As the new school year begins, it’s crucial to ensure that students and parents are equipped not only with school supplies but also with the right tools for maintaining optimal health. Proper nutrition, adequate hygiene, optimal hydration, and appropriate supplements play vital roles in supporting a student’s academic performance, energy levels, and overall health. As most parents are familiar with, a new school year brings weeks of constant coughing, sniffling, sneezing and runny nose. With a focus on nutritional supplements and hygiene support, here’s how to navigate back-to-school sickness and boost your kid(s) and family’s immune system.
Nutritional Supplements: Essential Vitamins and Minerals
- Multivitamins:
- Why: Multivitamins can fill nutritional gaps and provide essential nutrients that may be missing from the diet. Look for ones with balanced amounts of vitamins A, C, D, E, and B vitamins, as well as minerals like zinc and iron.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
- Why: Omega-3s support brain health, cognitive function, and mood regulation. Fish oil supplements or algae-based options for vegetarians and vegans.
- Vitamin D:
- Why: Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune support, especially during months with limited sunlight exposure or higher likelihood for sickness.
- Probiotics:
- Why: Support gut health, which can influence overall immune function and digestive comfort. Look for a probiotic supplement with a 5 or more strains and a high CFU (colony-forming units) count.
- Herbs:
- Why: Herbs such as Elderberry, Echinacea, and Astragalus have a long history of supporting and strengthening the immune system. Not only do they help boost immune support, they also help shorten cold and flu like symptoms.
Supplement Dosage and Safety
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Before starting any new supplement, it’s important to consult with one of our healthcare practitioners at MediThrive Personalized Wellness to determine appropriate dosages and to ensure there are no interactions with other medications or conditions.
- Quality Matters: Choose high-quality supplements from reputable brands to ensure safety and efficacy. We recommend physician exclusive brands as they traditionally use a higher quality raw material and therapeutically dose each raw material to ensure it is safe and effective.
Hygiene Support for a Healthy School Year
- Hand Hygiene:
- Hand Washing: Encourage regular hand washing with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
- Oral Hygiene:
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste: A good toothbrush and toothpaste are essential. Replace the toothbrush every 3-4 months.
- Floss: Daily flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Skin Care:
- Moisturizer: Keep skin hydrated, especially in cooler months, with a good moisturizer to prevent dryness.
- Mineral Sunscreen: Protect skin from UV damage with sunscreen if students are spending time outdoors.
Healthy Practices at School
- Healthy Snacking:
- Portable Snacks: Pack nutrient-dense snacks such as fruits, nuts, yogurt, or whole-grain crackers to keep energy levels stable throughout the day.
- Avoid Processed Sugar: High sugar intake has been shown to impair the function of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections and viruses.
- Hydration:
- Water Bottle: Encourage students to carry a reusable water bottle and drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Proper hydration ensures that cells, including those in the immune system, function optimally.
- Avoiding Plastic Water Bottles: Chemicals like BPA in plastic bottles can leach into the water and enter your body, potentially causing immune dysfunction and inflammation, amongst other things.
- Sleep Hygiene:
- Consistent Sleep Schedule: Establish a regular bedtime routine to ensure students get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night improves immune quality.
- Sleep Environment: Create a calming sleep environment with minimal distractions and a comfortable mattress and pillows.
Tips for a Successful Back-to-School Transition
- Create a Routine: Establish a daily routine that includes time for homework, extracurricular activities, and relaxation.
- Stay Organized: Use planners or digital tools to keep track of assignments, tests, and activities to reduce stress and improve time management.
- Foster Open Communication: Encourage students to talk about any concerns they have regarding school, health, or social interactions to address issues early.
- Promote a Balanced Lifestyle: Encourage a mix of academic, physical, and recreational activities to support overall well-being.
As students head back to school, integrating proper nutritional support and good hygiene practices can make a significant difference in their health and academic performance. By focusing on these aspects, parents and guardians can help ensure that students have a successful and healthy school year.
Stop by MediThrive Personalized Wellness located in Cornelius or contact us at 980-580-6070 to get the supplements our practitioners recommend for optimal immune support, energy and focus.
