BACK TO SCHOOL DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN BACK TO THE DOCTOR. HERE’S HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY HEALTHY THIS YEAR.
BY DR. JOYCE JOHNSON, ND
Now that your kids are back at school and spending more time indoors the amount of disease-producing organisms (including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) they’ll be exposed to will increase dramatically. That doesn’t mean your child will get sick though. A strong immune system will provide your child with the natural defenses she needs to ward off disease. A weakened immune system, however, makes your child more susceptible to colds, flu and other problems. Here’s how to boost your child’s immunity naturally and keep her a healthy start this school year.
GIVE YOUR BABY A HEALTHY START
If you still have infants, breastfeeding now can help ward off illness later in life. Research shows that breast fed babies experience fewer infections than formula fed babies. The nutrients in breast milk are vital in building your baby’s immunity and protecting against disease for life.
EAT A HEALTHY DIET, RICH IN NATURAL FOODS
Ensure your child’s diet has a variety of whole foods (preferably organic) including fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans and whole grains. Nutritional deficiencies make it easier for your child to be susceptible to viruses and bacteria.
GET SUFFICIENT SLEEP
Your child’s body regenerates, repairs and renews itself while sleeping. Insufficient rest increases the chance of illness. Infants under six months of age need up to 20 hours of sleep per day. While toddlers need up 11 to 15 hours of daily sleep. School aged children should aim for 10 to 12 hours a night. Poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep hampers the production of interleukin-1, a protein produced by certain cells to help prevent germs from entering the body through the skin.
LAUGH TOGETHER
Studies shown that laughter can boost immune system function by increasing antibody-producing cells and helping T-cells perform more effectively. Laughter has also been shown to reduce the levels of stress hormones while increasing feel-good hormones such as endorphins.
AVOID CIGARETTE SMOKE
Cigarette smoke has roughly 4,000 different chemicals that can weaken the immune system. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more prone to ear infections, coughs, colds, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
IMMUNITY BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supplementing your child’s diet with omega-3 fatty acids will establish healthy cell membranes that prevent inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids also boost resistance to toxins and reduce the risk of being attacked by pathogens.
Vitamin E: Sufficient dietary vitamin E ensures that fatty acids are maintained at optimal efficiency once they are absorbed into cells. Vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory effects and increases resistance to infection.
Vitamin A:
Vitamin A is an immune booster because white blood cells, T-lymphocytes, and every cell in the mucosal barriers of the respiratory, digestive and urinary tracts require vitamin A.
Zinc: Zinc stimulates immune function, prevents infections and acts as a cofactor in many enzyme reactions, including the creation of antioxidants. Insufficient zinc can also impair taste buds and result in your child being a picky eater and eating a less healthy diet.
Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant activity and rounds out the immune system.
Probiotics: The presence of good bacteria inhibits the colonization of pathogenic bacteria and reduces over-stimulation of the immune system. In 1994 the World Health Organization deemed probiotics to be the next-most important immune defense system, when commonly prescribed antibiotics are rendered useless by antibiotic resistance.
Vitamin D Vitamin D stimulates the immune system and disease-fighting cells. Research has demonstrated that Vitamin D deficiency predisposes children to respiratory infections.
TRY: SISU Cold & Flu Rescue with Ester C
This unique combination of naturally-sourced Ester-C, andrographis, NAC and Echinacea have been proven to boost immune health and lessen the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms without the sedative or other side effects of over-the-counter drugs. (60 capsules, $26.99)
TRY: Vita Disney Omega-3 Gummies
Support your kid’s immunity and boost brain development with these tasty omega-3 vitamins that also have 400IU’s of vitamin D per serving. Vitamins are gluten free with no artificial flavours or colours. (120 gummies, $9.99)
TRY: Suro Organic Elderberry Syrup for Kids
This exclusive organic cold syrup is made just for kids and is alcohol free. Again, it’s made exclusively with Canadian ingredients such as raw honey, elderberry and elderflower extracts. It lasts for two years – even once opened. (236 mL, Available at myVIVAstore.com for $15.95 vs. $19.49 regular price.)
TRY: North American Herb & Spice OregaSpray
Catch colds before they evolve and keep surfaces clean with this natural oil or wild oregano P73 spray. It’s completely natural and multipurpose so you can use it to clean surfaces and even as a breath freshener. Also contains oil of wild lavender, wild bay leaf and cloves. (4 fl oz, $23.99)
TRY: Progressive Perfect Probiotic for Kids
This probiotic supplement features 10 probiotic strains that are safe for kids and come in a great-tasting formula. Perfect for kids ages one to 12.
TRY: Webber TreeHouse Vitamin C Gummies
Perfect for kids ages three to nine. These great tasting vitamin C tablets will boost immunity in growing bodies.
(60 gummies, $6.99)
TRY: Floradix Kindervital Multivitamin for Children
This pleasant tasting liquid supplement for children will replace any nutrients they miss in their diet. It’s rich in calcium, magnesium, vitamins A, B, C, D and E and is iron-free. It’s made with carrots, wheat germ, rosehips, watercress, horsetail, nettle and spinach.
(500ml, $29.99)
