Ways to Support Your Family's Immune Systems. We need to keep an eye on our immune health year round. But it's especially important come the winter months when bugs and viruses are rampant. Particularly this year when colds and coughs seem to be much harder to get rid of.
Here are some ways to Support your family's immune systems from your kids to the grandparents.
Immune Support During Winter
It can be really beneficial to take vitamins to help keep your immune system healthy during winter and give it some much needed support to battle illness. Many of the vitamins we take are suitable for all ages (such as vitamin C, and microbacteria, both of which are reliable immune health supplements), albeit in differing strengths.
However, there are certain nutrients that are more beneficial for some age groups more than others. Today we're taking a look at ways to support your family's immune systems, focusing on immune support for kids, adults and elderly members of your clan.
Ways to Support Your Family's Immune Systems:
Kids
Ear Discomfort & Sinus Issues
First up in our post on ways to support your family's immune systems is the kids. One of the most common complaints in children is discomfort in the ear, and pressure around the sinus (likely due to sniffing instead of nose blowing).
A. Vogel’s Plantago is a wonderful herb to provide relief; it contains tannins, silicic acid and mucilage which soothe and protect the membrane of the ears, nose and throat. If congestion persists, a break from dairy and bananas, as well increasing their water intake, can be helpful in shifting the build-up.
Sore Throats
Zinc lozenges are ideal for sore throats and are preferable over tablet form. This is because the lozenges make contact with the throat, healing the tissue. Nature’s Plus Animal Parade offering is perfect as it combines zinc with a herbal powerhouse of immune support.
Introduce a Multivitamin
Although a multivitamin should ideally be taken by all ages, kids in particular make good use of one, especially those who have a more limited palate and aren’t as keen to eat those healthy greens! Terranova have their Sneaky Greens product which really ticks all the boxes when it comes to dietary support.
Ways to Support Your Family's Immune Systems:
Adults
Stress Support
Now on to the adults. Immune defences can be lowered and reduced by chronic stress, and in our busy world this is a reality for many people. The B-complex with added vitamin C from Terranova is an excellent support; it could be combined with Wild Nutrition’s KSM-66 Ashwagandha which performs as an adaptogenic, thought to improve the body’s resilience.
Take a Multivitamin
For an all-round, potent, and easily absorbed multivitamin that offers immune support as well as an energy support, Source of Life Gold is one of our top of the range supplements. It contains more than 120 wholefoods, an array of vitamins, minerals, herbs and antioxidants to give you the best footing in your nutritional profile.
Get Enough Sleep
Various studies have indicated that a lack of sleep can have an effect on your immune health. Research has shown that those who have poor quality sleep or simply not enough sleep are more likely contract bugs and viruses. Our top sleep tips can be found here.
Ways to Support Your Family's Immune Systems:
Elderly
Take a Vitamin D Supplement
Finally, we're focusing on the elderly and ways to support your family's immune system. Vitamin D is important at all ages but it's crucial as you get older. The sun is responsible for manufacturing much of our vitamin D, and as we can't rely on it in Ireland, a supplement is often necessary.
The Department of Health recently recommended adults aged 65 and over take a supplement of 15 micrograms every day to maintain good bone and muscle health. Low vitamin D levels can also have an ill effect on our immune function, as well as several other of the bodies processes.
Heart Support
Garlic has been hailed for its many health benefits. It is often included in complexes aimed towards heart health, making it suitable for those who are looking for cardiac support. It's also used for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, and can support the immune system as well.
Ear Problems
Plantago, which was mentioned above for children, can be helpful for the elderly too as a blocked sensation in ear canal is a common complaint. Another helpful tip for this issue is to chew sugar-free chewing gum, as the chewing motion helps to breakdown wax etc. within the ear so that it moves through more efficiently.
Please note, this blog is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice.
It’s always best to consult your doctor before taking any new supplements, treatments or remedies if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication.
Are you looking for more information on how you can support your families health? Then read our blog 'The Importance of Childhood Nutrition for Learning'.
Checked and updated: 2 August 2021
