Boosting your kids immune system naturally

As a parent we often worry about our kid’s health. I have learned over the years with my little ones that there are things we can do to help their little bodies. Things we can do to protect them and their bodies from the germs they are going to come into contact with – because 3 year olds will lick trolleys and not all kids remember to wash their hands. Some of these include the obvious like make sure your kid eats their vegetables and get enough sleep. Here are some other tips I have learned along the way:

Daily multivitamin

Even on the best diet our food lacks nutrients. Taking a daily good quality multivitamin can give your kid the nutrient boost they need for a healthier body. I recommend a food state vitamin if you can get as the nutrients are more bio available than chemically made. You will find these more at health stores than at your local pharmacy (some health stores have online stores too).

Vitamin C

This little gem is known to boost immunity. When my kids get sick I focus even more on Vitamin C as I strongly believe it not only protects from germs but speeds up healing. Buffered Vitamin C is the best as it contains minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium. These minerals allow you to take higher doses of Vitamin C without it causing stomach upsets as well as the other general benefits these minerals provide. For kids always make sure the specific brand you choose is safe for children.

Vitamin D

Recent research has shown that Vitamin D can help to prevent the flu as well as bacteria. Studies found that people with good Vitamin D levels had a 50% less chance of getting the flu and respiratory related illnesses. The best source of Vitamin D is usually the sun. We also need to be careful with the sun - best times to be out in the sun for short periods of time are before 10 and after 4. Do this often for a natural vitamin boost. The sun is not as effective in winter months and in many countries people stay indoors during winter so supplementation may be needed.

Probiotics

Research based articles have proven taking a daily probiotic can improve our immune response. Taking probiotics regularly has shown to decrease the chance of you getting a cold and it has also been linked to less severe infections as well as a shorter infection time. This is due to the fact that probiotics stimulate the body to produce antibodies and T cells (these are immune cells), which fight off viruses and bacteria within our bodies. Daily supplementation with probiotics has also been linked to better sleep.

There are many different strains of probiotics. Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most popular strain you will find. However there are many other strains that are beneficial to us. There is research that suggests we should change the strains and brand of probiotics that we take. When we introduce a different type of probiotic in the gut the bacteria compete to be the king of the gut which leads to an increase in gut bacteria. I rotate between two brands i prefer, each time i buy i change it to the other brand we didn’t use last time.

Young Living Thieves essential oil

This is a blend of essential oils created by Young living. It includes Lemon, Clove, Cinnamon. Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary essential oils. It is one of the most amazing smelling blends! These oils are known for their positive effects on the immune system. I mix it with fractionated coconut oil and rub it onto the bottom of my girls feet. I truly believe this has helped my eldest on at least two occasions when she has woken up not feeling great. I also add it to the diffuser in their rooms as it protects against environmental and seasonal threats. If you don’t have a diffuser you can add a drop or two onto himalayan salt crystals in a glass bowl.

The Thieves essential oil can also be used with water and vinegar as a cleaning agent around the home to sanitize surfaces. You can also add Thieves to water and use it to disinfect your little ones toys.

Ningxia

Ningxia is a daily supplement made from Wolfberries (known more in South Africa as Goji berries). It also includes essential oils and is a natural supplement safe for the whole family. Ningxia promotes immune function and cardio health and contains key nutrients and antioxidants. My girls personally love the way it tastes so they happily have it daily as a shot. There are other great recipes to hide it in things if your kids don't love it as much as mine - You can add it to ice lollies with different fruit blends or make it into little jelly type bears - make those little treats healthy!

Clean hands

This may seem like an obvious one but if you sit and watch the kids at restaurants with play areas it is one that is lacking. Kids play on the jungle gyms then go grab a few bites of food then back off to the playground and back to the food again. Before eating we all know kids should always clean their hands but with the distraction of playgrounds it doesn't always happen - right?.  I’m not one of those moms who believes in sterilizing kids from head to toe with alcohol sanitizer every 10 seconds but I do believe clean hands will keep away germs. My girls usually use a wet wipe before they eat at restaurants and when I can I spray their hands down with a little of my mixed up hand spray. I recently discovered the Young Living Thieves sanitizing spray and waterless hand sanitiser, and I really love how gentle it is on your hands. There is also a recipe to make your own. I have been using it to spray down my girls hands while we are out and about. You can make your own with the Thieves essential oil. Mix 5 Tablespoons of aloe vera gel with ¼ teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional) together in a bowl. Add 8-10 drops of Young Living Thieves oil. Add 4 Tablespoons of water and mix well to combine. Then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Use as needed to sanitize little (or big) hands. This is a lovely on-the-go solution to have with you in your handbag or nappy bag. Young Living also has a lovely foaming hand wash which contains natural ingredients and is gentle on the hands. My 12 year old said to me “Mom it is like washing my hands with clouds, and they don’t make my hands feel dry afterwards.” 

 I am a firm believer in trying to reduce the toxic load in our homes and in our bodies. In my family we have been using natural solutions since 2008 and we have never been happier. My kids are some of the healthiest I know. We use the tips above in my home and have a healthier family. I am also in LOVE with Young Living for so many reasons. Mostly because of what Young Living represent as a brand and the quality of their oils. If you would like to get these oils into your homes and your lives but you aren't sure which oils to get you are welcome to contact me This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I can help you decide. I would love to have you as part of my Young Living family. You can also find more information on Young Living on my website - www.eachlittledrop.co.za.

You can also get your own oils today! Follow this link  - Join Young Living. 

By Joining Young Living using my link you become a part of my team. As part of my team you will receive great resources to teach you more about the oils and how you can use them.

Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a Medical Practitioner. The information given in this post is based on personal research and experience. It should in no way replace the information given to you by a medical practitioner. The information is in no way intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical disease.