The power of habits is often underestimated when it comes to strengthening your kids’ immunity. When kids cultivate good health habits, their immune system rewards them with a healthy body that allows them to do more and enjoy life.
After all, your kids’ immune system is an evolving work in progress. It constantly develops itself to strengthen its defenses and protect the body from harmful viruses, germs, and microbes that can negatively affect health. This principle applies to kids 1 of all ages, even those who may be on their way to adolescence and puberty, since they can be exposed to the elements that weaken the immune system at any time.
However, some habits can be detrimental to your kids’ health and act as hurdles in their quest for improved immunity. Unfortunately, your kids may be already practicing these habits or showing signs that they are on the cusp of performing them.
Parents can play a big role in addressing some of these bad habits before they worsen kids’ immunity and health. They can help provide sources of nutrients like vitamin C and zinc for kids, both of which are known to help boost immunity and assist in processes like blood vessel formation, collagen and cartilage production, muscle development, and wound healing. More importantly, parents can implement strategies that can help kids steer clear of bad immune health habits.
Watch out for these potential immunity-damaging habits that your kids may already be doing, and learn how you can make all-important changes before it’s too late. Plus, learn more about vitamins for your kids’ immune system that will help deliver health benefits.
1. Failing to exercise or be active
If your kids would rather spend more time lounging around watching shows or playing games instead of running around and/or playing with other kids, they may be at risk for a physically inactive or sedentary lifestyle.
A lifestyle heavily rooted in inactivity can be detrimental to kids. Findings published in 2023 revealed that kids who had fewer steps and physical activity had a higher risk for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), which include the common cold.
Research has also linked sedentary behaviors in children to a higher risk for asthma, obesity, cognitive development delays, impaired academic performance, and low self-esteem.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that physical activity may help enhance kids’ lungs’ and heart health, develop strong bones and muscles, assist with weight control, and lessen the risk for signs of anxiety and depression.
Most importantly, the authors of the same 2023 mentioned earlier have highlighted that kids who engage in more physical activity have less “sick days” caused by URTIs. Physically active kids are also less likely to experience symptoms of these health issues compared to their sedentary counterparts.
What parents can do: Authors of a 2022 study note that kids are more likely to engage in physical activities and time outdoors when they see their parents doing the same thing. Encouraging your kids to be less sedentary can start with you. For example, if you like jogging, biking, or walking, try bringing your kids with you, provided that they have thoroughly warmed up and are wearing appropriate gear.
You can also enroll your kids in activities that can be done after school or on the weekends. Examples include sports like basketball, volleyball, football, swimming, or gymnastics; dance classes, and outdoor activities. You can also enroll them in a play school or take them out on play dates. Not only will these activities keep them active and engaged, but allow them to socialize and play with other kids their age too.
2. Eating heavily processed food
Some kids tend to be picky eaters as they are still trying to make sense of the food they like and dislike. Unfortunately, some kids would rather eat unhealthy processed food like candy, soda, junk food like chips, and fast food like burgers, chicken nuggets, and fries.
Some processed food options are very high in sodium and added sugars. As such, kids who eat a lot of processed food may record a higher body mass index or are at risk of becoming overweight and obese.
Moreover, these food choices are usually lacking in vitamins, minerals, and other needed nutrients. When kids do not receive enough nutrients from the food they eat or supplements they take, they can be at risk for deficiencies that can severely affect immunity.
Researchers have long emphasized that deficiencies of vitamins C, D, and E, zinc, and selenium can negatively affect someone’s immune response and increase their risk for infections. This particular group of nutrients is known for its capabilities in boosting immune health, with health experts constantly recommending that people eat food choices loaded with these.
Lastly, studies have also established that obesity in kids can lead to pro-inflammatory conditions within the body and increase their risk for health issues like asthma, allergies, atopic dermatitis, and sleep apnea.
What parents can do: Getting your kids to completely let go of processed food, especially options that they like, is definitely easier said than done. You can definitely start by serving healthier food choices like sliced fruit and whole-grain bread with low-fat cheese or roasted veggies as snacks.
Like with physical activity, your kids may be more encouraged to eat less processed food (and more healthy food) when you lead by example. During mealtimes, serve dishes containing whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that are loaded with vitamins for kids' immune system.
3. Failing to get enough high-quality sleep
There are several reasons why some kids aren’t able to get enough sleep, such as increased consumption of sweet and sugary food, excessive screen time, stress due to external and internal factors, and some sleep disorders.
No matter the reason, a lack of sleep in kids can lead to negative consequences. Findings from 2022 revealed that kids who did not get enough sleep were more likely to exhibit impulsive and aggressive behavior, struggle with thinking problems, stress, anxiety, and depression, and experience disruptions to cognitive function abilities.
When kids lack sleep, it reduces their immune system’s ability to release cytokines, antibodies, and cells. These are key players in the body’s response to inflammation and stress, and help fight diseases. When these vital components dwindle in numbers within your kids’ immune system, this makes their bodies more susceptible to infection and illness.
What parents can do: Make sure your kids get enough high-quality sleep that is ideal for their age:
- Babies 4 to 12 months old: 12 to 16 hours, naps included
- Toddlers 1 to 2 years old: 11 to 14 hours, naps included
- Preschoolers 3 to 5 years old: 10 to 13 hours with naps as well
- School-age kids 6 to 12 years old: 9 to 12 hours
As parents, you can also encourage your kids to sleep more by helping them establish a bedtime routine, ensuring their room is cool enough to sleep in, reducing their screen time right before bed, and making sure they do not eat heavy meals before bedtime.
Let This Vitamin C Supplement Help With Kids’ Immunity
It's out with the bad habits to make space for those that help support the body's immunity. Jumpstart your kids’ immunity with the help of the doctor prescribed vitamin C supplement for kids in the Philippines — Ascorbic Acid (Ceelin®) Syrup for Kids, with proper diet and exercise.
Ascorbic Acid (Ceelin®) Syrup contains 100 mg of ascorbic acid per 5 mL that may help strengthen your kids’ immune system against common illnesses, ideally when taken alongside a proper diet and exercise.
This formulation’s vitamin C content can also help produce a protein called collagen that can ultimately help form bones, teeth, cartilage, and skin, and help stimulate wound healing.
When it comes to boosting your kids’ immunity and promoting their growth and development, count on Ascorbic Acid (Ceelin®) Syrup to provide you with a much-needed assist!
Suggested use of Ascorbic Acid (Ceelin®) Syrup (100 mg/5 mL) is 5 mL for kids 2 to 6 years old and 5 to 10 mL for kids 7 to 12 years old, orally once a day or as directed by a doctor.
Ascorbic Acid (Ceelin®) Syrup is available online and in leading drugstores nationwide at a suggested retail price (SRP) Php58.34 (60 mL bottle), Php123.62 (120 mL bottle), Php220.44 (250 mL bottle), and Php380.75 (500 mL bottle).
You can also check out Ascorbic Acid + Zinc (Ceelin® Plus) Syrup that has vitamin C and zinc, and is specially formulated with ZincPlus® Technology. This supplement helps your kids receive a stable and full dose of these nutrients so their immune system can be strengthened and their risk for deficiencies reduced with proper diet and exercise.
Suggested use of Ascorbic Acid + Zinc (Ceelin® Plus) Syrup (100 mg/5 mL) is 2.5 mL for kids 1 to 3 years old, 5 mL for kids 4 to 8 years old, and 5 to 10 mL for kids 7 to 12 years old, orally once a day or as directed by a doctor.
Ascorbic Acid + Zinc (Ceelin® Plus) Syrup is available online and in leading drugstores nationwide at a SRP of Php86 (60 mL bottle), Php161 (120 mL bottle), and Php300 (250 mL bottle).
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC Reference Code: U0169P053124C
