Goji and Healthy Kids Keeping your children healthy is not an easy task. Colds, flu and other contagious diseases often spread with lightning speed and children tend to be the most vulnerable. Unlike adults, young children may not have been exposed to many common germs. Their immune systems may not have had the chance to develop resistance to infection. And yet, some children appear to have a greater natural resistance to contagious diseases. These are the lucky kids who either do not get sick or who always seem to bounce back quickly whenever they do catch a bug. The good news is that you can help your children to be the same way by following a few healthy guidelines. Are Your Children Eating Themselves Sick? TV commercials try to persuade kids to choose fast foods, high-fat snacks, high-sugar drinks and cereals. This type of diet cannot keep your children healthy. To the contrary, it actually suppresses the immune system and increases the risk of disease. The typical modern diet is also largely responsible for the recent epidemic of childhood obesity. Children who are overweight are likely to become overweight adults. They may develop type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and other illnesses that can follow them into adulthood. Overweight children can also suffer from stress, sadness and low self-esteem. Lose Weight Naturally with Goji In an important study, goji's master molecule polysaccharides were shown to reduce body weight by enhancing the conversion of food into energy instead of fat. Eating well and being physically active are keys to your child's well-being. The combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise will not only help to keep them well when they're young, but will also build up their resistance to disease and protect them later in life. All children benefit from healthy eating and physical activity. A balanced diet and being active help children: grow learn build strong bones and muscles have energy maintain a healthy weight avoid obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes get plenty of nutrients feel good about themselves Shaping Good Eating and Activity Habits for Your Child Parents play a big role in shaping children's eating habits. When parents eat a variety of foods that are low in fat and sugar and high in fiber, children learn to like these foods as well. It may take 10 or more tries before a child accepts a new food, so do not give up if your child does not like a new food right away. Parents have an effect on children's physical activity habits as well. You can set a good example by going for a walk or bike ride after dinner instead of watching television. Playing ball or jumping rope with your children shows them that being active is fun. Tips for Parents: Make sure your child eats breakfast. Breakfast provides children with the energy they need to listen and learn in school. Offer your child a wide variety of foods such as grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products and lean meat or beans. Talk with your health care provider if you are concerned about your child's eating habits or weight. Cook with less fat. Bake, roast or poach foods in stead of frying. Limit the amount of added sugar in your child's diet. Involve your child in planning and preparing meals. Children may be more willing to eat the dishes they help make. Be a role model for your children. If they see you being physically active and having fun, they are more likely to be active and stay active throughout their lives. Encourage your child to be active everyday. Involve the whole family in activities like hiking, biking, dancing, basketball or roller skating. Other Ways to Safeguard the Health of Your Child Eliminate secondhand smoke — According to Dr. Beverly Kingsley of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 toxins. Kids are more susceptible than adults to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. It increases a child's risk of SIDS, bronchitis, ear infections and asthma. It may also affect intelligence and neurological development. If you absolutely can't quit smoking, you can reduce your child's health risks considerably by smoking only outside the house. Enforce regular sleep — Many older children, especially high school students, are sleep-deprived. Irregular sleep reduces activity of natural killer cells, a key immune function. Parents should help their children plan schedules that permit eight to ten hours of sleep per night. For children of any age, daytime relaxation can produce important health benefits. A period of quiet, focused relaxation each day relieves anxiety, improves nighttime sleep and stimulates immune function. Goji for Pleasant Dreams Goji has enjoyed long use throughout Asia in the natural treatment of insomnia. As a wholesome food, it has none of the dangers associated with sleeping pills. Goji — Immune Power for Your Child One of the most beneficial uses of goji is its ability to strengthen the immune system to protect your child against disease. In traditional Asian medicine, the goji berry is renowned as an adaptogen, meaning that it has a rare ability to help your child to adapt to adverse conditions. In dozens of laboratory and clinical studies, goji has been shown to boost immune function. With daily use, it supports the body's own processes to maintain peak health and prevent development of disease. Usual Dosage Level For growing children, research suggests a daily usage of 2 to 4 ounces of high-quality standardized goji juice, taken with meals or before exercise or play activities.