Tips for tip top tiny human health this winter season.

Avoid certain foods like dairy products and sugar as these foods increase mucus production and decrease the immune system. Tip: keep it clean and green.  Organic vegetables, mushrooms and whole grains pack a powerful punch for the immune system. 

Probiotics.  We now know that the overwhelming majority of our immune system is in our digestive tract and things like probiotics help increase the good bacteria in our gut and therefore increase our immune system.  Tip: While we can take a daily probiotic supplement, foods that are fermented like sauerkraut, kefir, or miso is a great way to get probiotics through are food!  It’s delicious and a great way to save money.

Stay Hydrated: Contrary to common thought it can be easier for us to become dehydrated during the winter season than in summer and a suboptimal hydration status actually lowers our immune system.  Tip: We can augment the immune boost when hydrating our children by having them drink chamomile tea or miso soup instead of just plain water.

Sleep: not only it is essential for optimal growth and the well-being of our children but inadequate sleep leads to an inadequate immune response.  Tip: rubbing castor oil onto your child’s abdomen before bed will not only aid in a more deep, regenerative sleep but will also increase their immune system. 

Let The Sun Shine In: During the winter months we tend to stay inside where it is warm and dry. However, longer periods indoors is one of the reasons our vitamin D levels diminish, leading to a decreased immune system as vitamin D levels and our immune system are inextricably linked.  Tip: Increase your child’s vitamin D levels and therefore immune system naturally by bundling them up and letting them go out and play in the sun and fresh air for 20 minutes a day (weather permitting).  If this is not an option you could consider acquiring and sit in front of sun lamps like those from circadian optics (no economic affiliation) for 20 minutes each morning.  This aesthetically pleasing lamp can be used everyday to mimic all the benefits the sun provides right in the convenience of your own home. 

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