Immunity booster: Expert-approved tips to boost kids immunity amid COVID-19
Foods to boost immunity in kids
The rising threat of COVID-19 infection in kids and the unavailability of vaccination has made it vital to take extra care of their immune system. Strong immunity helps to cut down the risk of infection in kids and keep them healthy. One of the most basic ways to enhance immunity in both kids and adults is by adding healthy and nutritious food to the plate. Diet plays a crucial role in strengthening the kid's internal system, reduces the risk of precocious puberty, obesity and greying of hair. Recently, Celebrity Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar and her team shared some important tips to boost immunity in kids. They shared 5 foods that are a must to add to your kid’s diet at this time. Here is what they are:
Local fruit
Try to include at least one seasonal or local to your kids. If they do not like to eat the whole fruit, giving them even a bite of these fruits will promote the growth of good gut bacteria.
Laddoo or Halwa
It is crucial for everyone to eat something healthy and nutritious between 4 pm to 6 pm. Giving something sweet and simple food like roti, ghee and jaggery roll or suji halwa or ragi laddoo can help them to stay energetic.
Rice
Easy to digest and tasty rice is an important food to add to the kid's diet. Rice is rich in several nutrients, but the most important of all is a special kind of amino acid present in it. Dal, rice and ghee make the best dinner option for kids.
Pickle or chutney
Give kids some homemade pickles or chutney or murabba daily. These side dishes will help their gut bacteria thrive, will boost their immunity and help them stay happy.
Cashews
A handful of cashews between the meal will provide them with micronutrients required by them to keep them active and energetic. It will help to reduce aches and pain.
Other tips to follow
Apart
from eating healthy, there are some other things that influence our
immune health. Diet is just one factor, which indeed has a strong impact
on your immune health, but there are some other daily activities that
we do consciously and unconsciously that may harm our health.
Sleeping schedule
People often underestimate the importance of maintaining a sleeping schedule. But sleeping plays a crucial role in maintaining our immunity and health. It cuts down the risk of obesity and helps to curb the craving for unhealthy foods.
Avoid junk foods
Avoid all kinds of processed or junk foods. These foods are packed with trans fat and contain minimum nutrients. They often contribute to weight gain and do not nourish the body. Even packaged foods which are labelled as healthy are not that healthy.
Physical activity
Staying physically active is another important lifestyle habit that helps you stay fit and active. Exercising or even mediating boosts metabolism and cuts down the risk of developing chronic diseases.