1st-grade-class-821Back-to-School Immune Boost

Sure, summer’s almost over – but there’s plenty to look forward with back-to-school time, including new teachers, new friends and for some parents, a little more free time!

All the excitement of back-to-school can also cause some stress.  Changes in schedule, being exposed to more people and more germs, and the change in season can cause tax the immune system.  A back to school immune system boost is a great way to keep colds, flu, earaches, allergies and more at bay.

Supplements to Boost Immunity

 Yes, you could just use a mulit-vitamin, and hope for the best, but it’s usually not enough to keep kids from getting sick all winter long.  A small amount of effort can go a long way to making back-to-school time a healthy, happy experience for your family.   Here a protocol to follow to keep your whole family healthy.

Take these on-going throughout the year:

  • Probiotics improve digestive function, the center of good immunity. Choose a high quality probiotic powder from the fridge section of your health food store and mix into a cool food like yogurt, applesauce or a smoothie.
  • Omega-3’s (found in fish oil, krill oil, and hemp oil) establish healthy cell membranes that prevent inflammation and resist toxins and attack by pathogens.

Take these during the school year or times when everyone seems to be sick:

  • Vitamin C reduces inflammation and fights and prevents infection – 500mg for infants 1000mg/day for children, 2-4 g for adults.  Childlife makes a yummy orange flavored tincture that kids love.
  • Vitamin D is essential to maintain immune function and as the days get shorter there’s less opportunity to get D from sunlight.  5,000 IU for adults, 2000-250IU for children, and 1000IU for infants. 
  • Chinese herbs- Ask you TCM practitioner to provide you with one or two immune herbal formulas you can use to boost your child’s immunity.  These formulas may be premade or customized for your child’s needs.  I recommend having a general immune booster to take for prevention plus one to chase away early signs of cold/flu as needed. 

 If your child is getting sick frequently or is around sick kids often, consider adding:

  • Colostrum helps the body to resist infection.  ½-1 teaspoon daily.
  • Zinc stimulates immune function, prevents infections, and acts as a cofactor in many enzyme reactions, including the creation of antioxidants.  Prolonged use can cause a copper deficiency, so use a supplement that combines both in a ratio of 10 zinc:1 copper. 25 mg zinc for adults, 10mg for 2 years and under, and 20 mg for 3-13 year olds.

If your child is not consuming a varied and nutrient-rich diet also consider supplementing with:

  • Greens Powder such as or Amazing Grass in berry or chocolate kid-friendly flavors or New Chapter Berry Greens.  This will fill in the gaps for the fruits and veggies that go un-finished.
  • Vitamin A Is essential for growth and repair of tissue, strong bones and teeth, good eyesight, and a thriving immune system (1,000 and 2,000 IU for kids over 9).
  • Vitamin E reduces inflammation throughout the body and strengthens the immune system.  (Vitamin E with mixed tocopherols is best for kids).  100 IU for 1-2 year olds, and 200 IU for kids 3-13.

Late Summer and Digestion

In Chinese Medicine, the end of summer marks an important seasonal change.  Just before kids head back to school, the Late Summer season begins, the season associated with harvest, the earth element, and the digestive system. This is a great time to focus on boosting your child’s immunity, especially by focusing on diet.  Read more here about how to strengthen digestion through this time of year.
Lifestyle Recommendations

Besides healthy diet and some herbs and supplements, what else can you do to help boost immunity at back-to-school time?  May seem obvious, but make sure your child…

  • Sleeps- to build immunity naturally set a healthy bedtime and incorporate an evening routine to make night time smooth and easy.
  • Drinks plenty of water to flush toxins from the body.
  • Exercises regularly to stimulate cleansing and the release of natural stress reducing hormones.
  • Spends time outdoors, taking in plenty of fresh air and Vitamin D from sunshine.

Keep in mind that the occasional cold and flu is GOOD for you and your child.  Minor bouts of illness allow the immune system a chance to flex it’s power and grow stronger, so in the long run the body can fight bigger, meaner pathogens and keep you healthy and feeling great!