Natural Immune Support for Back to School

As the school year begins, parents often worry about their children's health and preventing illnesses. With so many students in close quarters, it's easy for germs to spread. So what can you do? Help them strengthen their immune system! Fortunately, there are natural ways to boost your child's immune system and keep them healthy throughout the year. Being exposed to germs is not necessarily the cause of illness. If we have a weak immune system, we are more likely to get sick. Here are some practical tips for natural immune support for students.

Proper Nutrition

A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system. Encourage your child to eat more whole foods including a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates. Foods rich in vitamins C and E, such as peppers, oranges, strawberries, and spinach, can be particularly beneficial. Additionally, probiotics found in yogurt and fermented foods can help maintain a healthy gut, which is essential for overall immunity.

Adequate Sleep

Sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. Children need more sleep than adults, so make sure they are getting the recommended amount for their age group. For instance, school-aged children typically need 9-11 hours of sleep per night. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to help your child wind down and ensure they get enough rest. Often children stay up later in the summer, so slowly transitioning them to an earlier bedtime can be helpful. Try shifting bedtime 10-15 minutes earlier throughout the week(s) leading up to the first day of school.

Regular Exercise

Physical activity is another important factor in boosting the immune system. Encourage your child to engage in regular exercise, whether it's playing a sport, riding a bike, or simply running around the yard. Exercise helps increase circulation, which allows immune cells to move through the body more effectively. Once in school, children often move less, so encouraging active play after school is beneficial!

Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining good health. Water helps to flush out toxins and supports the function of every cell in the body. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also provide hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges. Coconut water is a great hydration option as well!

Stress Management

Stress can weaken the immune system, making it easier for your child to get sick. Yes, even kids can get stressed! Teach your child simple stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness practices. Encourage them to take breaks and participate in activities they enjoy to help keep stress levels low.

Vitamins and Supplements

Certain herbs and supplements can also provide natural immune support. Echinacea, elderberry, bee propolis, and astragalus are known for their immune-boosting properties. Always consult with a healthcare professional before giving your child any new supplements to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and health condition. Our doctors can help by recommending some natural immune support for you and your family.

Hygiene Practices

Good hygiene practices are essential for preventing the spread of germs. Teach your child to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Encourage them to avoid touching their face, as this can transfer germs from their hands to their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Utilize Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care helps the body function at it’s best, including the immune system! Regular adjustments can support an optimally functioning nervous system which can offer immune support, reduce muscle or joint tightness, help reduce body stress/tension, and so much more! Chiropractic is a great way to help support your child’s growing body and help them feel and function their best!

By incorporating these natural strategies into your child's daily routine, you can help support their immune system and keep them healthy during the school year. Remember, a strong immune system is built over time, so consistency is key.

Want to learn more? Be sure to follow us on Instagram! Reach out to schedule an appointment for your family; we would love to help keep your family healthy!

In health and blessings,

Dr. Abbey

Chiropractic Care + The Immune System

As the kids head back to school, fall sports are in full swing, and the weather starts to cool, we know summer is coming to an end. September is a great time to start boosting your immune system (if you haven’t already!). During the summer, we benefit from more days outside in the sun (hello Vitamin D!), fresh local fruits and vegetables, and, typically, more water intake. These are all wonderful for our bodies and help boost our immune system. But what can you do in the fall and winter when fresh local produce isn’t available and the weather changes? Of course, practicing good hygiene such as properly washing your hands and covering your mouth/nose when you cough or sneeze helps, but our bodies need more support! Fast-paced lifestyles of modern life typically bring more stress, less rest, more processed foods, and other unhealthy habits. These cause more stress on our bodies and immune systems so we require more support, especially during times of change and increased stress…such as the start of school, change of seasons, and even pregnancy! 

Thankfully, there are many effective ways you can support your body and boost your immune system…naturally! Rest and movement are essential to optimal health and function. Especially during times of stress, making adequate time for sleep and exercise are important. Also, don’t forget to get adjusted! Patients have reported being sick less and feel better overall through chiropractic care. Research has shown chiropractic adjustments have a positive effect on T- and B-lymphocytes, NK-cells, plasma beta-endorphins and antibody levels, and phagocytic activity, all of which are known to play important roles in the body’s immune response and function. Data has also showed that in as little as 20 minutes after an adjustment, immunoglobin G (IgG) significantly increases and by 2 hours immunoglobin M (IgM) significantly increases as well! Both IgG and IgM are very important antibodies: IgG is the most abundant type of antibody, protecting against bacterial and viral infections and IgM is the first antibody to be made by the body to fight a new infection. 

Looking for other ways to help boost your immune system? Vitamins and herbs have been researched and shown to benefit immune function. Important immune system boosting nutrients include Vitamins D, C, and E, Calcium Lactate, and Echinacea. Other natural ways to boost your immune system include taking elderberry syrup and/or propolis spray. Of course, before starting any new regiment or taking something new, consult your doctor (our chiropractors specialize in nutrition). Eating healthy is a vital part of a properly functioning immune system. Adding garlic, onions, turmeric, and even certain mushrooms to your cooking may help boost your immune system, too!

During this change of seasons (and as the holidays will be quickly approaching), make sure to allow time for yourself. Take things in moderation, incorporate self-care, and don’t forget about regular chiropractic adjustments to help keep your immune system healthy and strong!

-Dr. Abbey