In order for the body to cure itself, the immune system must be strong and functioning properly. The immune system can be strengthened gradually through a wholesome natural diet, natural supplements and exercise or it can be damaged gradually by abuse. Minor health concerns can become major health problems if the immune system is not strong.

Children with strong immune systems are not effected as much by every day toxins. It is the immune systems responsibility to eliminate these toxins. The most important factor in strengthening the immune system is proper nutrition.

Parents should not rely on pediatricians alone to instruct them on the best nutrition for their children. They need to take the responsibility for their own children and find out for themselves.

Eating a variety of healthy raw foods is a big plus for the immune system. One study showed that cooked foods puts strain on the immune system, while raw foods did not. More white blood cells were found in the intestines with cooked foods, while no change in white blood cell count was noted in the intestines when raw foods were consumed. Another way to strengthen the immune system in children is taking supplements.

Some supplements that strengthen the immune system include:

Vitamin A/Beta-Carotene which work as antioxidants to inhibit free radical damage and strengthen the immune system.

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant and helps protect against immune related diseases such a colds, flu and cancer. Vitamin C also is one of the most important nutrients for heart health. The human body does not produce vitamin C like animals. Animals do not have heart attacks because they product about 20 grams of vitamin C daily. Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death in humans world wide. Vitamin C is the paste of the artery walls that keeps them from blowing out. When the body does not have enough vitamin C it makes it's own paste from lipoprotein (a) to try to repair weak artery walls which clogs up the arteries. High cholesterol levels are not the main problem, low vitamin C and other key nutrients are which keep the cholesterol from sticking to the artery wall is the problem.

Vitamin E helps produce cells to fight infection.

B Vitamins help the nervous system with stress.

Selenium and zinc are important antioxidants.

Rose Hips help strengthen the immune system.

According to many herbalists, echinacea is a natural antibotic that helps stimulate immune function.

Garlic is a natural antibotic and seems to help with infections.

Essential Fatty Acids are essential to the immune system and must be gotten through food or supplements because the body does not produce them.

Obesity in children in the United States is out of control. Parents are the only ones that can stop it . Parents must set the example of proper nutrition, supplementation and regular exercise. If children are taught the right way while they are young when they are grown they will not depart from it.