Sometimes you need a little extra help keeping you and your kids healthy. Webber Naturals expert Quinn Hand gives us the scoop...

No matter how many preventive measures we take, that cold virus can catch you by surprise!

You may feed your kids nutritious foods, get them playing outdoors, maintain a healthy schedule with good night's sleeps, and have them washing their wands, but sometime they simply get sick. So, here are a few things to keep on hand and tricks to fight infection:

Vitamin C

A potent antioxidant, vitamin C helps support the immune system. As a water-soluble vitamin, our bodies don’t store it. So where do we get it from? Our foods. But in times of viral assault, higher dosages can be used to fight off infection. Anywhere from 1000mg to 6000mg in divided doses throughout the day can be beneficial when taken at the first sight of cold or flu symptoms.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that is part of our immune system, incorporating into something called “zinc fingers”, which help fight infection. It also increases our white blood cells to fight infection. When taken within 24 hours of the onset of cold or flu symptoms, zinc can reduce symptom severity.

Probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that naturally colonize our bodies, particularly in the digestive tract. However, they can also peripherally colonize our nasal mucosa, helping protect against cold and flu. Additionally, they improve gut health, which is where much of our immune system resides, and increase certain immune fighting cells. In the event of antibiotic treatment, probiotics are critical to repopulate the digestive tract and stop the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

Echinacea

This popular herb is a great antimicrobial, boosting the production of white blood cells and interferon (an antiviral molecule). When taken early enough and in the right dosage, Echinacea can lessen the duration and severity of a cold.

Oregano oil

This oil has been traditionally used as a broad spectrum antimicrobial and shows great benefits against cold and flu. Oregano oil is also highly antioxidant. Using about 4 drops, held under the tongue for a few minutes prior to swallowing can be a great tool against that annoying common cold and sore throat.

Wool and cotton socks

Yes, I said socks! This is a traditional hydrotherapy (water therapy) technique that acts as a lymphatic pump to reduce congestion and stimulate the immune system via the movement of lymph through the lymph glands where antibodies reside. Using thin cotton socks, run them under cold water until saturated. Then wring well, ensuring no excess amounts of water. Put them on your feet, then cover with wool socks (at least 80%). Do this right before bedtime and keep them on while you sleep. When you or your child wakes in the morning, the sock should be dry and you should feel better. I use this the minute I start to feel sick and often avoid falling ill!

As the World Health Organization (WHO) says, "Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." So, try to keep these aspects in balance and your child should be on their way to a healthy school year!

Image Sources: stayathomemother.com and womansday.com

Good Things Come In Pairs

Sometimes, for a number of reasons, things just seem to work better together. 

Just like peanut butter and jam, rock and roll, Ernie and Bert, jeans and a tee, they just seem to go better - together. It's the same for most nutrients. Some just seem to pair up well.

Vitamins C and D are the perfect pair.

Vitamin C provides immunity support, so your body is less susceptible to common colds and illness. While Vitamin D, which can be produced by your body with sun exposure, provides that additional one-two kick of extra protection. And, with the days getting shorter and shorter, it's getting harder and harder to squeeze in enough sunlight each day.

Want to know more about this perfect pair? A recent article from Alive magazine has got the scoop. 

Have a healthy winter!

Sunkist® Vitamin C + D

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It takes more than nutrition and physical activity to keep your children healthy...

Webber Naturals' expert Quinn Hand shares her expertise on how to keep your children focused, healthy and happy!

7. Fishing for focus

If there is one supplement that every child can benefit from it is fish oil. Fish oil, particularly DHA, is critical to the normal development of the brain, ears and eyes. It is important to ensure focus and attention, evening showing great benefits for those children who suffer from ADD or ADHD. Children aged two and up can benefit from about 300mg of DHA and an accompanying EPA dose (600mg).

8. Creating structure

All people benefit from structure and routine, and this is especially true of children. In chaos children feel that their basic needs are threatened, which can lead to stress, anxiety, poor sleep, lack of mental focus and behaviour issues. As we already discussed, consistent sleep and wake cycles are a critical part of structure. However, try to include steps such as:

o A consistent quiet time for 15-30 minutes after school without TV, computers or other electronic devices. Have your child read a book, lie on their bed and relax, listen to gentle music or even meditate (once you teach them).

o Create a meal time schedule – this will not only provide structure in the general sense, but it will ensure that your child’s blood sugar levels are stable avoiding difficulty concentrating and poor mood.

o Develop a guideline for completing homework. The earlier homework is completed the less risk there is of late nights and tired children. Furthermore, the earlier it is done, the more fun you can have as a family in the evening.

o Consider creating a family calendar that outlines the various commitments of each family member. Help your child set timelines for completing tasks, or planning for events by using this calendar.

9. Talk time

Kids often need to talk and get things of their chests. One of the greatest things my parents ever did was to set time aside each night when they came home from work to simply catch up on the day’s events, or talk about more serious issues. Set up a time where your child knows they can have your undivided attention. This adds to the structure but also lets them know they have a safe place and time each day to reach out to you. Of course, they need not be limited to this time, but if we don’t create it, this important step can often be lost in the hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities.

Image source: eHow Family