Autumn is here! We love the fall, but we don’t love the colds that come with it. Here are some awesome tips I learned from Dr. John Doulliard, that are now tried and true, with a sprinkling of my own. Wishing you all a season of good health and blessing.
1.Moisture. In fall the air is drier. When the mucous membranes dry out, our bodies produce reactive mucous that predisposes kids to colds.
- Use a cold air humidifier every night to keep mucous membranes moist.
- Swab a good oil (Andreas Black sesame oil and coconut oil are both anti bacterial, but extra virgin olive oil works too) with a Q-tip around the inside of their nostrils, morning and night.
- Put a drop of warmed ear oil (preferably one made with garlic available in the health food store) in each ear, every night. Do it while they sleep if necessary. This lubricates Eustachian tubes, which helps support better lymph flow and aids upper respiratory immunity.
- Use lots of Coconut oil in your cooking, it is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and so healthy for your cells, skin, and brain.
2. Sleep. Getting enough rest is absolutely essential. If we are not properly rested our immunity will suffer. Kids need their rest. Pre-high school age children should be sleeping by 8:00. High school age should be asleep by 10:00.
3. Hydration. Avoid dehydration. Put water bottles in kids lunch. Make sure they drink a big glass of water in the morning and a big glass in the afternoon. Each day they should have ½ their ideal body weight in ounces.
Dehydration causes:
- Stomach aches
- Bone loss
- Hormonal problems
- Obesity
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Poor ability to focus
- Skin conditions
- And more.
4. Digestion and elimination. Colds start in the digestive system. It is important to track your child’s elimination and know when they “go”. 1-2 times daily is normal.
Up the water and vegetables, if bowel movements are not in the normal range. Sluggish bowels cause the villi of the gut to become congested.
5. Proper nutrition. Control mood and focus with food. The middle of the day is the best time to eat the largest meal because this is the time the body can digest most efficiently. This can be tough for school age kids.
In the afternoon when America is craving chocolate and coffee, the brain needs energy, especially when lunch was an insufficient snack. Blood sugar may then crash in the afternoon. Don’t just give your kids a sugary snack when they get home from school. Have a large meal ready for them when they get home.
They need energy for afternoon activities and homework.
It is also good because they will have ample time to digest before bed.
Offer them lots of nutritional veggies. The best way to get them to eat vegetables is monkey see, monkey do. Mom and Dad have to eat lots and lots of vegetables, it works , the kids will want them as well.
What other healthy tips do you follow to keep your family going during the fall season?
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