need. Vitamin D is most known for aiding in the absorption of substances such as calcium and phosphorus in your body, but research has also shown it may be a key fighter against disease. Making sure that your kids get enough vitamin C and D will aid in boosting their immune system and help them stay healthy for the long run.