What is needed to build a strong healthy Immune System
I don't want my child to be strong, healthy and resilient. I'm OK with them getting sick ALL of the time - said no mother ever!
As a mum who suffered with a child that was CONSTANTLY sick I was desperately searching for the answer that was going help me FIX this and I was prepared to do WHATEVER it took. I was relentless in this search, often wanting to give up at times.
I did so many supplements, potions, tests, in and out of doctor and naturopath offices, all of which had very limited or very temporary success.
I intuitively knew the heart of the issue was that he needed to eat better, but if the truth be told, I had no idea how to do this, even after seeing 4 different pediatric dieticians in 5 years.
Completely frustrated, but not deterred I kept searching and finally I understood the root cause of the issue, i.e. his gut needed healing. Without this being addressed, no supplement or potion was going to help.
We used GAPS (Gut & Psychology Syndrome) as the spring board for this process and I can’t even begin to tell you how life changing that was.
Having said that, you don’t NEED to do GAPS, but you definitely need to address the nutritional status and address gut health. This is non negotiable. There are no magic pills or quick fixes.
85% of the body’s immune cells plus genetic material reside in the gut – hence the link between immunity and gut health .
Understanding the other factors that affect gut health and ultimately affects immunity and resilience?
- Refined sugar
- Processed food
- Trans fatty acids
- Lack of dietary proteins
- Food intolerances
- STRESS
- All prescription or over the counter medication
- Lack of sunshine
- Living in a sterile environment
- Chemical cleaning products
- EMF
Ways to boost the immune system:
- Wholefood that is plenty full in fat, protein and vegetables
- Healing foods including broth, fermented foods and drinks
- If you feel you need to supplement, ensure it’s good quality and wholefood derived. Anything else is still seen as toxic by the body
- Sunshine
- A bit of dirt
The aim is not to make our children bullet proof to getting sick, as that is definitely how the immune system learns, but we do want them to be resilient and bounce back quickly. So it’s all about supporting the body with the right nutrients and tonics when they do get sick, rather than give them medication that harms and treats symptomatically. This is such a trap most mum's fall into, and I did this too for a little while.
Today, I only use food as medicine and a few key herbal supplements to boost and support the body during a time of sickness.
To help you start your Natural First Aid kit, I’m gifting you my key DIY Homemade Remedies that will support and build resilience rather than harm. These remedies will be suitable for:
- Coughs
- Digestive upsets
- Colds
- Building resilience & overall immunity
You only need a few key ingredients to get started, all easily sourced from your garden, supermarket or health food store.
Chantal is a Certified Nutrition & Wellness Coach that specialises in helping stressed and overwhelmed mums heal their children with wholefoods using a personalised wholistic step by step approach.