Contents:

• Hardening of the body
• A healthy, varied diet
• The right amount of sleep
• Healthy hygiene habits
• The methods of our grandmothers

Autumn rain, cool temperatures, and little sunshine outside signal the beginning of the season of infections, colds, and flu. This is the time when children return to school after the holidays. Confined within the four walls of the classroom, students are in close contact with one another, which can promote the development and transmission of pathogenic viruses and microbes. Added to this is the stress associated with new tasks and learning, which also impacts the weakened immune system and the risk of infection. How can you ensure your child's immunity so they stay healthy throughout the school year?

Hardening of the body

It is common for parents to keep their children at home as much as possible during bad weather to avoid catching a cold. However, fresh air strengthens the body and supplies the body and brain with oxygen, which helps the body function better. Appetite improves, making children more likely to reach for healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins essential for health. Children who spend at least an hour a day outdoors enjoy better health than those who prefer to spend their time in front of a computer or television, for example. However, remember to dress your child appropriately for the weather conditions. There is a saying in Scandinavia: There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.

A healthy, varied diet

It's long been known that children love sweets. It's also known that both sugar and fat are essential in every child's diet. However, this primarily concerns naturally occurring sugars and fats, not added sweeteners and an excess of unhealthy, hydrogenated fat. It's not worth teaching a child to eat "healthy" gummy bears with vitamins or snacks like chips and fries. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and microelements is the foundation for a child's success, ensuring they are healthy, have energy, and have strong immunity. During the autumn and winter period, it's best to eat foods rich in:

• Vitamins C (most vegetables and fruits, especially citrus fruits, parsley, cucumbers), A (e.g. eggs, carrots, butter, red peppers) and D (supplement in winter),
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (oily sea fish),
• Zinc, iron (both found in cereals and meat), selenium (fish and liver).

The right amount of sleep

The body regenerates during sleep. This is especially important for children. Too little sleep weakens the body's immune system and leads to depression, concentration, and learning difficulties in children. It's important that children don't go to bed too late, especially if classes start at 8 a.m., and that they sleep regularly, not at different times each night.

Healthy hygiene habits

Washing your hands is essential, especially before meals. Using soap and water is the easiest and best way to prevent the spread of infection.

The methods of our grandmothers

Immune-boosting methods used by older generations have not lost their relevance. Natural products with antibacterial properties include garlic and honey . Natural raspberry juice, for example, contains salicylic acid (similar to aspirin). Immunity is also supported by chamomile tea, linden or elderberry juice, and others.

Let's not forget to talk and laugh a lot with our children. Mental well-being has a significant impact on the child's immunity and physical health.