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Winter is here. Immune systems are taking a beating, and growing as well. I’ve written before about natural ways that I like to fight through colds, but today I’m going to talk about some ways that my family and I (toddlers included), try to boost immunity to reduce sickness in the first place.
As a mom who loves home remedies, treating illness naturally, and avoiding antibiotics if I can help it, I do a lot of research and “experimenting” with new things.
Does this mean I hate antibiotics?
Definitely not!
They are an amazing tool that helps so many, but overuse can bring so many negative things to the mix. So I simply prefer to use antibiotics when we need “the big guns.” For example, my two sons and I just finished a round of antibiotics each. I haven’t used them since before having kids, my youngest has never had them, and my oldest had them once when he was about 19 months, but refused to take them, so I don’t know how much he actually got. Anyway. Between the three of us there were 2 sinus infections, 3 ear infections, and 6 eye infections. We needed the big guns. And I was VERY thankful to have their help.
The Natural Path
Kids get sick. A lot. Their immune systems are new and growing and learning. It’s just part of it. A snotty, exhausting, and sometimes scary, part of it. The best we can do is support them in any way we can as their little bodies work it all out. And try to train them to blow their own noses. Maybe.
My current 5 favorite immune boosters are:
- Probiotics – I love probiotics. I could probably rant for day about how so much of our health is gut related, and these little guys do great things for our gut. Probiotics are “good” bacteria that help balance out the “bad” bacteria in our systems. This balance is what we need to keep our bodies in optimum health and fighting form. They are great to take while traveling, which can cause illness due to stress and/or extra germs. They are also great for helping with regular bowel movements, which also helps your body function better, though not one of the bullet points on my list. We get these from Costco, and I have used this for the kids when they were younger as well. I have always heard amazing things about Klaire Labs probiotics as well.
- Elderberry – I love this stuff. It tastes good, it’s fun to make, and the kids eat it up. I usually make this syrup recipe, but I do also purchase these gummies when I don’t have time, or the supplies to make a batch. Elderberry is a super immune booster, and the syrup has even more immune aiding ingredients as well such as ginger, honey, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – Hydration is huge. If you want your body to function at its best, then you need to keep up your water intake. Just like with probiotics, it is another way that you can create balance within your body. It needs water to perform all of its functions at peak performance. Not only that, but once you are sick, hydration is huge. There is a reason that the saying goes, “drown a fever.” And often when you are ill, you don’t feel much like eating, so sipping water all day is great.
- Cod Liver Oil – Cod liver oil is high in Vitamin A, which is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. Not to mention the great benefits to body and brain health/growth in children. Cod liver oil is a great way to increase Vitamin A and healthy fat intake. I like the Child Life brand because of the great strawberry taste. I can place it in some water, juice, or a yogurt drink. Just shake it well.
- Go Outside – Being outside is SO important for health. It is a myth that there is more illness in the air during the winters. The true problem is that we are all cooped up in our houses, with artificial heat. We aren’t getting as much fresh air and sunlight, so our immune systems are down. It can be so hard to get yourself out in the winter. I know just thinking of getting winter gear on my kids can wear me out. But it’s important. Try to go for a short walk. Or shovel the driveway together. Take the dog for a walk. Or just run around the back yard. It’s also a myth that being cold makes you sick. It’s not true. Even as little as 15-30 minutes a day will do wonders for health, as well as emotional wellbeing. So shew those kids into the backyard and drink your hot coffee in peace. You can join them when it’s finished.
Also, give yourself grace. Always. Don’t worry if it feels like your kid is always sick. Especially when they are little. Their immune systems are just as young as they are themselves. They will get stronger and learn new things, just as your kids do. The important thing to do is support them through it.
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