Keep Kids Healthy As They Head Back to School
By Jackie Cartier
August 29, 2017
Fresh notebooks, new pencils, sharp crayons, clean backpacks and … germs. With the bittersweet anticipation of a new school year comes the inevitable exposure to a whole new host of germs, each and every day.
Luckily, feeding your children healthy real foods is your first line of defense. But even well-rounded diets have gaps in them, which is where vitamins and supplements come in.
To kick the year off right, we’ve rounded up three supplements that pass the kid-friendly test and will keep them feeling their best.
IMU Max
Perfect for children in daycare or kids heading back to school, Imu-Max is a delicious berry- flavored liquid formula designed to strengthen antioxidant reserves, support the immune system in warding off illness and keep inflammation in check (inflammation is at the heart of most illnesses).
When to Use:
Can be taken every day as a precaution or just when kids are starting to get the sniffles and you want to head off illness.
What's In It:
Echinacea and propolis extracts to support the immune system.
- Serving Dose: Shake well before consuming and follow your IMU Max with beverage of your choosing.
- Younger than 6 years: 1/2-1 tsp twice per day or as recommended by your health care professional.
- Older than 6 years: 1-2 teaspoons twice per day or as recommended by your health care professional
- Adults: 1 tablespoon twice per day or as recommended by your health care professional
Natranix
Natranix is an all-natural (and great-tasting!) cough syrup recommended for children over one year old. This alcohol-free syrup is designed to support respiratory health and boost children’s immune function, especially during the all-too-common seasons of sickness.
When To Use:
This one is to use when kiddos are already sick with upper respiratory issues such as a sore throat or coughing.
What’s In It:
- Echinacea – supports the immune system
- Thyme – helps balance the body’s mucus production
- Sage – soothes lung tissue
- Elderberry – manages bronchial secretions and also supports immunity
- Anise – helps to loosen and expel mucus
Suggested Use: One teaspoon (5 mL) three times per day whenever works for your family.
Even if Natranix isn’t in your medicine cabinet, make sure to read common cough syrup labels. The FDA stated earlier in the year that many cough syrups (especially those that contain codeine and tramadol) are not suitable for children younger than 12 years old or for breastfeeding mothers.
Supernutes
This strawberry-kiwi multivitamin is packed with micronutrients, tastes delicious and is especially designed for growing bodies. “Micronutrients play a role in strengthening immune function, converting food into energy, detoxifying chemicals, manufacturing neurotransmitters and other key signaling molecules in the body, and maintaining tissue repair and cell regeneration.” That’s a mouthful, but essentially SuperNutes contain the vitamins and minerals your child’s developing body needs.
When To Use:
Use daily to keep kiddos’ bodies growing healthy and strong.
What’s In It:
Bioavailable Albion® Chelated Minerals for Optimal Absorption - A fancy way of saying it helps fill in the gaps of picky eaters to support their immune system.
Serving Size:
One to two chewable tablets every day, taken immediately before meals (or whenever you can remember).
One more thing we haven’t mentioned that is just as important – what isn’t in these products –all three are free of gluten, yeast and artificial colors and flavors.
Here’s one more immune boosting tip to leave you with – bone broth! Not only do you not have to buy any special products, you probably can piece together the ingredients you need in a less than a week of real food meals. Here’s a short video on how to make your own bone broth (sounds complicated but truly it isn’t!) and all the amazing benefits your family will enjoy, improved immune function being just one.
Find even more tips on how to boost your immune system with supplements suitable for children and adults.
