I hear you parents! Your child has been sick every other week since September! We are seeing pneumonia, strep throat, RSV, and various types of colds, and a wicked GI bug. Poor parents and poor kids! I feel for you.
Today’s letter is going to be short and sweet because it’s the holiday time and no one has time for lengthy reading.
Immune support starts in the gut!
Having a healthy microbiome is your first line of defense. Feed your child good prebiotic/probiotic rich foods. Fruits, vegetables, fiber rich foods, yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi will increase the number and varieties of good strains of bacteria. It’s cheaper than probiotics! How do you know if you have a good gut microbiome? If you poop daily and your stool pattern consists of logs not balls, then this would be a good sign. Interested in gut microbiome testing? Contact our office today!
Immune support consists of a few more important considerations:
Sleep! Lack of sleep is a stress to your child’s immune system. Most children/teens require 9-12 hours of sleep. If your child struggles with sleep issues, please contact your health provider today!
Exercise improves immune health by lowering stress and increasing a sense of wellbeing. It also improves sleep and supports both physical and mental wellness which in turn supports a healthy immune system.
Vitamin D! Most of us are indoors on these colder days. Consider going outside on the milder days and taking a Vitamin D supplement. Please talk to your health provider about measuring your child’s vitamin D level and advising you on the proper dosage.
Herbal supports! Try to include medicinal herbs in your cooking. Here is a list of powerful antiviral herbs you may include: rosemary, thyme, oregano, dill, cilantro, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and onion. Find the freshest herbs possible or consider having a kitchen garden.
Include citrus fruits and berries which contain vitamin C. These foods also contain flavonoid compounds that protect cells from damage and boost the immune system as well as anthocyanins, the antioxidants that give berries their red, blue, and purple colors, and have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. Adding herbs and berries also support a healthy microbiome!
If your child is sick please contact us. We have same day sick and telemed appointments, as well as Saturday morning appointments. Our doctors are on call each evening and our triage service, Hello Pediatrics, is available for overnight advice.
Wishing you all a healthy holiday season!
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