There are several ways to boost children's immunity during winter. These include consuming vitamins C and D, eating warm and nutritious food, providing regular water, and engaging in physical activity.

Ways to boost children's immunity in winter

Winter brings significant hardship to children, causing distress not only to them but also to their parents. Cold winds, plummeting temperatures, and changing weather all weaken children's immune systems. Consequently, they are more likely to catch colds, coughs, fevers, and viral infections, which is detrimental to their health.

If you have small children, it's important to take special care of them during the winter. From food to clothing, everything needs to be taken care of to protect them from seasonal illnesses.

Common problems faced by children in winter.

• Cold
• Cough and throat-related problems
• dullness and dryness of the skin
• Viral illnesses, such as fever
• Headache
• stomach problems
• Risk of flu virus (influenza)
• Lung diseases

Why are Vitamin C and D important?

• As winter approaches, parents should increase the amount of vitamin C in their children's diets. Children should definitely consume foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C keeps children's immune cells active.
• Vitamin C is found in the highest quantity in these fruits and vegetables: Orange, sweet lime, amla, kiwi, lemon, tomato, capsicum.
• Vitamin D is also essential for children. Let them play in the sun for a little while every day to keep their bones strong.

Give children warm and nutritious food.

Children's bodies need extra energy and warmth during the winter. So, make sure they eat the following:

• Prepare an Ayurvedic decoction and give it.
• Dried fruits: almonds, walnuts, raisins
• Ghee and jaggery (boosts immunity, but avoid giving in large quantities)
• Warm cereals like millet, sorghum, ragi
• Ayurvedic spices: turmeric, ginger
• Soup, porridge, mung beans, and vegetables

Keep children hydrated

Thirst is less common in winter, which can lead to a dry throat and a rough face. Offer water to children frequently.

• hot water
• Herbal water (ginger, basil, cinnamon). Adequate water keeps the immune cells active and prevents infections.

Why is physical activity important for children in winter?

Due to the cold, parents often avoid letting their children play outside, which is wrong. This slows down their blood circulation, reduces their energy, and weakens their immunity. Therefore, it is important to provide children with moderate physical activity, such as:

• run
• Skipping
• sum
• indoor exercise
• Any fun game that involves body movement