How do we Boost back to School Immunity? The start of a new school year can mean a lot of things, one of which is the exposure to a multitude of bacteria and germs. It can also be a time of high stress for kids who are starting a new school and a new routine.
As parents, we want to help keep our child’s health stay in tip-top shape and protect them from getting sick. While it may be tempting to want to put them in a plastic bubble and send them on their way (if only), that is not reality.
Instead, we can take action steps at home to boost their immune systems so their bodies can fight off these bacterial and viral invaders on their own. By doing a few key things now before summer is over, you can strengthen your child’s immune system to avoid a sick day.
1. Re-establish a sleep schedule
This is a tough one however very important for repair and recovery. With the crazy summer activity and travel schedule, a regular bedtime can go out the window. As soon as possible, begin re-establishing a sleep schedule with a set bedtime and wake time. Starting this sooner, rather than later, will make going back to school less of a struggle and their bodies will be better prepared to fight off any germs that come their way.
2. Replace sugar with immune-boosting sweets
Between pool parties, BBQs, and summer camps, there are a lot of opportunities for sugar overload. When at home, replace dessert with fruits loaded with immune supporting vitamin C and antioxidants, like oranges and blueberries.
3.Encourage outdoor play and reduce screen time
Vitamin D is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in America. It is often referred to as the sunshine vitamin since your body absorbs sunlight using cholesterol to convert it to a usable form of vitamin D. Every single cell in your body requires vitamin D—your immune system in particular. Take a break from screen time and spendtime outdoors in nature, hiking, playing sports, or at the beach.
4. Increase those greens
We all know it’s important to eat your greens. Support your child’s methylation – your body’s biochemical superhighway that controls your ability to detox – with sulfur-rich vegetables like brussels sprouts and broccoli, as well as dark leafy greens like kale and spinach. These are loaded with B-vitamins which are methylation fuel and will power up your child’s ability to fight off the onslaught of toxins.
If you are not one of the lucky few whose child gobbles up veggies at lightning speed, try making green smoothies and popsicles with just a little fruit for sweetness.
5. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics to boost immunity
Antibiotics are prescribed more than 154 million times a year for anything from a wound to an ear infection in order to kill off bacterial infections.
Since close to 75 percent of your immune system is located in your gut, just one round of antibiotics can weaken your child’s immune system. It’s important to avoid antibiotics unless completely necessary and look for natural anti-bacterial options, such as colloidal silver, to avoid sending your child off to school with an already depleted microbiome.
6. Add in probiotic-rich foods
Start the school year off strong by re-establishing good gut bacteria by introducing more probiotic-rich foods into your child’s diet. While your kid is still at home, try feeding them fermented foods like sauerkraut or kefir (which comes in lots of flavors that your kid will, fingers crossed, love).
If you have an extra picky eater then add kid probiotic. Here are some great options for kids friendly doctor approved solutions to boost immunity. https://pmartin.metagenics.com
7. Consider essential oils
Essential oils are a fun and easy immune-booster to add to your regular routine. Eucalyptus and oregano have all been shown to have antibacterial and immune-modulating capabilities. These are great to diffuse throughout your house to support your child’s immunity.
Enjoy the rest of the summer and have a great week. See you soon.
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Dr Pia
