The immune system is constantly developing from birth, helping us stay well and acting as our internal defence shield against bugs and nasties. Often, some exposure is needed to grow and gain a strong, healthy immune system from a young age.
But how much is too much?
The most common question we get frequently asked is, how much exposure should we be getting? Our new blog discusses this in more detail as a general guide for parents.
The day-care spell - everyday immunity
We are all different in our genetics, lifestyle, diet and environment. It all helps shape our innate immune response. Our health can dramatically differ from person to person, and there will be times when additional support may be required. Often, one of the most fundamental times our kids might need more immunity support or extra immune-boosting is the start of day-care, kindergarten or a new school year.
Although it is a completely natural event for them to be exposed to new bugs that they may not have been introduced to at home at the start of school or day-care, the extra support during this time can be most beneficial for everyone in the household.
How much immune support is needed?
There never is just the one approach that suits all, and weighing up what may work best for you and your child is always the best way forward, but where do you begin? Our gut helps us provide up to 70% of our immune cells, so good gut health really does foster a healthy immune response in the body.
For any little ones with a poor gut or who struggle with ongoing tummy issues, more immune support can help support a strong and effective immune response to year-round bugs. Anxious young children can also benefit here, as stress makes us more susceptible to unwanted bugs. Helping soothe and settle wired but tired little minds for easing into new school routines can further help support their inner immune defence.
What helps? The ideal immune support solutions
Finding calm for anxious and overwhelmed little ones is part of everyone’s well-being and a restful household. Herbs such as Chamomile can help in soothing frayed nerves and sore tummies. Other botanicals such as Elderberry and well-known immune superstars like Echinacea also can help as natural daily immune defence options for school and day-care support.
Encouraging enough sleep and downtime is always an essential tool for wellness. Although challenging at times for young children, a consistent bedtime routine is often helpful for mood balance, general well-being and immunity. Pulling the curtains, reading a bedtime story, and a warm tepid bath with Epsom salts or lavender can help to lull little ones into a relaxed and sleepy evening after a long day of play or schoolwork.
More natural options for runny or blocked noses are Peppermint, Ribwort and Elderflower; these herbs are great safe alternatives for that blocked stuffed up feeling for adults and children. They help support a restful night’s sleep to ease away full noses and clear mucus for an easier recovery time.
The immune cupboard essentials
Having these on hand in the medicine cupboard can help when we need them, often with young children in the middle of the night or early morning. Keeping a first-aid immune kit on hand in the household can help lessen the stress for everyone and provide more resounding support for those who are unwell when they may need them.
Using them as we need to helps a quicker recovery and supports immunity for longer-term gains.
For the kids:
- Kiwiherb Children’s Organic Echinature®
- Kiwiherb Organic De-Stuff For Kids
- Kiwiherb Children’s Organic Chest Syrup
For you:
- Kiwiherb Herbal Throat Spray
- Kiwiherb Organic ImmuneGuard
The golden balance – growing healthy immunity
As children grow, we care, nourish and provide the fundamentals for optimal health encompassing both emotional and physical health and supporting immunity as we need to become part of that natural response. Helping the body in times of extra need with immune herbs helps to support and foster immune protection for growing minds and bodies when they need it most of all.
