As moms, we all know that the start of the school year brings a mix of excitement and a touch of anxiety—especially when it comes to keeping our kids healthy. With so many germs floating around, it’s crucial to ensure that our little ones’ immune systems are in tip-top shape. Luckily, there are plenty of natural ways to support their health and keep those sniffles at bay. Here’s a guide to boosting your child’s immune system with vitamins, minerals, herbal support, chiropractic care, and natural remedies.
1. Power Up with Essential Vitamins
Vitamins are the building blocks of a strong immune system, and ensuring your child gets the right ones can make a world of difference.
• Vitamin C: This well-known immune booster is crucial for protecting against colds and other infections. Encourage your kids to eat plenty of fruits and veggies like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and bell peppers. If they’re not big on fruits and veggies, a chewable vitamin C supplement can help fill the gap.
• Vitamin D: Often called the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is essential for a healthy immune system. Since kids are spending more time indoors with school, consider adding a vitamin D supplement to their routine. Testing your child's vitamin D with a simple blood test, will tell you how much vitamin D your child needs. Our recommendation is to be between 60-80ng/mL. Vitamin D helps with bone health and hormones too—so it’s a win-win!
2. Strengthen with Immune-Boosting Minerals
Just like vitamins, minerals play a crucial role in keeping your child’s immune system strong and resilient.
• Zinc: Zinc is a superstar when it comes to immune health. It helps the body fight off infections and speeds up recovery from colds. You can find zinc in foods like beans, nuts, and seeds, or opt for a zinc supplement if needed. Just avoid zinc oxide, because it can upset tummies.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is another key mineral that supports many bodily functions, including immune health. Foods rich in magnesium—like leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains—should be part of your child’s daily diet. If you are supplementing, look for Mg Glycinate, and avoid Mg Oxide.
3. Herbal Support: Nature’s Medicine Cabinet
Herbs have been used for centuries to boost health and immunity, and they’re especially helpful during the school year.
• Elderberry: Elderberry is a powerful antioxidant that’s great for fighting off colds and flu. Elderberry syrup or gummies are kid-friendly options that can easily be added to your child’s morning routine.
• Echinacea: Known for its immune-boosting properties, echinacea is a great herb to keep on hand. Look for kid-friendly teas or supplements that include echinacea to help ward off those school germs.
• Astragalus: This herb is less well-known but equally powerful. Astragalus supports the immune system and can help prevent colds and flu. It’s available in tinctures or capsules, some of which are specifically formulated for children.
4. Chiropractic Care: Aligning Health
Chiropractic care isn’t just for adults—kids can benefit from it too! Regular chiropractic adjustments help ensure that the nervous system is functioning properly, which in turn supports a strong immune system. Chiropractic care can also address common issues like ear infections, constipation, and sleep problems, all of which can impact your child’s overall health.
5. Natural Remedies for Extra Support
In addition to vitamins, minerals, herbs, and chiropractic care, there are several natural remedies you can use to give your child’s immune system an extra boost.
• Probiotics: A healthy gut is essential for a strong immune system. Make sure your kids are getting plenty of good bacteria with a daily probiotic supplement or probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir.
• Bone Broth: This nutrient-dense liquid is packed with vitamins, minerals, and collagen, making it a fantastic immune booster. Incorporate bone broth into soups or have your child sip on it as a warm, comforting drink.
• Honey: A spoonful of honey in warm herbal tea can soothe sore throats and calm coughs. Just remember, honey is safe for children over two years old.
6. Don’t Forget the Basics
Beyond all the supplements and remedies, it’s important to remember the basics:
• Sleep: A well-rested child is more likely to stay healthy. Create a bedtime routine to make the process easier. Make sure your little ones are getting plenty of sleep each night to help their bodies recover and fight off any germs they encounter.
• Hydration: Encourage your kids to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Our recommendation is at least 1/2 their body weight in ounces of water/day. Staying hydrated is key to keeping the immune system functioning properly.
• Hand Washing: Remind your kids to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Avoid using Hand Sanitizers as these contain toxic ingredients including triclosan and methanol.
Conclusion
With a little extra care and attention, you can help keep your child’s immune system strong and healthy as they head back to school. By incorporating vitamins, minerals, herbal support, chiropractic care, and natural remedies into their daily routine, you’re giving them the best possible defense against those pesky school germs. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and successful school year ahead!
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