While many prescription creams, lotions, and medications exist to help with eczema, antibiotics are still one of the most commonly prescribed. The reason behind this is that sometimes a little boost in the immune system can help stop infections that eczema’s scratching can cause and help the body get to work fighting it off on its own. Sometimes antibiotics can be too strong, especially for little ones, causing unwanted reactions. An easy way to boost your child’s immune system naturally as part of their daily diet. A strong, resilient immune system doesn’t overreact like immune systems can do under the influence of boosting drugs, and they help your child’s immune system grow and learn over a short period which can help lead to less eczema flare-ups. Today, I’d like to share just a few foods you can add to your child’s diet that help tonify and strengthen the immune system which could lead to a lot less eczema issues!
Prebiotic and Probiotics
To help ensure your children’s eczema is being taken care of from the inside out, add good bacteria to their digestive system with pre & probiotics. Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates that act as food for probiotics. While probiotics are forms of good bacteria found naturally in our systems, yet additional bacteria may be needed to help counteract or suppress the amount of the bad bacteria in the gut.
Even pregnant moms can get in on the action. New studies show that taking probiotics during pregnancy may decrease your little one having eczema and/or food allergies!
Probiotics are naturally found in foods such as yogurt, while prebiotics are found in whole grains, bananas, onions, garlic, honey and artichokes. Both are available for newborns through adults in liquid, pill and powder form. It can be easily added to milk, juice or food. Search for the probiotic that’s right for you.
Vitamin C
One of the easiest ways to give your child’s immune system a boost is through the presence of vitamin C. This is by far one of the most effective nutrients in helping the body protect itself, and it comes pretty easily if you know which foods to eat.
Foods to add to your table that are super high in vitamin C include…
- Oranges
- Cantaloupes
- Strawberries
- Guava
- Papaya
- Kiwi
- Grapefruit
It’s easy to add these fruits to breakfast or as sweet snacks throughout the day – and you’ll know that your child is getting a lot of immune support all the while.
*Please note, some of these fruits are high in acidity. Make sure your little one is not allergic to these fruits before making them a routine part of the diet, which could cause eczema flares.
Omega 3s
You’ve probably heard a lot about omega 3 fatty acids lately due to just how amazing they are for the body and mind, but did you know they may be able to help with eczema? Salmon and flax oil are easy ways to get more omega 3s, and you are highly likely to notice the changes right away.
Fruits & Veggies
Links have been made between diets low in sugar and a properly functioning immune system. Fruits and vegetables are a great way to help keep your child’s diet clean and nourishing while also supporting the immune system. In addition, a diet high in fruits and veggies can help keep your child lean which has also been attributed to a better functioning immune system*.
Get Moving!
While not something you can add to your diet, exercise is a huge help to the immune system. Enough play and exercise helps the body detox and grow while relieving stress and tonifying the immune system. Daily play and some challenging exercise for kids who are ready is a great way to get in shape both inside and out.