Submitted by: Catherine H.

Q: Both of my kids are just starting school (one in junior high and one in highschool) and I want to know what, if anything I can do to prevent them from picking up colds and flus this year? Also, what do you recommend to make them better students?

A: This question I get a lot, Catherine and there are a few very simple tips I can give you that will help build up their immune systems, decrease stress, and build the brain to keep them bringing home those straight A's!.

No matter what the age or grade, getting back to school can come with its health challenges. Whether it's the stress of letting go of summer, or coming in contact with more people who potentially have germs, or making poor dietary choices; the immune system will be challenged. In addition to supporting the immune system, the brain needs the right nutrients to function at its maximum capacity allowing the nervous system to focus and retain new information.

Starting from elementary school, and even preschool, the body is exposed to more pathogens than ever before. However, just because the body is exposed to these germs does not mean it needs to get sick. When the Germ Theory was discovered it saved countless lives especially with respect to hygiene and surgery, but the theory has some holes in it. With the present day knowledge, it is clearly understood that if a body is opened up in surgery and there is not proper hygiene nor pathogen exposure barriers, germs can invade the body and a massive infection an ensue. In that type of circumstance the body is virtually defenseless. But when a pathogen invades the body in a typical oral/respiratory route, there are defense systems in place that are designed to keep the body from infection. Unfortunately, those defenses can get suppressed for various reasons.

The strength of the immune system is completely dependant upon the foods that are consumed. For example, studies indicate that ingesting just 100 grams of sugar suppresses the immune system for as long as five hours after consumption leaving the body exposed to opportunistic pathogens. Likewise, eating foods that create an acidic environment in the body (such as refined processed grains, sugar, land animal meats, and dairy) can also weaken the system, and incidentally can cause inflammation.

Similarly, poor food choices can also leave the body deficient in nutrients necessary for optimal immune function. Many of the foods in the S.A.D. diet are calorie-dense and nutrient-poor. Breads, pastas, crackers, chips, cookies, pastries, candy, etc., are some examples of the foods to keep at a strict minimum. On the other hand, a good rainbow variety of fruits and vegetables are loaded with beneficial nutrients that are necessary for fighting infections. Also, take a "greens drink" for a concentrated source of phytonutrients and antioxidants to help maximize health and wellbeing. NewGreens is abundant in a variety of ingredients chosen to help produce energy, vitality, and mental clarity.

As the stress of school increases, so should the anti-stress activities. Consider meditation, deep breathing, aerobic exercise, dancing, walking/hiking in nature, writing, painting, etc. For kids, young and old: play, play, play. Stress and anxiety also makes the body use up B-vitamins very quickly, so take a high-quality B-complex to prevent deficiency.

Yes! A large percentage of the brain requires docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is an essential fatty acid. DHA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in deep-sea cold water fish. DHA, is an essential nutrient for proper brain, nervous system and visual function, and must be obtained through the diet. A healthy balance of DHA is essential to properly care for the brain throughout life, particularly during the early stages of development and learning.

Depending on the age, vary the dose accordingly, or call us for more information or for a free consultation. Learning is our ultimate purpose and we encourage you to give your body (and children's bodies) what it needs to help it function at its highest capacity.