School Foods That Boost Kids’ Immune System

In germ-filled classrooms, it takes just one sick child to infect classmates whose immune system is even slightly compromised.

Almost 22 million school days are missed because of colds each year. And 38 million days are missed due to the flu virus.

What can parents do to help kids stay healthy while in school?

Encourage healthy eating of the right kinds of foods that boost immunity.

While school breakfasts and lunches are far from perfect, this study suggests school foods are getting healthier, maybe even healthier than what some kids are getting at home.

So heads-up parents!

We’ve said for years that disease cannot survive in healthy cells. As long as you are insisting your kids eat nutritious foods that boost their immune system—and skip those loaded with toxins—they’ll stay healthy and strong throughout the school year.

So here are our top six foods your child can eat while at school:

1. Walnuts

Just seven walnuts a day can have amazing health benefits. In fact, walnuts just might be the healthiest of all nuts. Researchers at the University of Scranton found that walnuts contain twice the amount of antioxidants of other nuts. In addition, this superfood is packed with Vitamin E, which boosts brain function. If not walnuts, an assortment of raw, organic nuts such as almonds, pecans, and cashews are packed full of immune-boosting nutrition.

2. Oranges

Oranges are chocked full of vitamin C, which is key to a healthy immune system in children. Recent research suggests that Vitamin C can actually reduce cold symptoms up 13.6%. And unlike antibiotics, vitamin C does not become resistant to bacteria. It keeps working long after antibiotics call it quits.

3. Raw veggie wrap

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or tasteless. Check out this full recipe for making from scratch a delicious all-raw sandwich filling that you can spread between romaine leaves, collard greens—or for a more finicky eater—a sprouted grain tortilla.

4. Fresh organic vegetables and fruits

Zinc is one of the most important keys to a healthy immune system. Research shows that zinc can reduce the duration of a cold. In addition, it’s a great defense against infection. To create a zinc-rich lunch, enlist your kids to pick from a variety of fresh, organic veggies and fruits.

5. Green smoothies

Tasty and healthy, kids across the country are finding green smoothies a delight to drink. Just do a search on Google and you’ll never get bored experimenting with recipes. Just be sure to use raw, organic vegetables, and maybe some fruit to sweeten it up naturally. This way you avoid toxic processed sugars which studies show actually suppress your immune system.

6. Supplements

We’ve already busted the myth about the “ineffectiveness” of supplements. In fact, for most Americans—including our children—a typical diet leaves them undernourished, and in many cases, even malnourished! We advise parents to supplement their kids’ diet with at least a daily, high-quality kid's mega multivitamin containing immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and the family of B vitamins.

While this list of foods is far from exhaustive, it’s a great place to start to ensure your kids keep a strong immune system while in school.