Pediatric Care

Boosting Your Child's Immune System

There are many great ways to boost you and your families' immune system naturally. Ideally you can fight off the common 'bugs' without noticing symptoms. If you or your child does experience symptoms, these tips will help minimize them and their duration. They are all completely safe without harmful side effects.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments stimulate immune system and respiratory function.

Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs

In general, everyone should be on a foundation of a good multivitamin and fish oils. Other vitamins and herbs can be dosed therapeutically as needed.

We recommend taking a vitamin C, D3 and probiotic supplement once daily during fall and winter months. Probiotics are the benefitical or 'good' bacteria that are naturally in our bodies. Also, whenever an antibiotic is taken, a probiotic should be taken for twice the duration of the antibiotic.

Immune boosting herbal blends can be added at onset of symptoms. Research shows it is best to dose the following frequently, 3-5 times daily, at the onset of symptoms or suspected exposure.

• Vitamins A, C, E
• D3- most of us end up depleted during the winter months since we need sunshine for our bodies to synthesize this.
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Echinacea
• Goldenseal (do not take during pregnancy as it may stimulate contractions)

We carry great blends for both children and adults and the above listed immune boosters are safe at all ages. Nursing moms can increase ingestion, passing the nutrients to their child, except for vitamin D and probiotics, which can be given directly to infants, along with most homeopathics.

It is extremely important to buy high quality supplements where the purity and potency are guaranteed. Recent studies showed how many products on the shelf are not what they claim to be. Often times supplements do not meet label claim and can have toxic additives such as heavy metals, chemicals, the wrong herb/vitamin, molds/bacteria, or even pharmaceuticals. As of now, the industry is not regulated. Companies that are GMP certified test each batch for purity and potency.

Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used therapeutically through direct application on our bodies, inhalation, and ingestion. They are also powerful when diffused into the air and used in household cleaning. We recommend YoungLiving essential oils.

Fresh Air is Essential

An air filter on your furnace kills mold/fungus, bacteria and viruses that are floating in our air, which we usually cannot see with the naked eye. Be sure to avoid air purifiers that emit ozone as it is shown to cause lung damage. We recommend BreatheClean.

Hyland Homeopathic Kit

Hyland's kits contain a combo of the most commonly used homeopathic remedies for children with easy to follow instruction. You can find them at the Co-ops and Whole Foods.

Remember the Basics

Wash hands regularly using soap that is not antibacterial. Antibacterial soap and hand sanitizers kill the beneficial bacteria or 'good bugs' and can cause your body to develop resistant bacteria or 'super bugs.' Theives hand soap and purifier are great alternatives.

Drink your fluids in the form of water and herbal teas. Avoid excess fruit juices due to high sugar content.

Avoid sugar, as sugar decreases the immune system function.

Minimize/avoid dairy products. Dairy is mucous producing, which can intensify cold and allergy symptoms.

Consume warming foods and beverages such as soups, teas, steamed foods, ginger, cumin, and turmeric, lots of greens and colorful fruits and vegetables.

Boost up bath-time. Apple cider vinegar is a great antiseptic and can be added directly into a bath. Essential oils, such as lavender and Theives can also be used. Ginger compresses (pieces of fresh ginger cut up and wrapped in cheesecloth) can be added to the bath to reduce fever.