healthy kids


supports a healthy microbiome.” Adequate protein supports healthy


immunity, as does reducing inflammatory foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG), caramel color, sodium nitrite, food dyes and chemical preservatives. Such mea- sures help reduce the burden on a child’s immune system. According to Naturopathic Doctor Sarah Anne Rothman, of Tyme Integrative Health, in Pacifica, California, limiting or eliminating processed sugar is also recommended; studies by Loma Linda University, in Loma Linda, California, show that sugar consumption suppresses immune response for five hours. Olteanu notes, “Desserts can be fruits


Boosters for Kids How to Power Up Their Defenses


Natural Immune by Marlaina Donato S


trong immunity is a cornerstone of optimum health, and may be weak- ened or enhanced by what we eat and


how we manage our emotions. Starting young in incorporating good ongoing habits can go a long way toward building a better immune response to whatever a person encounters.


Kid-Friendly Foods Organic strawberries, brightly colored pep- pers, vitamin D-rich eggs or almond trail


mix can turn a child’s brown bag lunch into an immune-boosting power meal. “Diet is one of the main pillars for children’s health. I teach parents and kids that food can be fun, and not to be obsessed with counting calories or portions,” says Dr. Alina Olteanu, a holistic pediatrician in Dallas, Texas. “I rec- ommend an anti-inflammatory diet based on lots of colorful vegetables and fruits, and healthy fats like fish, nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil. Eating fermented foods like sauerkraut, pickled vegetables and kimchi


Germs Can Be Helpful


Research from Professor Linda Harrison, of Charles Sturt University, in Australia, reveals that children that are exposed to other children in a daycare or school environment at an early age develop stronger immunity, even though they might sometimes get sick at the outset. According to a study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, day- care kids have a decreased risk


14 Austin Edition


of developing asthma and allergies later in life. Children also benefit from getting


their hands into microbe-rich soil, say Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers in a study published in Science. While germs can help kids build stronger immunity, common good habits like regular hand-washing curb the spread of viruses.


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and a small amount of dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants and actually healthy.” Her favorite sweetener for kids older than 1 year is raw honey; however, she cautions against giving honey to infants during their first year.


Exercise and Herbal Allies Exercise has been shown to increase blood and lymphatic circulation and in turn, helps move antibodies through the system and do a better job at fighting invaders, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Exercise is also a renowned stress-reliever, especially outdoors, which manifests the bonus of vitamin D fortification from healthy sun exposure. “I strongly encourage all my patients to spend at least an hour a day playing outside,” says Olteanu. Childhood


stress is a real factor that can weaken im- munity, yet juvenile anxieties may be dismissed or go un- noticed by adults. Caffeine-free herbal teas and glycerin-based tinctures such as chamomile, lemon balm, passionflower and lavender can be reliable double-duty al-


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