Child Care - Best Practices
Education and empowerment, rather than fear, are good strategies for protecting our kids. Having a healthy respect for bacteria and viruses and learning proper practices for hand washing and, distancing when necessary, will help children feel secure and safe.
The best health practices for kids (and adults) are play, fresh air, sunshine, exercise, wholesome food, clean water, learning, and plenty of sleep.
Avoid foods that may weaken the immune system: white sugar, unfiltered chlorinated water, and pesticide contaminated foods (see the
Environmental Working Groups Dirty Dozen).
Children, like adults, thrive on a diet that is based mainly on whole foods: fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, beans and whole grains. Starchy foods and animal products digest in very different digestive secretions and are best eaten a separate meals to avoid excess mucous production.
To fill nutritional gaps children will benefit from a good multivitamin that includes a full B complex, vitamin C (in winter), calcium, magnesium, and zinc. For children 4 and over who have difficulty with concentration, or for children prone to colds and flu, we recommend Bio-Strath, a whole food vitamin/mineral combination that improves focus and strengthens immunity.
Vitamin D is a very common deficiency in Canada. Even in summer very few children spend any time outside without sunscreen which inhibits the natural synthesis of D. The upper limits recommended by Health Canada are:
- Infants 0-6 months 1,000 IU
- Infants 7-12 months 1,500 IU*
- Children 1-3 years 2,500 IU
- Children 4-8 years 3,000 IU
- Children and adults 9-70 4,000 IU
If you use drops for a dosage of 1,500 take 2,000 every 2nd day. For a dosage of 2,500 take 3,000 every 2nd day.
To nourish their developing brains, children need the Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Regular consumption of fish, flax and hemp seeds and their oils will provide them through diet, otherwise there are children’s formulas specific to their needs.
Children are healthier and happier when there’s a good balance of healthy bacteria in their digestive tract. Make fermented foods a regular part of their diet and supplement intermittently with probiotics. Scientists estimate that 60% or more of human immune function is dependent on a healthy microbiome.
Numerous studies* have been done on the herbs astragalus, echinacea, and elderberry demonstrating their ability to improve immune function. There is a selection of products available that are formulated specifically for children. Manuka honey is another tasty way to sooth a sore throat and boost immunity.
If children learn about natural foods and natural remedies at an early age they will likely carry those great habits into adulthood. Parents that empower their children to be mindful of their health on every level, can enjoy watching their lives unfold as healthy fruitful members of their communities.
*Reference Nation Center for Biotechnical Information (NCBI)
