Back to School Immune Support

Kids will benefit from a strong foundation with omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, 
and targeted nutrients such as A, C, D3 and zinc.

A successful school year requires a strong immune system. From a dietary
supplement standpoint, there are many ways to support immunity throughout
the school year. Kids will benefit from a strong foundation with omega-3
fatty acids, probiotics, and targeted nutrients such as A, C, D3 and zinc.

Alot of energy and excitement accompany back-to-school activity and
preparation.Adjusting to new classrooms, new teachers and new friends
can be stressful in many ways and taxing on the immune system. A
successful school year requires a strong immune system. From a
dietary supplement standpoint, there are many ways to support
immunity throughout the school year. Kids will benefit from a
strong foundation with omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics and targeted
nutrients such as A, C, D3 and zinc.

Many integrative practitioners recommend fish oil to their patients
on a regular basis. One of the reasons they suggest fish oil supplements
is because they have been shown to support immune cell function.*
A 2018 pilot study featured in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry
demonstrated that it specifically supported B-cells.*

Probiotics are another foundational supplement. We often think of gut health
when we think of probiotics, but research also shows that probiotics support
immune function as well.* In a 2018 double-blind, randomized prospective
trial published in the journal Synthetic Systems Biotechnology, probiotics
helped specifically support upper respiratory tract function compared to placebo.*
The microbiome has an important role in digestion, absorption and assimilation
of nutrients, helping kids get the most out of the food they do consume.
Probiotics which help children support a healthy microbiome will also help
to boost their overall health and immune system function.*

Research also shows that vitamins A, C and D3 can help support innate
and adaptive immunity.* Zinc is also an important nutrient for immune
system support. According to a 2017 review published in the International Journal of Molecular
Sciences, zinc homeostasis is necessary for the immune system to
function properly.*

In addition to these foundational nutrients, many botanicals have been shown to
support immune function for kids including astragalus, curcumin, elderberry and
mushrooms (maitake, shiitake, lion’s mane, and turkey tail).*

When preparing for the journey back to school, consider these three key
lifestyle areas:

1. Sleep—Getting enough sleep is critical for the immune system. It is recommended
that school-age children get nine hours of sleep each night. 2. Nutrition—A colorful
diet that features lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, avoiding processed and “fast”
foods is better for the immune system. 3. Physical activity—Exercise has been shown
to support immunity and is good for a kid’s body, mind and emotional health.

Preparing for the back to school adventure is a bigger deal for kids than we might
realize. Counseling parents and kids on the benefits of immune system support
can contribute to another successful school year.