It’s back to school time and while many parents look forward to getting back into a routine, it can be a stressful time for children. It is our job as parents to ensure a healthy learning environment both at home and school. There are simple things you can do for your children to ensure a great, successful start to a new school year. Following a clean, high fat, moderate protein and lower carbohydrate diet that is also low in refined sugars, trans-fats and boxed, processed foods is the first step to ensure children a healthy start. Along with this, supporting the body with nutrients through supplementation will help your child stay focused and increase their immune system. When choosing supplements, you should know that not all supplements are not created equal and many big companies just use fillers such as cornstarch, gelatin (often from hooves of animals), artificial sugars, dyes and other non-essential ingredients. So, how do you know you are getting quality vitamins? When buying supplements, make sure the supplement is certified by an outside company. The gold standard is GMP certification and will be on the supplement bottle. Supplements that are sold from reputable healthcare providers are recommended. I carry a wide variety of supplements in liquid, chewable and smaller capsule forms for children.
Multivitamins
A daily multivitamin is not a substitute for a healthy diet, but rather it’s an insurance policy of sorts for filling out nutrients that may be missing from a person’s diet on a regular basis. Multivitamins for children are especially important since most kids aren’t known for having the most healthy or varied diets. Daily multivitamin use in children has even been associated with an increase in IQ and academic performance. I carry a wide variety of multivitamins in liquid, chewable and smaller capsule forms. Another great way to get more nutrients in your children is to combine my powdered foods - PhysioMeal, PhysioGreens and NanoReds in a smoothie to make a complete meal or snack that is packed with powerful nutrients.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3s (EPA/DHA) are important for school aged children. Omega 3 fatty acids play a large role in brain function, focus, and concentration. The body cannot manufacture omega 3 fatty acids; they must be obtained through diet. If your child is not eating fatty fish on a regular basis, it is likely they are deficient. It has also been shown that children with higher levels of EPA/DHA have higher IQs and improvement in ADD/ADHD symptoms. These fats have other roles as well; they decrease inflammation in the body that is caused by stress and athletic injury, and also help strengthen the cell membranes, thus, speeding up the healing process. Fats are also important in regulating hormone production in the body. I have a variety of fish oil supplements - chewable, liquid and pills. The chewable and liquid taste great and can even be mixed in a smoothie.
L-Theanine
L-theanine, an amino acid derived from green tea, is a natural and effective supplement that is helpful for children and adults of all ages to reduce stress and anxiety as well as improve focus and concentration. Theanine works by promoting alpha brain waves, the type of brain waves that produce a calm, relaxed state. Unlike many herbs or supplements for stress it will not make you tired. I have L-theanine in chewable tablets or capsules.
Vitamin D
Known as the "sunshine" vitamin, it is not actually a vitamin, but a hormone. When we are deficient, studies show people have more frequent colds and flus. Testing vitamin D levels in your kids can be simple. I carry a finger prick lab test kit that can be done in your own home. It is recommended to test levels before starting a Vitamin D supplement for proper dosing. I carry a variety of D supplements - small capsules, chewables or drops.
Probiotics
Research has proven preventative probiotic use does cut colds and flus according to the Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics. We all have a balance of good and bad bacteria in our gut that keeps our immunity in check. Approximately 70 percent of our immune system lies in our large intestine and when it becomes imbalanced, we are more prone to getting sick. A high sugar, processed and fast food diet can decrease our immunity. Also, those who have food allergies or food sensitivities also have a decreased immunity. If your child gets sick often, take a good look at one's diet and supplement with nutrients that boost the immune system. I carry powders, small pearls and capsule forms of probiotics.
For more information about any of the products above, please call the studio at 312.255.8308. All back to school supplements are 15% off during the month of September...just mention this blog!