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

Webber Naturals' expert Dr. Joyce Johnson reveals the body's army: the immune system!

Get to know the ins, the outs and the protection strategies of your immune system...

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away...”

A familiar saying, but how much of an impact does your diet have on immune system function? In a word - plenty! There are certain all natural supplements and herbals that are known to help strengthen your immunity, but before you start guessing at which vitamins to take, get to know your immune system!

The Importance of Immunity

Do you suffer from fatigue, lethargy, repeated infections, slow wound healing, allergies, thrush, colds, and flu? These are all signs that the body’s immune system is not functioning up to par. A healthy adult should not suffer from more than two colds a year. If you find yourself picking up every passing infection, it’s time to think about your immune support system!

Immunity - or lack of it - starts at the cellular level. The immune system involves much more than your white blood cells: skin, intestines, nasal mucosa, blood, lymph, stem cells, b-cells… it’s a long list. And our bodies have a complex defence system for good reason! The immune system is the army that protects against germs, viruses, bacteria, and other invaders.

But like any army, our immune systems are not invincible. Factors that can impair immune function include nutrient deficiencies, contaminated air, water and food, unhealthy lifestyles and too much exposure to harmful microbes. A weakened immune system leaves the body vulnerable to virtually every type of illness and disease, especially when you move between countries, time zones and climates (hence our flu season).

But luckily, we can help ourselves out! There are dietary supplements that have been scientifically proven to improve white blood cell counts, increase the body’s resistance to infection, and speed recovery when infection does occur.

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Stay tuned for immune system health tips and Dr. Johnson's know-how on supplements and herbals that will boost your body's defences. Coming next week! Have a great and healthy weekend!

Image courtesy of Lore via weheartit