Boost your child’s immune system
“Immune Boost” is a popular buzzword these days. Parents are eager to find ways to support their child’s immune system and help their families stay healthy! However, much of the popular advice circulating on the internet isn’t accurate or scientific. The good news is that, besides a healthy lifestyle, research shows certain supplements can help strengthen the immune system! We also recommend appropriate vaccines under the guidance of their pediatrician since these prime the immune system’s defenses against certain infections. As wonderful as nourishing our children’s bodies and supporting their immune systems are, these things do not provide targeted protection against dangerous, vaccine-preventable diseases. If you have concerns or questions, please discuss them with your medical provider. Here, we will discuss what you can do at home to help your family stay healthy!
A healthy lifestyle matters! The common wisdom that good nutrition, sleep, daily exercise, and low stress can help you stay healthy is true! Also, remember the importance of handwashing and masking in certain environments, especially during cold and flu season!
CDC: 6 tips to Enhance immunity
The compelling link between physical activity and the body’s defense system
Did you know not all immune support is the same? Studies show that certain supplements help prevent common infections like colds and diarrheal illnesses, and others help decrease the duration or severity of diseases when they occur! Read on for more info and a breakdown of the supplements shown to help prevent certain infections!
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps with calcium absorption. It also plays a vital role in immune health, muscle function, and brain cell activity.
Studies show regularly taking a Vitamin D supplement can reduce the number of colds you get, especially if you have low vitamin D levels!
How to get it:
- Food: It is hard to get enough Vitamin D from foods alone, but you can get it from fortified milk, cereal, and fatty fish.
- Sun: Your body can also make vitamin D when the skin is exposed to direct sunlight. However, it is difficult to make enough from this method alone as there are risks from unprotected sun exposure like sunburns and skin cancer. Therefore, a supplement is usually your best bet.
- Supplements: Studies show promising results in taking doses of vitamin D ranging from 400 IU/day to 2000 IU/day. The specific amount can vary depending on age and vitamin D level, so discuss with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Safety: Vitamin D supplementation is very safe for most people! Taking too much Vitamin D, however, can be a bad idea. It can lead to hypercalcemia, in which too much calcium builds up in the blood, potentially forming deposits in the arteries or soft tissues. It may also predispose to painful kidney stones. Don't take more than the recommended daily allowance unless advised by a physician (see table below.)
References:
- Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data
- Study Confirms Vitamin D Protects Against Cold and Flu
- Self-Care for Common Colds: The Pivotal Role of Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Echinacea
- Vitamin D Consumer Fact Sheet
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are the same or similar to organisms in our bodies.
Research shows Probiotics can reduce the number of colds, the duration of colds, the number of school absences, and antibiotic use! Many different probiotic products are available, and specific strains can provide different health benefits. See the post here that discusses probiotics to prevent colds and diarrhea illnesses in more detail.
How to get it:
- Food: Probiotics are present in fermented foods like yogurt and can provide many benefits for health and a happy gut.
- Supplements: The best source of specific strains for particular health benefits is a supplement. A general recommendation is to choose probiotic products with at least 1 billion colony-forming units (cfus).
Safety: Side effects are minor and include mild GI symptoms. Probiotics are safe for most people, but consult your physician if your child has a severe or chronic medical condition affecting the immune system.
- References:
Vitamin c
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, meaning the body can't store it, so you must get it from your diet or supplements. It is an antioxidant and plays a vital role in immune health, healing, and building blood vessels, cartilage, and bone.
Studies show Vitamin C can reduce the frequency of upper respiratory infections and decrease the duration and severity of cold symptoms.
How to get it:
- Foods: Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, berries, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and spinach.
- Supplements: It is possible to get adequate Vitamin C from a diverse, healthy diet. However, you may be able to get extra immune benefits if you supplement your intake.
Safety: Vitamin C is considered safe for most people; however, high doses can cause digestive distress, such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps.
Take Away
The onslaught of colds and other mild illnesses kids get can sometimes make you feel helpless as a parent. These simple steps we discussed may not shield them from every nasty bug going around, but they can help! Remember supporting your child’s overall health with adequate sleep, nutrition and stress management also benefits their immune system. Keep up to date with their medical checkups and recommended vaccines, encourage them to wash hands and consider masks if they’re high risk or in high risk environments. You may also want to consider a supplement to help provide additional immune support!
At MamaDoc Rx, we are committed to using science to create high-quality natural supplements and remedies that actually work! Our organic Probiotic Immune Defense includes 14 active strains of probiotics, prebiotics, and Vitamins C and D. We included all of the most beneficial ingredients in one product, so you don’t have to give your child multiple things! Check it out here!
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