Supporting Immunity For A Healthy Back To School

• Posted by Dr. Paula Gaynor on August 31, 2022

The start of the school year is a time of new beginnings and opportunities. Keeping children healthy as they go back to the classroom can seem challenging at times but, fortunately, there are lots of ways that parents can help in supporting their child’s immunity against the usual bugs and viruses.  Here we share some healthy tips for supporting back to school immunity.

Well-Balanced Diet

Providing a nutritious and well-balanced diet is essential in helping kids to stay healthy. A well-balanced diet will contain fruits and vegetables, full of vitamins and antioxidants, lean protein, healthy fats, including omega-3s from oily fish, and wholegrains. Probiotic rich foods, including yogurt (ideally low sugar varieties) are also important as probiotics can help give the immune system a boost and inhibit the growth of harmful gut bacteria.

Parents should try to give kids as much variety as possible. Starting the day with a healthy breakfast is important, as is providing a healthy lunchbox and nourishing dinners. Having healthy snacks available is essential. Trying to limit consumption of sugar-loaded foods and drinks is important as a high sugar intake negatively affects the immune system.

Regular Exercise, Good Sleep Habits and Stress Management

Encouraging kids to be active is important – Healthy Ireland recommends that kids should play and be active at a moderate to vigorous level for at least 60 minutes daily. Regular exercise not only helps build strong muscles and healthy bones, it can also result in better sleep, improved moods, lower stress levels, and increased circulation of immune cells in the body – all factors that contribute to a healthy immune system.

Good sleep habits are vitally important for kids. Sleep allows the body to rest, regenerate and heal and the lack of sleep can affect the immune system. Research shows that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus.

For many kids, transitioning back to school is stressful and managing and reducing any stress that kids may have is also important as ongoing stress weakens the immune system.

Health Supplements 

While not a replacement for a healthy diet, supplements are especially useful in providing extra support for a healthy immune system, as well as providing numerous other benefits.

One of the most popular go-to supplements for supporting immunity is undoubtedly Vitamin C. It’s important to bear in mind that not all Vitamin C supplements are created equal with most Vitamin C supplements being poorly absorbed. Liposomal Vitamin C is the best absorbed form available. SOMEGA Liposomal Vitamin C is a great-tasting, alcohol-free and sugar-free Liposomal Vitamin C liquid that is suitable for the entire family. In addition to helping immunity, it helps enhance energy and reduces tiredness and fatigue.

A Vitamin D supplement is important all year round in Ireland, but particularly as children head back into the classrooms and have less access to the outdoors and sunshine. Pure and natural SOMEGA Vitamin D3 + K2 Liquid Drops are placed under the tongue for fast and effective absorption and are ideal for both children and adults. This product not only supports immunity, the combination of Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2 offers enhanced support for healthy bones.

As many families do not consume enough oily fish, taking an Omega-3 supplement daily is important for adults and kids. Omega-3s positively impact the immune system due to their anti-inflammatory properties and also support brain, heart and eye health. To be consistent in supplementing and ensure maximum health benefits, it’s vitally important that the taste of the Omega-3 supplement is appealing. SOMEGA Easy Omega-3 + Vitamin D3 has a creamy, smoothie-like texture and a delicious, natural peach-mango flavour.

B-Vitamins also offer support for the immune system and help to support mental performance and combat stress. SOMEGA Liposomal B-Complex + C is a synergistic blend of the 8 B-Vitamins and Vitamin C and is suitable for 12 years and older.

The Bottom Line

 For supporting back to school immunity, the best approach is a holistic one, incorporating good nutrition, sleep, exercise and stress management. Carefully chosen, high quality health supplements can provide invaluable extra support for the immune system as children re-enter the classrooms for the new school year.

We are now stocking Somega products here at Drift or buy online from https://gosomega.com/