Schools are reopening soon despite the global health pandemic. Cases have been spiking all over the U.S with no signs of slowing down. All of this sending parent’s concerns through the roof. Today, I am sharing some of the best ways to boost your child’s immune system throughout the current global health pandemic and upcoming flu season.
Maintain A Healthy Gut Microbiome
The immune system is a very complex and interconnected system. In fact, 80% of our immune system is housed in our gut (digestive tract). So optimal gut health is crucial in keeping the immune system in check. Even with the healthiest eating habits, an impaired gut cannot absorb nutrients. The best way to ensure great gut health is making sure you have a balance of prebiotics AND probiotics.
Prebiotics are types of non-digestible dietary fiber that feed probiotics, “friendly bacteria”, in your gut. This helps probiotic strains to grow to an ideal level. Probiotic strains keep bad bacteria from growing at an excessive rate in the gut while while producing nutrients for your colon cells.
So, when you get an infection, there’s more bad bacteria than good, knocking your digestive system, hence immune system, out of balance. Probiotics, aka good bacteria, helps to eliminate excessive bad bacteria, returning the natural balance to both systems.
Eat Plenty Of Gut Friendly Foods
I always recommend both prebiotic and probiotic rich foods to nourish and enhance the gut. They’re the most natural source & provides children with multiple nutritional benefits.
Prebiotic rich foods include: onion, garlic, apples with the skin, avocado, asparagus, oats, banana (green), mixed berries, yucca, dandelion greens and more. We love making smoothies and salads with dandelion greens. If you’re gluten-sensitive or allergic there are gluten-free prebiotic rich subsitutes to oats that include: amaranth, quinoa, fonio and kamut.
Smoothies are another effective way to ensure your kids are getting the prebiotics they need in one shot, especially if you have a picky eater. Fruit salads are a delicious and nutritious way to get those prebiotic strains into the gut as well.
Probiotic foods tend to be fermented. Probiotic rich food sources include: yogurt, kefir, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, kombucha and certainly cheeses (for those who consume dairy). Kombucha is a staple in our house along with sourdough bread. Health-Ade and Bread Srsly are our go-to brands.
Vitamins & Supplements for Immune Health
As a Holistic Nutritionist, one question I receive weekly is : “what are the best supplements to take for “xyz”. To be clear, I only recommend supplements for therapeutic dosages beyond what food sources can provide. Some supplements we include in rotation are: Blackseed oil, Irish Moss, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B-Complex, Vitamin E, Vitamin D3+K2, zinc, selenium (through Brazil nuts) and magnesium.
When it comes to prebiotic & probiotic supplements we love Inner Eco. It’s refrigerated to ensure high potency beneficial bacterial strains. It also has both prebiotic and probiotic strains in one, eliminating the need for two supplements.
All are essential for enhancing immune health, reducing inflammation and removing mucous from the body. They also work together to optimize absorption of immune boosting vitamins & minerals. I dive into this much deeper on my IGTV Series “Essentials for Immune Health”. Click here to watch all episodes.
Herbal Teas, Tinctures & Homeopathy
Since our sons were diagnosed with asthma before they were 2 years of age, respiratory and immune health have always been a priority in our family. Both of our boys are off all asthma medications as we treat everything homeopathically, seeking intervention when necessary. We always keep some of the following herbal tinctures on hand to promote lung + immune health: astragalus/echinacea blend, mullein, elderbberry, nettle leaf, goldenseal, and burdock root.
We even make our own vegan + kid-approved elderberry syrup. Try our Elderberry Blast Smoothie if you need a creative way to get your LO’s to consume elderberry. It’s so easy to make!
As far as herbal teas, we use many of the mentioned herbs in raw form in addition to soursop (graviola) leaves, thyme, holy basil, hyssop, elderberry, wild cherry bark, rose hips and a ton more.
We buy our herbs in loose leaf form and in tea bags. Traditional Medicinals & Buddah Teas are our favorite non-toxic tea brands.
We also use homeopathic supplements such as colloidal silver at the first sign of a cold. We’ve been using it for a few years now and it’s something everyone should have in their arsenal. Colloidal silver has also been effective preventing asthmatic crisis when catching it early enough. I talk more about this on my IGTV series “How We Got Our Kids Off Asthma Medication”. You can also read more about how we started our homeopathic journey here.
Help Them To Reduce Their Stress & Anxiety
Stress weakens the immune system. Try your best to create an environment where your child can freely speak to you about their concerns. Our kids need outlets to vent and express themselves just as we do. As a parent of 3, I can say without a doubt that they observe more than they verbalize. Be mindful of how much news media they see, especially in passing while we watch. We were shocked as to how much our 6 year old knew about the current pandemic and mask wearing without prior conversation. Make sure they are getting plenty of time to just be kids. Creative play, exercise, down time and rest are all key to lower stress levels, happy kids and an overall thriving immune system.
The best time to start implementing these preventative measures is now. The school year is about to start in less than 30 days here in the south while the rest of the country has just shy of 2 months remaining. Additionally, frequent hand washing, mask wearing in public, being aware of germ hot spots are all necessary to keep us all safe. I hope you and your loved ones are remaining safe and healthy during these unprecedented times.
Take Care. Be Well. Stay Safe.
-Healthy Hair To Toe
Disclaimer: Always speak to your healthcare provider before beginning any herbal or supplement regimen. The information provided here is for educational purposes only.
