As the back-to-school season approaches and summer is coming to an end, a robust immune system is key for warding off common illnesses and ensuring a successful academic year. Paying attention to proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep, while minimizing stress, will provide the best foundation needed for a successful school year.
Get Proper Nutrition
Whole foods, healthy meals and snacks can set your child up for success. A diet that is made up of 60-70% whole food (plant-based) complex carbohydrates; 15-20% protein; and 15-20% healthy fat (including plenty of omega-3 fats) is recommended.
Make it fun by encouraging your child to eat the rainbow full of nutrient-rich foods. The concept of ‘eating the rainbow’ isn’t merely whimsical; it’s grounded in nutritional science. Each color in fruits and vegetables corresponds to specific phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Let’s explore the health benefits associated with different colors:
- Red Foods: Tomatoes, cherries, and watermelon boast vibrant red hues and are rich in beneficial antioxidant compounds. Lycopene and other carotenoids are antioxidants that provide the red color. Vitamins A and C also protect against free radical damage, bolstering immunity and defending against illness.
- Orange Foods: Beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, is abundant in foods like carrots, apricots, and oranges. Vitamin A supports vision and immune function. Meanwhile, the vitamin C in sweet potatoes, orange bell peppers, and oranges, adds an extra layer of immune support and promotes wound healing
- Yellow Foods: Yellow foods such as yellow squash and pineapple are excellent sources of vitamin C and potassium which supports the immune system, cardiovascular health, and protects cells from free radical damage.
- Green Foods: Many green fruits and vegetables, such as spinach and kale, contain carotenoid antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Other green fruits such as limes, green apples and grapes contain antioxidant flavonoids. These antioxidants all help protect cells from damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Blue & Purple Foods: Blue and purple fruits and vegetables like blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and purple cabbage are rich in anthocyanins and resveratrol. These polyphenols are antioxidants that help protect cells from damage, support the immune system, and reduce inflammation.
Promote Healthy Hydration
Proper hydration is essential for the body’s natural detoxification process, aiding in the removal of excess salt and water-soluble toxins. Maintaining adequate hydration is essential for supporting your child’s immune system. Drinking adequate amounts of mineral-rich water daily will optimize brain function and overall bodily performance.
Manage Stress
Transitioning to a new routine can evoke a range of emotions, such as anxiety and stress, for some individuals. Younger children may struggle with extended periods of sitting still, while older students might find it daunting to cope with tight deadlines and assignments. Students of all ages may encounter social or academic challenges during this period.
To help manage stress, it’s beneficial for children to incorporate physical exercise and prioritize restorative sleep. These practices can significantly support their overall well-being during times of adjustment.
Get Adequate Physical Activity
Physical activity has a direct impact on stress reduction. When children engage in exercise, their bodies release endorphins which naturally enhance mood and reduce cortisol levels. Regular exercise helps manage stress by promoting relaxation, improving sleep quality, and enhancing overall well-being.
Exercise also promotes the movement of white blood cells into the bloodstream, and levels remain elevated for up to three hours. Regular exercise increases “immunosurveillance,” allowing immune cells to patrol the body more effectively. This surveillance helps identify and combat viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.
Finally, exercise strengthens the heart and blood vessels, leading to better blood flow. This, in turn, supports the body’s natural detoxification process, contributing to overall well-being and athletic performance.
Get Plenty of Restorative Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is essential for a child’s wellbeing. During sleep, the body detoxifies, renews and restores. School-aged children typically require 9-11 hours of sleep to protect their mental and physical health. Inadequate sleep can lead to increased inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to a variety of health problems, including immune dysfunction. Restorative sleep helps regulate inflammation levels, promoting a balanced immune response. During deep sleep stages, the body produces and releases cytokines, proteins that help regulate the immune response. These cytokines are essential for fighting off infections and inflammation.
Test Hidden Hypersensitivities
The LRA by ELISA/ACT® tests, also known as lymphocyte response assays, are specialized blood tests used to assess a person’s immune system responses to various foods and environmental chemicals.
Delayed (hidden) hypersensitivities identified through LRA testing can contribute to chronic inflammation in the body. By eliminating or reducing exposure to the identified triggers, inflammation can decrease and repair can progressively commence. This can potentially alleviate symptoms such as gastrointestinal issues, skin problems, respiratory issues, and more, which are often linked to immune system overactivity.
A balanced and well-functioning immune system is important for children’s growth, development, and overall health. By addressing immune system challenges identified through the LRA test, parents and healthcare providers can optimize conditions for children to thrive, ensuring they have the best chance for healthy development.
Support Immune Health with Nutritional Supplements
PERQUE Life Guard Chewables™: These chewable multivitamin and multimineral tablets offer a comprehensive blend of 24 essential nutrients. Specifically designed for kids and teens, they cover the nutritional bases necessary for optimal immune function.
Zinc plays an important role in immune defense and tissue repair. PERQUE Zinc & Throat Guard ™ lozenges provide a special blend of fully soluble, energized zinc and synergistic nutrients for maximum immune support.* Formulated with three activated forms of zinc, in a chewable cherry/berry lozenge, PERQUE Zinc & Throat Guard helps reduce incidence of cold symptoms.*
In Conclusion
As the back-to-school season approaches and summer draws to a close, nurturing a healthy immune system is important for ensuring your child’s health and success throughout the academic year. By focusing on proper nutrition, hydration, adequate sleep, and stress management, parents can lay a solid foundation for their child’s well-being.
* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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