As we enter the cold and flu season, it is important to take preventive measures to reduce illness in children. Eliminating refined carbohydrates, including sugar and other processed foods, optimizing water intake (1/2 body weight in ounces daily), maximizing daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, and insuring optimal intake of immune supporting nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Omega 3 fatty acids, iodine at a dose of 1mg per 10lbs bodyweight, and other antioxidants, will offer protection from daily exposure to pathogenic micro-organisms.
At the first signs of illness, the following immune boosting measures can be taken:
1. Increase Vitamin C intake up to 1000mg per hour or to bowel tolerance.
2. Increase Vitamin D3 intake to 30 times body weight for 3 days, which is an acceptable daily dose per Dr. Joseph Mercola.
3. Avoid all refined sugar.
4. Reduce or avoid altogether dairy and flour foods, especially wheat, including crackers and breads, as these tend to promote mucous production.
5. Increase fluids, including water, vegetable broth, herbal tea, and fresh lemonade (see 'Recipes')
6. Use essential oils, like RC or Eucalyptus, on soles of feet and/or chest area, making sure to dilute with a carrier vegetable oil as per directions of manufacturer. (See 'Young Living' link for specific effective oils.)
7. Use homeopathic remedies to assist the body in fighting specific micro-organisms and maximize symptomatic relief. We have a variety of homeopathic combinations which address specific strains of flu and other viruses available through our office.
8. Warm foot or whole-body baths can stimulate the immune response and therefore assist the body in fighting infection.
9. Follow instructions for 'Sinus Cleanse' to reduce inflammation and cleanse sinus tissues in older children and teens. This is a powerful tool for preventing major sinus infections.
10. Adequate rest and stress reduction is imperative for the immune system to function optimally. Stress contributes greatly to the formation of an acidic pH in the body which provides an opportune environment for micro-organisms to flourish.
At the first signs of illness, the following immune boosting measures can be taken:
1. Increase Vitamin C intake up to 1000mg per hour or to bowel tolerance.
2. Increase Vitamin D3 intake to 30 times body weight for 3 days, which is an acceptable daily dose per Dr. Joseph Mercola.
3. Avoid all refined sugar.
4. Reduce or avoid altogether dairy and flour foods, especially wheat, including crackers and breads, as these tend to promote mucous production.
5. Increase fluids, including water, vegetable broth, herbal tea, and fresh lemonade (see 'Recipes')
6. Use essential oils, like RC or Eucalyptus, on soles of feet and/or chest area, making sure to dilute with a carrier vegetable oil as per directions of manufacturer. (See 'Young Living' link for specific effective oils.)
7. Use homeopathic remedies to assist the body in fighting specific micro-organisms and maximize symptomatic relief. We have a variety of homeopathic combinations which address specific strains of flu and other viruses available through our office.
8. Warm foot or whole-body baths can stimulate the immune response and therefore assist the body in fighting infection.
9. Follow instructions for 'Sinus Cleanse' to reduce inflammation and cleanse sinus tissues in older children and teens. This is a powerful tool for preventing major sinus infections.
10. Adequate rest and stress reduction is imperative for the immune system to function optimally. Stress contributes greatly to the formation of an acidic pH in the body which provides an opportune environment for micro-organisms to flourish.