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Toddlers and young children get lots of colds. In fact, it’s not uncommon for some children to get 8 to 10 colds a year before turning 2 years old. Young children have not had the time to build up their immune systems, making them susceptible to over 100 different cold viruses. (1)
The good news is that there are simple ways to provide immune support for your toddler. And even better, these healthy immune support strategies also benefit you and your entire family.
Toddlers get frequent colds for these reasons (1,2):
Once toddlers have a cold virus, they become immune to it. This explains why your children get fewer colds as they age. Typically, toddlers who attend daycare will have fewer colds when they start school than children who do not attend daycare. (1)
It’s important to remember that your littles will catch colds. This is part of being a young child. Catching frequent colds is not an indicator of a weak immune system. The immune system builds up its defenses by exposure to viruses and catching colds. (1)
These key facts about the immune system can help when learning how to provide immune support for your toddler:
There are two types of immunity: innate and adaptive. (3,4)
Innate immunity is our body’s first line of defense against pathogens, including germs, viruses, toxins, and bacteria. This defense system is an intricate system of protective barriers including:
Your child’s innate immunity is the first to respond to germs, viruses, toxins, and bacteria. Your child’s innate immunity is inherited and is active as soon as your child is born.
Adaptive or acquired immunity is the part of our immune system that develops and strengthens as we are exposed to pathogens. The spleen, tonsils, thymus, bone marrow, and lymph nodes regulate this immunity.
When a foreign substance enters the body, these organs and cells respond with antibodies and different types of white blood cells and other immune cells. This immune response is specific to germs, bacteria, toxins, or viruses.
Your little’s adaptive immunity changes as they age, are exposed to different pathogens, and receive immunizations and vaccines.
Your intestinal microbiome is a collection of bacteria, yeasts, and viruses that live in your gut and do an enormous amount of work to keep you healthy.
David Heber, MD, Ph.D., professor emeritus of medicine at UCLA Health, says, “Seventy percent of the immune system is located in the gut. Nutrition is a key modulator of immune function.” (5)
High-fiber foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are shown to help encourage the growth of healthful gut microbes known as prebiotics. Prebiotics help stimulate immune cell activity and are food for the healthful bacteria or probiotics in your gut. (6)
A diet containing both prebiotic and probiotic foods can help support a stronger and more active immune system. Probiotics are available in supplement form and in unpasteurized fermented foods, including kefir, sauerkraut, and some cheeses. (6)
While there isn’t a cure for the common cold, you can take steps to ease your toddler’s cold symptoms. (2,7)
Staying home and resting is key to helping your little ones recover from a cold. Not only do you want to help prevent spreading germs to others, but children need to slow down, so the immune system has a chance to do its job.
You can provide immune support for your toddler by incorporating simple lifestyle habits. These lifestyle habits are backed by science, affordable, 100% safe, and free from dangerous side effects.
1. Eat the rainbow. Citrus fruits, brightly colored vegetables, and leafy greens are great sources of immune-supporting vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. (9)
2. Take immune-supporting vitamins and minerals. Focus on zinc and vitamins C, D3, and E. (10, 11, 12, 13)
3. Wash your hands frequently. The CDC says handwashing can prevent 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as colds or the flu, and 1 in 3 diarrhea-related sicknesses. (14)
4. Remember your microbiome. Support your gut health with probiotics and a diet rich in prebiotic foods. (15, 16)
5. Get outdoors for fresh air, exercise, and vitamin D. Moving our bodies helps reduce stress, detoxes the body, and can encourage immune-supporting changes in white blood cells and antibodies. (17, 18)
6. Get your zzz’s. Make sleep a priority, especially for your littles who are constantly on-the-go. Keep in mind these recommended hours of sleep (19):
Toddlers 1 – 2 years old: 11 – 14 hours (including naps)
Preschoolers 3 – 5 years old: 10 – 13 hours (including naps)
Children 6 – 12 years old: 9 – 12 hours
Teens 13 – 18 years old: 8 – 10 hours
7. Look for immune system support supplements that provide hard-to-get nutrients, including DHA, echinacea, elderberry, and propolis. (20, 21, 22)
8. Limit stress for your children and the entire family. The American Psychological Association says stress directly impacts the body’s ability to fight viruses. (23)