It’s back to school time!
It’s hard to believe that September is here and the kiddos are back in school again…summer went WAY to fast.
For those of you with kids who seem to catch everything during the school year, lets chat about some great herbal immune boosters for them so they don’t get sick this year. Yea!
Here are just a few simple things to add to the diet to strengthen their immune systems and keep them healthy. It goes without saying that a healthy diet with proper protein, vitamin and mineral nutrition is at the core of a healthy immune system. :0)
Astragalus has to be my all-time favorite adaptogen herb for boosting the immune system. This amazing herb is a powerhouse for increasing immune function and has been used in TCM for thousands of years. You can find it in a pill or tincture for kids. For a tincture, make sure it’s in a glycerin base for the kids, it will taste better. A super easy way to add it to your diet is to put some in your bone broth or stocks so you can benefit anytime you cook. I take this one everyday. :0)
Elderberry is a wonderful option for kids. It comes in a syrup and tastes great, so kids LOVE it. You can easily make your own or purchase it already made at any health food store. Its super high in vitamin c and anthocyanins (the antioxidants that give it that deep purple color) both of which offer fabulous immune boosting properties. Its been used for centuries in Europe.
Garlic is a wonderful addition to any diet and it tastes great in so many dishes. It strengthens the immune system in a multitude of ways but also helps to kill off any bugs that may find their way into your kid’s system from a classmate’s sneeze or cough. You can add more garlic when you cook during the school year or you can get it in a pill form. Both ways will help boost the immune system. I like Kyolic garlic, which is an aged garlic.
Probiotics are a must for a strong immune system and should be taken every day, by kids and adults alike. They are super easy for kids to take since they come in pills, gummys, powders or drinks. Make sure to get the highest variety of strains possible in the supplement, just read the back and take a peek. Remember 70% of your immune system is in your gut so a strong gut is going to support a healthy immune system! It can be challenging for kid’s tastes but if you can get them to add fermented foods to their diet its great, just not always an option depending on the pallet. But things like kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut or pickles are also a good addition.
Oregano Oil is another great option for boosting the body’s natural immune response. It can have a boosting effect for the gut as well by supporting the microbiome of the belly. This one can also help to fight off bugs in the kiddos.
Additional things:
Decrease Sugar! Sugar decreases your immune function and significantly impairs proper functioning. Minimize extra sugar in the diet as much as you can.
Increase Cruciferous veggies! Specifically, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, etc. These foods contain components that increase immune function.
Get outside and get moving! Getting outside will support healthy vitamin D levels, which is vital to a healthy immune system. Running around and being a kid outside is great for the lymphatic system and supports healthy detox.
If you have any specific questions, give me a call at the clinic.
If your kiddos get sick or need something more, just let me know. I have many herbal formulas that can work wonders and be tailored to their specific needs.
Hope this helps.
DeBritt