8 Ways To Boost Your Kid’s Immunity Before School Starts

Instead, we can take action steps at home to boost their immune systems so their bodies can fight off these bacterial and viral invaders on their own. In my functional medicine clinic, I see many children with weakened immune systems and have picked up a few kid-friendly tricks along the way. By doing a few key things now before summer is over, you can strengthen your child's immune system so you both can hopefully take at least one less sick day.

Since close to 75 percent of your immune system is located in your gut2, just one round of antibiotics can weaken your child’s immune system. It’s important to avoid antibiotics unless completely necessary and look for natural anti-bacterial options, such as colloidal silver, to avoid sending your child off to school with an already depleted microbiome.

If you have an extra picky eater, there are many kid-friendly probiotic gummies on the market that will give them a hefty immune-boosting dose of good bacteria. Some still do contain sugar, though, so stick with whole food probiotic sources as much as possible.

With the combination of the sun not setting until much later and the crazy summer activity and travel schedule, a regular bedtime can go out the window. As soon as possible, begin re-establishing a sleep schedule with a set bedtime and wake time—no more sleeping in or staying up late. Most children need between 10 and 14 hours of uninterrupted sleep every day for them to thrive. Starting this sooner, rather than later, will make going back to school less of a struggle and their bodies will be better prepared to fight off any germs that come their way.

Between pool parties, BBQs, and summer camps, there are a lot of opportunities for sugar overload. Sugar has been shown to drastically alter your microbiome by depleting it of good bacteria and providing an environment for bad bacteria to thrive. Mitigate your child’s sugar exposure by sending them off with sweets that are made with natural sweeteners like stevia so they don’t feel left out of the fun. When at home, replace dessert with fruits loaded with immune supporting vitamin C and antioxidants, like oranges and blueberries.

Children who are breastfed tend to be healthier and have fewer allergies as they get older due to the protective, immune-boosting antibodies found in colostrum—the "first milk" produced from nursing moms. Even if you are no longer breastfeeding, you can still harness the power of colostrum through powdered colostrum from grass-fed cows and goats. This is a perfect option to sneak into smoothies, water, juices, and even kefir. They won’t even know they are getting an extra dose of something healthy!

Vitamin D is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in America. It is often referred to as the sunshine vitamin since your body absorbs sunlight using cholesterol to convert it to a usable form of vitamin D. Every single cell in your body requires vitamin D—your immune system in particular. In fact, low levels of vitamin D are linked to autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disorders, but optimal levels have been shown to improve symptoms of these conditions by helping increase white blood cells, which are the defenders of your immune system. Take advantage of these long sunny days and boycott the TV and video games. Spend added time outdoors reading, hiking, playing sports, or at the community pool.

If you are not one of the lucky few whose child gobbles up veggies at lightning speed, try making green smoothies and popsicles with just a little fruit for sweetness. They’ll be getting a sweet treat, and you’ll be getting the satisfaction of knowing they are having something beneficial for their health.

Essential oils are a fun and easy immune-booster to add to your regular routine. Eucalyptus3 and oregano4 have all been shown to have antibacterial and immune-modulating capabilities. These are great to diffuse throughout your house to support your child’s immune system while they are playing. You can also add oregano oil to meals you are already cooking to enhance flavor, as well as your child's immune system.