As a mother of three, I am always worried about the health of my kids. Are they getting the right amount of required nutrients with their sometimes picky diet? Is their immune system strong enough to handle the onslaught of germs and viruses that the winter month inevitably brings? Sick kids are no fun, and they put a major halt to the smooth flow of daily life. In order to boost their immunity and ensure their nutritional needs are met, I sat down with one of The Granary’s Nutritionists to develop a package that would help supplement any child’s diet, support brain development and improve immune function.
The result of that meeting was the Healthy Kids Package designed for children 3+. We have taken much consideration to put together a package that is both highly effective and cost considerate. One package will give you optimal nutritional and immune support for 60 days (for 1 child or 30 days for 2 children) for a cost of $90.00 That is more than a 15% savings.
Multivitamin with Whole Food Concentrates – 1 with breakfast, 1 with dinner
A multi vitamin is like an insurance policy, making sure basic nutritional needs are met even when the diet may not be optimal. However, not all multivitamins are created equal. Many children formulas are full of sugar, colours and artificial flavours and or sweeteners. The Healthy Kids Package contains the Big Friends Chewable Multi Vitamin & Minerals with whole food concentrates. It is sweetened with naturally occurring xylitol and contains fruit flavours. Formulated to support the development and maintenance of healthy bones, teeth, gums, eyesight, night vision, healthy skin, membranes, and immune function. It is recommend that children chew 1 tablet 2 times a day.
Multi Strain Probiotic – Chew 1 at bedtime
Probiotics provide the body with beneficial bacteria which are essential for healthy gut flora. Beneficial bacteria colonize the digestive tract and provide balance against “bad” bacteria or yeasts. A lack of beneficial bacteria from a poor diet, illness or use of antibiotics can lead to poor absorption of nutrients, intestinal irritation, diarrhea or constipation. Healthy gut flora regulates immune function, can reduce allergies and also plays an important role mood regulation and the reduction or prevention of autoimmune conditions. The NOW brand Extra Strength BerryDophilus provides 10 Billion CFU from a combination of 10 clinically validated probiotic bacterial strains designed to support gastrointestinal health and healthy immune system function. It is recommend that children chew 1 tasty tablet daily at least 5-6 days a week. Probiotics can be taken at any time and with other supplements but the best time to take a probiotic is at bedtime which allows the bacteria uninterrupted opportunity to colonize the gut. Probiotics should be taken at least 2 hours away from antibiotic medication.
Fish Oil with Vitamin D- 0.5-1 tsp (5ml) daily with a meal
Both fish oil and Vitamin D have been highly studied with results showing many health benefits associated with both. Many of these studies have linked the active compounds (DHA & EPA) found in fish oil with healthy brain development, improved immunity, mood and more. It is an essential nutrient (meaning the body does not produce it) that many children lack in their diet. Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, has long been recognized for its important role in bone health and immunity. Additionally, Vitamin D has been found to play a role in mental health. Our Healthy Kids package includes the great tasting Sea-licious Kids Omega 3 with vitamin D. The flavour of Cotton Candy is made using a steam-distillation process that captures the essence of burnt sugar. This chemical-free process draws out the fragrant, sweet molecules without any sugar residue. A daily yummy spoonful has your kids saying more please! It is recommend that children take 0.5 – 1tsp daily. Fish oil can be taken with other supplements and can be added to juice, smoothies and more or taken right off the spoon.
Anti-Cold Echinacea Tincture – 1 ml in a little water, once daily
Echinacea is an immune boosting anti-viral herb that helps fight off infections. When taken at the first sign of symptoms, Natural Factors ECHINAMIDE Anti-Cold Alcohol Free Herb Tincture can help stop a cold from developing, ease symptoms, and accelerate healing. It works great as a preventative to keep kids healthy during the school year. Take daily throughout cold and flu season, but be sure to take 1 week off every 8. At first signs of infection, or when infection is present in the house, children can take 1 ml 1-3 times a day in water or juice. (can also be taken straight).
Tips for healthy kids!
- Encourage drinking water rather than juice. Include frozen fruits, drops of stevia or use special water cups to help picky drinkers stay hydrated.
- Offer a variety of food at meal and snack times to ensure a balanced diet
- Stay away from sodas, fried or processed foods, sugar and white flour
- Make time for active play daily and limit screen time – kids need to move and explore their world
- Be consistent with bedtime and plan for extra quiet time when needed
As with all natural health products, you should talk to your health practitioner to ensure the products are right for you. Brands and products can not be substituted for the quoted price, however, we are always happy to help you find the products that are right for you.
