Back to School Tips – Supporting Kids Immunity

It is almost that time again; kids are getting ready to head back to school.

Between purchasing school supplies, school clothes, and finding a new routine, two things should not be overlooked, and they go hand in hand:

• Supporting kids immunity 
• Packing healthy lunches 

Did you know that nearly 70 percent of the immune system is housed in the gut? That is right, almost 70 percent! 

One of the best ways to support immunity is eating healthy organic food and avoiding processed sugar, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods that suppress the immune system.

Studies have shown that sugar intake suppresses the immune system. When the immune system is compromised, one is more likely to get sick, as the body can’t ward off disease. 

So the healthier kids eat, the better their immunity! 

Supporting gut health with a probiotic

Probiotics feed the good bacteria in the gut. In turn, good bacteria reduce the toxic overload in the body, such as heavy metals like lead and arsenic and harmful chemicals like pesticides. 

In some cases, it may take 2 to 3 weeks to feel the significant benefits of probiotics; this is because probiotics need time to accomplish their three key goals: increase your good bacteria count, decrease harmful bacteria count, and reduce inflammation.

Some of our favorite products are Flora Chewable from Energetix and GI Stability from Standard Process®. 

Here are other wholefood supplements and herbal supplements that support overall health and immunity:

• Congaplex Chewable 
• Tuna Omega-3 Chewable 
• Tuff Pay

All are available at Nutritional Wellness Center! 

Packing a healthy lunch

• Keep it simple – You should be able to throw this together in five minutes or less – ideally in the morning so you can send hot or cold foods. Use leftovers when possible and make a few things on Sunday to have for the week, like rice or quinoa, a roast chicken, or cut-up carrots.
• Don’t experiment – Stick with foods you know your kid likes. Now’s not the time to try something new.
• Skip the pre-packaged junk – This should go without saying, but no bags of chips, packages of crackers, or cookies–even if they’re “organic” and all-natural. Send sliced fruit, blueberries, grapes, or raisins every day instead of gummy snacks or sugary baked goods. One exception to packaged foods: Toss in a pack of dried seaweed (if your kid likes it) for a salty, crunchy, mineral-rich alternative to chips. Check that it’s made with olive or sesame oil, not canola or other newfangled fats.
• PB&J improved – Organic nut butter on sprouted grain toast drizzled with raw honey (add a layer of butter for extra fat). Option: add sliced bananas.
• Skip the bread – Raw cheese with leftover roast chicken or other meat from dinner and cucumber slices.
• Roll-ups – Use organic free-range turkey slices to wrap up goat cheese or raw cheddar, avocado, and a sliver of carrot.
• Smoothies – Mix frozen berries or other fruit with full-fat yogurt and a drizzle of raw honey. Blend and send in a thermos.
• For extra (nutrient-dense) credit – Skip the juices, which are liquid junk. Instead, send a thermos of whole raw milk (add some raw cream for extra fat) – add a sprinkle of cinnamon if your kid likes it like that. To make sure it stays nice and cold, add a few raw milk ice cubes (frozen ahead of time).

Fun, tasty ideas your kids will love and will keep them healthy!