It is cold and flu season.  Even if you get the flu shot, there are lots of other viruses from which you want to protect yourself or minimize the duration.  This blog includes some of the best ways to prevent illness this winter.

Reduce Risk after Exposure

Handwashing & Nasal Flushes

Wash your hands frequently, especially after being in public area.  Minimize your use of antibacterial soap/hand sanitizer.  These products also kill the good bacteria in and on your body, which help you prevent infection.

Do normal saline nasal rinses/sprays daily.  They rinse out the viruses before they can replicate enough to cause illness.  Using ones that contain xylitol (Xclear) have been shown to be even more effective.

Want to make your own xylitol nasal spray?  Mix the following ingredients together to make your own spray. Adjust the salt and baking soda to preference (higher salt may cause some burning).

  • 1 cup distilled water
  • ¼ – ½ level teaspoon of Salt
  • 1 level tablespoon of Xylitol
  • 4 Drops Grapefruit Seed Extract
  • ¼ – ½ level teaspoon of Baking Soda

If you have an infant at home with older siblings in pre-school or school, have your children wash their hands and change clothes when they return home from school.

Healing Foods

Rainbow of color
Fruits & veggies

Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables which contain phytonutrients, vitamins & minerals that support the immune system. Avoid sugar, processed foods, sodas, juice, etc.

 

ProBioitics & Prebiotics

Eating probiotic and prebiotic containing foods help maintain a healthy gut.  Your gut is a large portion of your defense against illness.

Probiotics are good bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut, which is one of your first lines of defense.  Prebiotics are the foods that feed the good bacteria in your gut.

Probiotics

Probiotics can be found in foods, especially fermented foods, and in supplement form (list on next page).

  • Yogurt (dairy, coconut)
  • Kefir (water and milk)
  • Kombucha
  • Miso
  • Raw sauerkraut
  • Raw pickles
  • Kimchi
  • Natto
  • Tempeh

Supplements/Herbs

Preventing illness

These herbs and supplements have been shown to support the immune system and help prevent illness:

  • Elderberry Syrup can be used all winter long.
  • Zinc & Vitamin C– ensure plenty of zinc and vitamin C containing foods are in your child’s diet.
  • Vitamin D – consider supplementing this vitamin during winter. Our bodies do not produce enough because of less sun exposure.
  • Tulsi (Holy Basil) has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal qualities. Try it in foods, as a garnish for soup, or as tea (hot or iced).
Probiotic Supplements

When selecting a probiotic supplement, choose one that lists several strains.  The best supplements are found in glass bottles in the refrigeration section.  For children under 2 choose infant probiotic (should contain Bifidobacter & Lactobacillus).  For children over 2 can use same version as adults – available at EarthFare & Whole Foods – see dosage on packaging. You can also visit our supplement store.

Prebiotic Foods

Feed your gut with these prebiotic foods.

  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Chicory root
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Jersualem artichoke
  • Fermentable fiber
  • Resistant starch

Bone Broth

Make A Soup

You have been told to eat soup when you are sick and here is why.  Old fashioned soup used to be made with bone broth, which has lots of healthy ingredients that keep the gut healthy.

Make your own soup using bone broth and mix in the prebiotic foods above for a great soup your kids will love.  Bone broth can be made at home or purchased at a local healthy food market.

 

General and Medical Disclaimer
The ideas and opinions expressed in this blog are informational only,  based on the current data at the time of writing, accurate to the knowledge of the author,  and not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for your child’s pediatrician. Please seek medical attention from the appropriate medical professionals if you have any health concerns about yourself or your child. The publisher and author(s) of this site are not responsible for any errors or omissions in any content herein nor to be held liable for the ideas and opinions expressed. Information provided in this website DOES NOT create a provider-patient relationship between you and any provider affiliated. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.