From infancy right through to adolescence, children enjoy immune systems that undergo dynamic development, adaptation, and maturation.
Nurturing a child’s immune system to enable it to be both strong and resilient to protect them from illness is important. It’s also an important step in the right direction for setting up a robust immune system into adulthood.
Fortunately, to support a healthy immune system, nature has gifted us powerful allies in the form of essential nutrients and herbs such as zinc, vitamin C, and Echinacea.
Kids and zinc
Zinc is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system, especially in children whose bodies are still developing. It acts as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes involved in various bodily functions, including immune response and wound healing. Adequate zinc supports the health and function of the immune system in children, making children less susceptible to illness.
Incorporating zinc-rich foods into children’s diets is essential for maintaining optimal immune health. Foods such as lean meats, poultry, seafood, legumes, nuts, seeds, and dairy products are excellent sources of zinc. Kids who are picky eaters, or those with restricted diets, may be missing out on adequate amounts of dietary zinc. This is the time to consider zinc supplementation under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Harnessing the power of Echinacea
Echinacea is a widely loved herb for children, used for centuries in Western herbal medicine to maintain immune system health while supporting the immune system in children to fight illness. Research suggests that Echinacea plays an influencing role in the body’s natural defence mechanisms, aiding in the management of common childhood illnesses. Echinacea is perfectly matched with vitamin C and zinc to provide a well-rounded option for a child’s immune system.
Herbs of Gold Children’s Immune Care features Echinacea, along with cofactors including vitamins C and D, and zinc. This delicious strawberry-vanilla flavoured chewable tablet supports a child’s immune system to fight illness.
Maximising kid’s immune health with vitamin C
In addition to zinc, vitamin C is another integral nutrient for supporting the budding immune defences of children, as it is involved in various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Vitamin C supports skin health, an organ system that plays a major role in the body’s first line of defence against harmful microbes. This is further helped by vitamin C’s ability to support wound healing and connective tissue formation, actions that support the integrity of the skin barrier.
Fruits and vegetables are also excellent sources of vitamin C, making them essential components of a child’s diet. Citrus fruits like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, capsicum, broccoli, and tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, so including these foods in children’s meals and snacks is an important consideration to supporting their innate immune system.
A good option that offers both important immune nutrients is Herbs of Gold Zinc Forte + C. Providing vitamin C and zinc in a delicious raspberry flavoured powder, this family-friendly product supports immune health in both adults and children, with the added benefit of synergistic cofactors vitamin B6, betacarotene and magnesium. This great product is suitable for use from 4 years and up.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.