What supplements/vitamins should I give my kids to help their immune systems?!
Question: I have a 4 yr old and 10 mo old, they have a cold right now, I am so tired of dealing with colds and such every few months. Are there any natural medicines that you have used on young children that help support the immune system. I just want my family to be healthy! We eat very well, and neither my kids go to daycare, we are clean people but not germ freaks...I just think they need a little extra boost in their immunity and general health.
TIA Any personal experiances with your own children is even more appreciated...
Answers: I have a 4 yr old and 10 mo old, they have a cold right now, I am so tired of dealing with colds and such every few months. Are there any natural medicines that you have used on young children that help support the immune system. I just want my family to be healthy! We eat very well, and neither my kids go to daycare, we are clean people but not germ freaks...I just think they need a little extra boost in their immunity and general health.
TIA Any personal experiances with your own children is even more appreciated...
I tried to find the answer to that very question with my son he keep getting cold and then ear infections so I wanted to know what I could give him.... The doc told me to buy him a kids multivitamin at the store and have him take one a day. I don't know if you can give the 10 month old a multivitamin yet. It seemed to help a little but then again my son went to daycare and we couldn't keep him away from the germs, finally the only thing that work for us was pull him out of daycare and keep him at home he stopped getting sick then and he was still taking the multivitamin so hopefully it will work for you.
You can give your 4 yr old vitamin C in addition to the multivitamin but not your 10 month old. Good luck
I feel your frustration.
During the year 1 multivitamin and 1 pill or teaspoon of cod liver oil can help them.
To cold and to strengh immune system try Eucaliptus, thymus and Echinacea remedies. Tea and chicken soup can help too, during colds and flu.
Some supplements can also help like Kyolic Immune and Biobran. Also an extra vitamin C is reccomended
The most natural way to boost thier immune systems is to ensure they eat a well balanced diet, get plenty of rest, regular physical excercise and practice basic hygiene.
It's only by coming into contact (and fighting off) bacteria and viruses that our immune systems get stronger.
There is really nothing more you can do for them. When my daughters were young, they went to daycare and Im telling you, everytime I turned around they were sick. It was so frustrating..They eventually outgrew it as they got older.It sounds like you are doing all that is needed-you may want to add a multivitamin[chewable} so they wont spit it out. The immune system gets stronger with maturity and growth, thats all. I know youve heard it before-but handwashing really does prevent germs. good Luck.
Yes, there are natural products that help the immune system.... but most of them shouldn't be used by children unless the bottle says otherwise. You can look in your local healthfood/vitamin store for children's doses of immune system boosters to find safe and appropriate doses, but if you can't find any, I would stick with general antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, and E, for example) in appropriate doses. You can also ask a doctor what the proper products and doses would be for immune system boosters for children..... and children under 1 year old typically shouldn't be given any supplements unless you're specifically instructed by a doctor.
[edit]: Also, Echinacea should NOT be given to children unless you buy a children's dose of it. A "typical dose" (usually sold as an adult dose) is too powerful for a child and can be harmful to children. As far as the children's multivitamin, that's just for basic health, not a cold-fighter. Besides, if a child's immune system isn't confronted with a few minor illnesses, they are more likely to be sick more as an adult.
Restrict the sweets. Especially soda pop. Other wise a child's dose of vit. C,A and E.
Food is the best source of vitamins to build the immune system. But I know its hard to get kids to eat green leafy vegtables. A good source of vitamin C and A is orange juice.
MSC Gluco Manen is the best to build Immune systems. But I dont know if they have it in Children's dosage. Look up MSN Gluco Manen on line. Spelling may not be right.
I have many that i sell, but make sure they are whole food supplements, don't buy the synthetic garbage from drug stores and grocery stores! if you have a whole foods store go there!
Occasional colds may be beneficial to their immune system in the long run, for they will develope antibodies to help fight germs for the next attack. Lots of rest helps greatly.
Also, Avoid things that weaken immune system like junk food, "fruit" juices, and sugar. Keep practicing good hygiene care.
For good children supplements go to
http://www.shaklee.net/immune_system_rem...
HERBS THAT BENEFIT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
ASTRAGALUS - A powerful antioxidant, which protects the liver from toxins, boosts the immune system and generates anticancer cells in the body.
ECHINACEA - Enhances lymphatic function and boosts immune system.
GINKGO BILOBA - A powerful antioxidant, which increases circulation to brain cells.
GOLDENSEAL - An antibacterial which strengthens the immune system and cleanses the blood (Don't take internally for more than a week at a time or if pregnant).
ST. JOHN'S WORT- A blood purifier useful in cases of Epstein - Barr virus and HIV.
OLIVE LEAF - Effective against numerous viruses, bacteria and fungi. It has been used in the treatment of people with viral illnesses such as Epstein-Barr disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Herpes and AIDS.
SPIRULINA - Aids in protecting the immune system and cleansing toxins from the body. Though technically a nutrient, not an herb, spirulina is a naturally digestible food that helps protect the immune system and aids in mineral absorption. It helps balance blood sugar levels and supplies nutrients that help the body cleanse and heal.
Other herbs that enhance the immune response are
* BAYBERRY
* FENUGREEK
* HAWTHORN
* HOREHOUND
* RED CLOVER .