Supercharge Your Kids’ Immune System: 10 Herbs, Vitamins, and Foods for School Season Superheroes!
It’s about that time again when school bells ring and leaves will begin to fall. ‘Tis the time to prepare your little ones for a healthy and thriving school season. We all know how easily children can bring home dreaded germs, so let’s equip them with stronger immune systems to ward off those pesky viruses and keep your entire family healthy. Say goodbye to sniffles and hello to superhero health! In this post, we’ll explore a power-packed arsenal of herbs, vitamins, proper protocols, and immune-boosting foods your entire family can take part in to transform your children into school-season superheroes!
1. Echinacea Root: The Super Immune Booster
When it comes to protecting against colds and flu, echinacea root is your child’s secret weapon. This potent herb can be taken as a tincture or tea, and it’s best to start a few weeks before school begins. Just a dropper full or a cup of tea each day enhances the immune system and helps prevent illness. Echinacea also doubles as a great remedy if a cold does sneak up on your little champ.
All though echinacea is generally safe, do NOT consume it if you or your child have an autoimmune disease as it will cause a severe flare and exasperate your immune response.
2. Vitamin D: The Sun Basked-in Hero
Vitamin D is like sunshine in a bottle, especially during fall and winter. Give your child a vitamin D supplement to boost their immune system, as it helps fight off infections, including respiratory illnesses. In regions with limited sunlight, a daily supplement is recommended. Of course, outdoor activities are crucial too – they’re fun, and they help synthesize vitamin D naturally.
Do not forget to add K2 for proper absorption of vitamin D please reference: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=635366032031625&id=100066747005211&mibextid=Nif5oz
Do NOT consume K2 if you are on blood thinners.
3. Sleep: The Supercharger to Your Health.
Who knew that something as simple as sleep could have charging immune-boosting powers? Ensure your child gets the recommended amount of sleep for their age – It’s their secret weapon to staying healthy. A well-rested body produces more infection-fighting cells, making it harder for germs to launch an attack.
Tips: – Consistency is key for bedtime and wake-up time.
– Watching the sun come up and set (the first 30 minutes in the morning or the last 30 minutes of the day) will naturally set your circadian rhythm for better rest. At these times of the day, the sun’s rays do not have UV and UVB rays and are safe to look towards. Do NOT stare directly at the sun and doing this anytime will cause eye damage.
– Stop all screen time 1 hour before bed and cozy up with a good book or dim lights and meditate with some quiet time to signal to your body that it is time for bed.
4. Hand Washing: The Germ Avenger
Teach your kids the superpower of hand washing! Encourage them to scrub their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the bathroom. Singing “Happy Birthday” twice usually helps keep track of the time. Hand sanitizers are helpful on the go but shouldn’t replace good old-fashioned hand washing.
Tip: Germs generally enter through the mouth nose and eyes so remind your little ones to not touch their faces, it’ll also be a good habit to instill to help in those acne years.
5. Astragalus Root: The Shielding Herb
Astragalus root deserves its superhero status due to its renowned immune-enhancing properties. Prepare a tasty herbal tea using astragalus root slices and honey for your child. Allow them to sip this protective elixir during the colder months to ward off upper respiratory infections.
Not for use in those with autoimmune disease or those who’s had an organ transplant.
Tip: Flavor dinners with oregano and keep oregano tincture on hand and dilute 1/2 to one dropper 1oz of water at the first sign of a cold or flu. Do this once in the evening and morning as needed. Oregano is the king of herbs as it is antibacterial and anti-viral and will usually annihilate most viruses. This is my personal go-to!
Do NOT consume oregano if you are allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family, like basil, mint, and sage. Oregano may have an adverse reaction to certain medications for diabetes and blood thinners. Consult your doctor. NOT for those pregnant or nursing.
6. Vitamin C: The Super Strength Booster
Introduce your child to the power of vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, strawberries, and kiwi. Vitamin C is a crucial nutrient that supports immune function and battles free radicals. Add some zest to their lunchboxes with citrus-packed snacks and watch their immune systems thrive.
7. Probiotics: The Gut Guardians
Our gut is home to an army of good bacteria that play a key role in our immune system. Boost your child’s gut health by including probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut in their daily diet. These heroic bacteria will fight off invaders and keep bad bacteria at bay.
Tip: Apples are not just for teachers they also feed probiotic bacteria and support a healthy gut.
8. Zinc: The Immunity Knight
Zinc is an essential mineral that supports our immune system by aiding in the production of immune cells. It’s especially critical during cold and flu season. Include zinc-rich foods like spinach, pumpkin seeds, and beef in your child’s meals to ensure they have their very own immunity knights.
Tip: Supplementing zinc at the first sign of a cold or flu will shorten its duration.
9. Hydration: The Invisible Shield
Water is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of immune health. Keeping your child well-hydrated helps flush out toxins and supports overall immune function. Be creative with infused water recipes or try herbal teas with immune-boosting properties.
10. Healthy Eating: The Super Fuel
Nourishing your child’s body with whole, nutrient-rich foods is the ultimate superpower. Emphasize colorful fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in their meals. Stealthily slip superfoods like blueberries, spinach, and chia seeds into smoothies or snacks, and watch them conquer colds and flu!
With these immune-boosting tips and tricks up your sleeve, your child and your family are now equipped with the superpowers to ward off colds and flu. Remember, prevention is key, so start implementing these strategies before school starts. Make it fun, engaging, and inspire your child to be a school season superhero. Together, we can keep those germs at bay and enjoy a healthy and successful school year!
Remember, healthy habits, good nutrition, and immune-boosting remedies are powerful tools, but if your child is unwell, always consult a healthcare professional.
Stay super, stay healthy, and let’s conquer the school season like champions!
-Happy Healing from Hooser Health
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