Nurse-Approved Tips for Boosting Your Kid’s Immune System

Hello Valley Moms! My name is Kristen, and I am a Valley Nurse who loves holistic health. I hope you all are enjoying the cooler weather and little tastes of Fall! 

A common question I get asked during the fall/school season is, “How do I boost my child’s immune system?”. My answer is: Steward it all year long! Instead of focusing on avoiding all germs, focus on empowering the defense! A healthy body produces a strong immune system. Our bodies are designed beautifully and intelligently to be able to get rid of and detoxify pathogens and toxins. What a merciful design! Although our body’s systems can only function as designed when they are stewarded and cared for.

Everyday Ways to Support the Immune System

Here are some of the ways you can steward the health of your children throughout the year:

1. Eat nutrient-dense food. Meats, fish, organ meats (try WNF Ancestral blended ground beef), organic and seasonal fruits and veggies (Pybus Farmer’s Market on Saturdays), fermented foods (milk kefir, beet kvass, coconut milk yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, apple kraut), raw milk (WNF), coconut oil, olive oil, and meat broth. This is great for the whole family!

2. Minimize sugar, processed foods, and vegetable oils (canola, cottonseed, sunflower, Crisco, etc.)

3. 9-10 hours of sleep

4. Play outside in the sunshine, dirt, and wild lakes and rivers (exposes us to beneficial soil microbes)

5. Reduce screen time and indoor sedentary activity 

6. Create a safe and loving environment (a body that does not feel safe will have a hard time healing)

7. Moms and dads, take care of yourself! Rest, slow down, heal. Stress is one of the biggest contributors to a weakened immune system.

Getting Started Without Overwhelm

I know many of you may feel overwhelmed by the recommendations above. Start with one change at a time. If you don’t have time to cook, I encourage you to reprioritize it. Find ways to slow down in your schedule. Make it fun! Real food tastes GOOD and is so worth it. 

Here are 2 books if you don’t know where to start:

1. “Eat Like a Human” by Dr Bill Schindler 

2. “Family Table” by Shaye Elliot 

3. Any “Whole 30”, “Keto”, or “Paleo” cookbook

What to Do When Kids Get Sick

The next question we will discuss is, “What do I do if my child or I do get sick?”

The answer to this question will vary depending on the individual and the specific situation. Always consult a health provider you trust.

Oftentimes, when we get sick, we view symptoms as “bad” and something to be fought against.

When we have a fever, we take Tylenol. When we have a cough, we take a cough suppressant.

But what if our body is designed to know exactly what to do, and symptoms are our body working for us?

Our bodies are so beautifully designed. When we have a fever, our body is likely heating up so the pathogens cannot survive. When we have mucous buildup, that is the immune system cleaning up to expel pathogens from the body. When we have a sore throat, our immune system is firing at pathogens and sometimes hitting healthy cells, causing pain and inflammation. When we have vomiting or diarrhea, our body is trying to get rid of a toxin or pathogen in the gut. When we are fatigued, our body is trying to preserve energy so it can be used for healing.

When we listen to, support, and trust our bodies, they will be better equipped to heal.  

Tips for Supporting Kids Through Illness

Here are a few tips when supporting our kiddos through illness:

1. Try not to force food if they are not hungry. Trust the body’s intelligence. If the body is not spending energy on digestion, it can be used for healing. The most important thing is HYDRATION. Make sure they stay hydrated with broths, herbal teas with honey, organic fruit/vegetable juice, coconut water, water with a pinch of sea salt or trace minerals, or electrolyte drinks like ReLyte.

2. Nourishing foods like Chicken noodle soup (this is a great recipe), other meat soups, or pho. Fermented food is wonderful as well.

3. Minimize sugar and processed foods

4. Sleep!

5. Sunshine and time outside 

6. Cold sock treatment - After a warm bath, place cotton socks in cold water and place on feet, then place a dry pair of wool socks over the cotton socks. Sleep overnight. By morning, socks should be dry. This is a form of home hydrotherapy. 

Natural Remedies We Use

Most illnesses will pass with time, nourishment, and rest. Sometimes, it can be helpful to add a little extra support. Here are some of my personal favorite remedies:

1. Sore throat - “Propolis Spray” by “Beekeepers Naturals”, warm saltwater gargle, honey, and warm tea

2. Cough - “Wild Cherry Bark Syrup” by Herbs of Love or Dr. Green Life, NAC (oral or nebulized) to loosen secretions

3. Earache - “Mullein Garlic Drops” by Herb Pharm

4. Sinus congestion – NAC, warm fluid/hydration, infrared light to sinuses, boil a pot of water with a few drops of peppermint oil and inhale steam (or use a humidifier or saline nebulizer)

5. Post viral bacterial infection - “Microb Defend” by BioMatrix

6. Fever - Try to let fevers run their course, as they are a natural healing response. If temperatures rise >104F, try to cool with ice packs to armpits and groin, “Temperature Tamer Kid” tincture by Dr. Green Life, or cold sock treatment listed above.

7. Overall immune support - Cod liver oil by Standard Process or Rositas, “Elderberry Tincture” by Herbs of Love or Dr. Green Life, “Real Vitamin C” (whole food) by Herbs of Love, “Probiotic for kids” by Dr. Green Life

When to Seek Medical Help

If symptoms are worsening, go see your trusted health care provider. For more health and wellness insights for you and your family, follow my journey on social media @k.j._wellness!

Happy Fall and stay healthy!