Children’s immune systems are like sponges, constantly learning and adapting. As they grow, they encounter various germs, building their immune memory. With seasonal sniffles, schoolyard germs, and everything in between, how can we naturally fortify our children’s immune systems?
While it’s natural for kids to fall sick occasionally, here are some of our favorite, tried-and-true alternatives to help support the body and its natural immune system to heal.
Get outside: Even as the weather gets cooler, getting out of the house for some fresh air and sunshine, and keeping your body moving remain some of the best things you and your kiddos can do for your health.
Eat whole, healthy foods: Make sure you’re eating a healthy, well-balanced diet full of fresh fruits and veggies, leafy greens, good fats, vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidant-rich foods. Avoid fast food and processed convenience items.
Stay hydrated: Drier, indoor air dehydrates us more easily, so make sure you’re drinking enough water – fortified with trace minerals if filtered, and added electrolytes or fruits to encourage drinking if necessary.
Prioritize sleep: Ensure your child gets adequate sleep. Make sure sleeping spaces are cool, dark, quiet, and cozy. Create a calming bedtime routine with stories or soft music. Consider introducing simple breathing exercises or kids’ yoga to help them relax.
Create a supportive environment: Consider an indoor air purifier like Air Doctor or comparable to filter out dust, dander, mold, pollen, smoke, and other pollutants in the air since we are spending more time inside during the winter months.
Building a strong immune system is your best defense to avoid getting sick in the first place, and to help your body better recover from illness if you do catch a bug.
Even with the best efforts to keep ourselves and our kiddos healthy, it’s inevitable that illness will strike at some point. Fortunately, most mild illnesses can be managed at home with supportive remedies and may not require a trip to the pediatrician.
We homeopathic remedies! There are a few we use often to help support.
Ferrum Phos – low grade fever
Belladonna – general fever and flu
Oscillococcinum – fever, fatigue, flu-like sumptoms
When illness does happen, the best thing you can do for your body is help support it naturally so it can heal properly and efficiently!
Tis the season of excess sugar, unhealthy eating, too much time indoors, not enough sunlight or fresh air, and weakened immune systems as a result.
Here are some of our favorite, accessible ways to manage the cold & flu at home, and some things to add to your everyday routine to keep your immune system healthy to better fight off bugs or even prevent getting sick all together.
Many over-the-counter cough, cold, and flu meds are loaded with sugars, chemicals, artificial dyes and flavors. When the body is healing, the last thing it needs is a bunch of junk getting in the way.
Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list of acceptable alternatives and we encourage everyone to do their own research and consult their own physicians to make the best, most informed choices that are appropriate for them and their own families.
While many illnesses can be managed at home, it’s essential to recognize when professional help is needed:
High fevers lasting more than 3 days.
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
Signs of dehydration: dry lips, sunken eyes, or decreased urination.
Any symptom that concerns you or seems severe.
⚕️ This post is purely for educational purposes. This is not medical advice. Always consult with your provider with questions or medical concerns.⚠️
We have used Jessica for several years now. She takes time and care when seeing her patients. My husband and I will always feel like she saved our baby. Our youngest was sick and then ended up with RSV and pneumonia. It was Jessica who kept in touch with and made sure our daughter received the best care.
They healed my daughter’s eczema in 2 weeks (by finding the root cause, her leaky gut!) which regular doctors haven’t been able to do for 5 years! We love well-rooted!!
My first time with the Oakbrook office and staff has been the kind of experience I’ve longed for. Although I have only been there twice(in one week), it’s the most genuine communication I’ve had from a doctor’s office. I’ve been searching for a practice that treats our family as more than just a number, and I’m truly grateful for the care and attention to detail they’ve provided. The follow-up phone calls and the extra check-up were instrumental in demonstrating their practice’s excellent understanding of bedside manners and true thoughtfulness that his sickness matters.
This practice is incredible! They are very friendly and welcoming. I was recommend to this practice from a relative and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve taken my son here twice so far and they have been great with him. What I also like is that it is a judgement free office. They respect my decisions regarding my son and always give me the best advice and service. They’ve answered all of my questions and concerns as well as took their time with us during our visit. Highly recommend!
I want to send a huge THANK YOU to Victoria and the Well Rooted Practice as a whole. It began with Danielle calling me and taking detailed notes prior to our visit, which led us to being greeted by a welcoming staff and then, Victoria, the provider, who is simply amazing. She saw my son yesterday and was so knowledgeable and kind. I didn’t feel rushed at all. She took time to answer all of my questions.
Not only that, I felt wrapped in Jesus’ love hearing Christian music playing in the office.
Hand down the best practice around!
