In honor of the official launch of our newest product: the WhollyEverAfter Elderberry Gummies, I wanted to share 5 ways of boosting your child’s immune system.
The mission of Whollyeverafter has always been to empower individuals and families, and provide resources that will equip parents/caregivers to pursue a wholesome life- Spiritually, Physically and Emotionally.
As you all (may) know, I am a mother, just like many of you. And my family’s health is one of my chief priorities. Everything I share with you, our family has benefited from, and our lives are so much richer as a result. Health is indeed wealth. And my prayer is that, this platform will inform you of the wholesome options available, so that your family can also be healthier and wealthier.
So here we go!
Outdoor playtime:
Guess what? Your kids need dirt. When children play outside (especially in dirt), their immune systems get a little boost. Unfortunately, our way of living as a modernized society, is causing us to slowly move away from nature. Kids are not getting enough of the “good” bacteria from dirt as a result. Did you know that research has shown that kids who grow up on farms and are always outside, tend to have stronger immune systems, less allergies, and less asthma?! (source). I usually prefer taking my kids out in the early hours of the morning, or after 4:00pm, when the heat isn’t so brutal.
Keep sugar to a minimum
I know mainstream marketing keeps convincing parents that kids are only kids for a little while, and so ‘let them enjoy their childhood by indulging in all the sweets’. False! Refined sugar is so tough on the body. Remember, bacteria thrive on the acidic environment of refined sugar. Too much sugar can also wreak havoc on your gut health, and that is bad for your immune system because your gut houses much of your immune system. (source)
For these reasons, it’s a good idea to avoid processed sugar as much as you can. There are always healthier alternatives to sweet treats that your kids can have. Childhood, in no way means unhealthy living.
Eat vitamin A-rich foods
Vitamin A is a vitamin that can boost your immune health. In a 2015 study, researchers found that vitamin A played a specific role by protecting respiratory health. Vitamin A deficiency compromised the “immunity of the airways.” (source). Considering the fact that airways are one of the first places that your body comes into contact with invading germs, I believe it’s important to ensure that your child receives adequate levels of this vitamin.
Vitamin A is present in foods such as:
- Liver
- Egg yolks
- Butter
- Cod Liver Oil which also contains vitamin D and K!
Probiotics
Probiotics are one of the best natural immune boosters for kids, because you are literally arming your immune system with good bacteria. Probiotics, as the name suggests, consist of live cultures that feed your gut microbiome. Remember: Ninety percent of your body’s immune system resides in your gut, so when you supply the necessary live cultures to your gut, you support your immune system.
Babies and older children can both benefit from probiotics. You can check out my Kombucha brand here for more information on probiotics. Also find out here, why I prefer Milk Kefir to Yogurt. Other probiotic-rich foods include kimchi, sauerkraut, water kefir etc.
Take antibiotics only when necessary
I deeply respect science and the role it plays in our lives. And I also believe there is a time and place for antibiotics. The overuse of antibiotics can cause antibodies to become resistant to the medicine. In order to help antibiotics remain effective, please:
-Never use antibiotics for a viral infection, because viruses are simply not affected by the antibiotics.
-as much as possible, avoid antibacterial soaps or antibacterial hand sanitizer, because these soaps can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Check out this post for more information on ingredients you should be cautious of, when purchasing household items.
Last, but definitely NOT the least:
Non-Toxic Immune stimulants:
These are substances that stimulate, or encourage, the immune system to take action.
They simply tell the immune system to act.
Elderberry can be considered as an immune stimulant. That’s why it has been proven that to reduce the severity and duration of the flu. I have just launched an elderberry gummies line, made with purely natural and non-toxic ingredients. You get a 30-day supply of gummies for GHC 85.00. The moment I know my kids have been exposed to coughs/ colds, I start them on it to avoid on frustration that comes with colds and could. IYKYK! (Hey mamas!) While we don’t take it all the time, we always have it on hand for when it is needed. Even my Husband and I take it with them.
If you’d like to order, you can simply reach out via my shop here.
Please note, I am in no way telling you to not listen to your doctor. These are non-toxic options that have worked so well for my family, and I know they will work exceptionally well for you and yours!
In Love and Health,
Nana.
God bless you for the wrath of Information you share !
God bless you too!