How This Momma Avoids Getting Sick From The Kids
Disclaimer: The following information has not been approved by the FDA. This information should not be interpreted as medical advice and is not a substitute for a visit with a medical care professional. Always speak to your doctor about any health concerns.
Lack of sleep and direct exposure to germs is a losing combination that every mom experiences when the family is under the weather. As the owners of The Healthy Place, Tim and I are often asked how to avoid getting sick from the kids. I’ve created a plan of action that — although not foolproof — has helped me avoid illness when the rest of the family is dropping like flies. Yes, it has even worked when I’ve spent the night with a toddler coughing directly in my face or cleaning up after puking kids!
I’m sure you’ve heard it said — and you know it is true — moms don’t have time to get sick. We spend so much time taking care of everyone else that we can’t afford to be down for the count. You know what? Moms don’t have the luxury of being sick! No matter how dreadful you’re feeling, a mom can’t call in sick to motherhood, and the kids are surprisingly unsympathetic when it comes to needing food and attention.
As I’ve mentioned in a previous article, being sick occasionally is part of childhood and needed to develop a strong immune system. Do our kids get sick? Yes. Do I work hard to prevent illness? Yes and no. I strive to support the health of our kiddo’s immune system. During cold and flu season I have a special regimen I use with them that doesn’t prevent all illness, but it significantly reduces their level of illness.
I Was the Only One Still Standing
My family recently came down with a cold and every single person was coughing and miserable — except me. In a sea of congested, grumpy people I was the sole survivor and I attribute it almost entirely to the fact that at the first sign of a sniffle I increase my daily intake of ViraPro. My maintenance dose during the cold and flu season is one tablet daily. When a family member starts getting sick I increase to six tablets per day (the recommended dose for additional support). It hasn’t failed me yet!
ViraPro – My grand slam
ViraPro is made from freeze-dried elderberry extract. It also includes vitamins and minerals crucial for immune support. Elderberry has a long history of medicinal use in North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Modern research into the bioflavonoids and proteins in elderberry juice has demonstrated its potential for destroying the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect cells. In fact, researchers have found that the antiviral components of elderberry fruit extract inhibit Human Influenza A (H1N1 virus) as well as the prescription medications Amantadine and Oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Elderberry also possesses anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
The Lineup: How I Avoid Getting Sick From the Kids
While I consider ViraPro to be my “miracle” product — delivering a power punch of immune support when I really need it — I also realize it is equally important to support and maintain the health of my immune system.
Here is my lineup of four products that work to support my immune system throughout the year, helping me avoid getting sick and providing additional support while caring for the rest of the team. I admit that I often get caught up in the demands of the day and forget to take my supplements. Oops! I’ve found it is helpful to keep them in plain view on the counter during cold and flu season so I don’t forget to take them.
Our “modern” diets are commonly lacking in vitamin C, probiotics, and omega-3 fats — nutrients that are vital to our immune system’s health and its response to invaders. While The Healthy Place team advises increasing consumption of foods rich in these nutrients, supplementation ensures levels required for optimal health and immune function.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been a nutrient of interest since Albert Szent-Gyorgyi won the 1937 Nobel Prize for his research on this essential vitamin. His discoveries launched important research regarding the roles of vitamin C in the body, particularly its effect on the immune system.
Vitamin C is water soluble, quickly excreted, and cannot be produced by the human body, so supplementation is particularly important. Deficiencies have been associated with a higher frequency and duration of respiratory infections, and lowered immune function. In fact, the activity of some immune cells is closely related to their vitamin C level.
WHAT I DO
- Maintenance Dose: 1 gram in the morning and evening.
- Protective Dose During Illness: 2 grams in the morning and evening.
2. Probiotics
Most people have heard that probiotics assist digestion and enhance nutrient absorption, but few realize that research has found probiotics are also an important part of the immune response. Eighty percent of an adult’s immune system resides in the gut where “good” bacteria work to convert immature T cells into regulating T cells, and produce immune-activating molecules called cytokines. Supplementing with probiotics supports the health of the gut AND the immune system.
Probiotics come in a variety of forms and potencies. It may be helpful to talk to one of our Wellness Consultants to find a probiotic that meets your specific needs.
WHAT I DO
- Maintenance Dose: 1 capsule in the morning
- Protective Dose During Illness: 1 capsule in the morning and evening
3. Omega-3 Fats
Research into the effects of omega-3 oils rich in EPA and DHA continues to reveal their importance for immune health. A study conducted at Michigan State University, published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, found that DHA rich fish oil activated B-cells (white blood cells) and antibody production to aid immune response and pathogen clearance, while lessening systemic inflammation.
This is another supplement that has a variety of delivery methods — capsule, gel cap, tablet, liquid. That’s good news for people who struggle with swallowing pills. Call or stop in one of our stores and we can help you choose an omega-3 that works best for you.
WHAT I DO
- Maintenance Dose: 1,500 mg in the morning
- Protective Dose: 1,500 mg in the morning and evening
4. Vitamin D
A ScienceDaily article reports scientists at the University of Copenhagen discovered that inadequate levels of vitamin D impairs immune function. Here is what they found: “…vitamin D is crucial to activating our immune defenses and that without sufficient intake of the vitamin – the killer cells of the immune system — T cells — will not be able to react to and fight off serious infections in the body. The research team found that T cells first search for vitamin D in order to activate and if they cannot find enough of it will not complete the activation process.”
Vitamin D deficiencies are becoming increasingly common. Few people get enough direct sun exposure or eat foods rich in this nutrient. Supplementation is an easy way to ensure healthy levels.
WHAT I DO
- Maintenance Dose: 5,000 IU in the morning
- Protective Dose During Illness: 5,000 IU in the morning and evening
MY SECRET WEAPON
I have a little secret to share that is of equal importance — how I avoid getting sick from the kids includes how I avoid passing the germs through the family. Our kids share bedrooms. If one is coughing all night, the air in that room is filled with germs.
The last weapon in my arsenal of protection when someone is sick, or feeling the first symptoms of illness, is diffusing essential oils. There are a variety of oils that support immune health, BUT the ones I pull out of my essential oil kit when someone is sick include those that purify the air of viruses and bacteria.
WHAT I DO
- I use a nebulizing diffuser and one of my favorite blends – Mountain Forest from Amrita Aromatherapy or Immune Boom from Plant Therapy KidSafe.
- Some individual oils that are good for purifying the air are: Tea Tree, Citrus Oils, Balsam Fir, Lavender, and Sandalwood.
- Stop in our stores and check out our new Plant Therapy KidSafe line of essential oils! They have blends that specifically attack germs and support immune health.
Apple Wellness – The Healthy Place
Okay moms! It may sound like an exaggeration, but I believe this lineup is the closest thing you’ll ever find to the Fountain of Youth! Not only will it help you stay healthy when you need it the most, it will also boost energy and brighten your daily outlook.
There are so many circumstances you can’t change when you’re a parent — a baby that rarely sleeps, your toddler’s awful habit of dumping his plate on the floor, the pile of dirty laundry, and dishes that never go away — but your health is one thing you CAN take control of. And when you’re feeling great, suddenly that pile of laundry doesn’t seem so huge!
Of course you’ll want to have these products on hand before illness strikes. They are available at either of our four The Healthy Place supplement and nutrition stores – in Fitchburg, Sun Prairie, West Madison, and Middleton, Wisconsin. You can also give us a call and have the products shipped directly to your home (free shipping on all orders).
Our Wellness Consultants love to answer your questions and guide you to products that meet your health needs. They are committed to helping you “Find Your Healthy Place”.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19263912
http://jlb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub//content/93/4/463
https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/research-confirms-probiotics-support-immune-system/
This is written as an informational guide. The treatments described are not meant to replace professional medical care, nor are they intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care provider before using these products.
*Disclaimer: All information and recommendations given on this site, in email correspondence, newsletters or other materials provided by The Healthy Place is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice nor be viewed as a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider. Consult a licensed healthcare practitioner before modifying, stopping, or starting the use of any medications, health programs, diets, and/or supplements, as well as regarding any health concerns you may have. Our statements and information have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. As with any health-related program, product, or service, your risks and results may vary. We expressly disclaim responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information provided to you here.”
The Healthy Place – Apple Wellness
6313 McKee Road Suite 100
Fitchburg, WI 53719
608-663-2640
The Healthy Place – Apple Wellness
550 Junction Road
Madison, WI 53717
608-203-5245
The Healthy Place – Apple Wellness
2824 Prairie Lakes Drive Suite 108
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
608-825-0080