It is the time of year that has sniffles and coughs in between all the family festivities. I know that my kids will probably get a least one cold during the holidays. They get a little less sleep, their nutrition is okay but we definitely have some compromises, and their exposure is just higher. We went to see Frozen 2 at the movie theater and on the quiet parts of the movie, we just heard coughingThat is why I try to bullet proof their immune systems and fortify their little bodies with a few key supplements to get us through without sick days. I wanted to give yall a good core list that we always have on hand!
Vitamin C
I know everyone acknowledges that vitamin C is important in fighting infections. Its also anti-inflammatory and reduces oxidative stress in the body. Getting this from food is obviously the best for daily maintenance. You don't make your own vitamin C, so you have to get it from outside sources. So when I am using vitamin C for therapeutic reasons, I have a few brands that I love and use for different reasons. All of them are clean, meaning the quality and ingredients won't burden your body for more junk. And the forms are very absorbable, which means that you ingest it, and it goes straight to work.
Sufficient C - This one tastes amazing! The ingredients pass even the pickiest. Its super easy to get kiddos to take this one, because it tastes like lemonade! They make another one that is called Glutenizer that has the same amount of vitamin C + digestive enzymes! That flavor is Kiwi Strawberry and is also on sale this week. Use the promo code "20noburn" at checkout for 20% off.
Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C - This doesn't have a flavor, I mix it with a little honey for my kids. I take it straight with water. The packets make it super easy when we are traveling to just toss in our bag for the "just in case" scenarios.
IF you insist on a natural form of vitamin C - Camu Camu, Rosehips, and Acerola are amazing. You just don't get the punch in dosages like the other two that I listed when you are trying to get ahead of some sickness. Like it would take A LOT A LOT of those to get the same amount. And it doesn't taste pleasant...and when you're sick...you're even less likely to muscle through it.
Vitamin D
So Vitamin D is hormone. Its necessary as a building block for strong bones and the immune system. Obviously for daily maintenance...sunbathing with as much skin exposed to the sun for a few minutes each day is enough. Jury is out on how long but experts think its between 15 minutes - 1 hour each day. There are a number of Vitamin D rich foods, mostly concentrated in oily fish. But again when you're sick, a little extra goes a long way in the fight against viruses.
Megafood D3 Gummies - These taste amazing. Again this is super easy to get down the hatch with the kids. What i love about this specific brand is that they are certified glyphosate residue free, aka the chemical called Round-up.
Child Life Organic Vitamin D3 Drops - This is a great option for those little kiddos that aren't quite ready for gummies. It also tastes amazing.
And I know all of my Nourishing Traditions people are thinking...Michal...you're missing the talk about Vitamin A and K2 with Vitamin D3. I know, I know, I know...Those are extremely important for healthy bones and teeth. Usually people with a balanced diet are getting some of those. Maybe that is a separate blog post!
Echinacea
This is powerful herb that really arms the immune system. One thing to note with echinacea is that you do need to cycle on and off of it. This isn't something you should take every day unless you're sick. For maintenance, every other day is the way to go.
Child Life Echinacea Drops - I like this one because the flavor is so great. Genuinely the best that I have ever tasted. It contains the two most potent, absorbable and bioavailable forms of echinacea - Echinacea angustifolia (root) and Echinacea purpurea (leaf and flower). And something to note, is that when you are sick the instructions on this bottle say up to 4X a day for up to 10 days. So if you have more than one kid, get the bundle. It's on sale anyways! Its basically getting one free right now on amazon!
Elderberry Syrup
This is not fad. It's genuinely so stinking great. Great because of what it does, what is in it, and how it tastes. It’s naturally high in vitamin C, vitamin A, bioflavonoids betacarotene, iron, and potassium, and quercitin. There is a reason that so much positive research is out there on this stuff. If you have time...making your own is super affordable. I have a wonderful tried and true recipe here. If you do not have time or desire, then pick some up at the store girl!
Sambucol - I have enjoyed this brand because the quality of their black elderberry syrup has been tested and backed with decades of research on their specific product. It was also developed by a virologist which is a bonus. And another bonus, its on sale! making it even more affordable.
Bee Propolis
Bee Propolis is fascinating. Bees make it to coat the inside of their hives to protect it from pathogens. It sterilizes, but only harmful pathogens.
The Bee Propolis Throat Spray is called a body guard in a bottle because it has amazing germ fighting properties and over 300 beneficial vitamins, minerals, and compounds. This is anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral...can we please break out in song and dance now? They also have one formulated especially for children that has the therapeutic benefits of buckwheat honey. I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PRODUCT SO MUCH! It is so easy to bring along to those extra germy places. It is easy to travel with for extra boost. And the taste...it is like you licked the inside of a beehive without any stings, SO. GOOD. ( This is a secret...but I'll have an awesome coupon code for any Bee Keepers products on black friday, so hold off if you want to order some!)
There you have it. Here are the bare bones of my wellness cabinet. These are the non-negotiables. There are other things that I like to have on hand for specific things, like colloidal silver, and ear oil.I also use this juice powder in place of juice as often as my kids want it, limited to once a day. But it is PACKED with nutrition- greens, reds, immune support, antioxidants, and digestive support. They are all organic, and for every one purchased they give back to a non-profit to provide a years worth of vitamins to a child that is malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. We have been using this for at least 9 months and my kids still ask for it often! It really tastes amazing. That was really the last thing.
Bee Propolis Throat Spray for kids is a great solution to fight sickness for those on-the-go families! Click here for more information!