Back To School Supplements

Back to school is upon us, kids are back in the classroom and need a smart start.
Multivitamins can help with nutrition, learning and overall health and immunity.

Supplements and a healthy diet can help boost brain power, improve immunity and soothe stress. A nutritious breakfast and a diet that is low in refined sugars, trans-fats and boxed, processed foods is an excellent way to begin the day. Children don’t always eat right, so here are some supplement recommendations and how they can help.

DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) The brain’s nerve-cell membranes are made of fat. Ingesting a healthy fat, DHA, can help make these membranes successfully fire off neurotransmitters and help with attention, focus, processing efficiency, and memory. This can result in improved listening, comprehension and vocabulary skills.

Liquid fish oil with EPA and DHA can also offer anti-inflammatory support for allergies, colds and viruses. Algae can work as a vegetarian substitute for fish oil.

Phosphatydilserine is a fat that facilitates communication among brain cells and is a natural substance your brain makes. It can help to enhance memory, improve attention, concentration, learning, behavior and school performance in children. Phosphatydilserine is found in foods such as eggs and soy, but only in small amounts so dietary supplements are an effective option. It is compatible with fish oil.

Vitamin D can help with immunity for all children. Vitamin D helps to trigger the immune system to react and fight off infections like the seasonal flu.

Probiotics are good bacteria that help maintain beneficial intestinal flora; which not only helps digestion but boosts immunity. Over 70% of the immune system is produced in the small intestine. Probiotic supplements with a mixture of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria may help reduce the incidence of fevers, coughs, runny noses and other infections in young children.

Elderberry is an herb that may help shorten the duration of colds, flu and other viruses. Elderberry is known for its antiviral and immune-system stimulant properties.

Magnesium can help relax and calm children. As a calming mineral, magnesium trumps calcium, but children may need more calcium for their bones, so the two nutrients are usually given together.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) can help to soothe anxiety and is gentle but effective. It is also helpful in supporting healthy activity levels and concentration- a big plus in the classroom. Children can drink 1 to 2 cups of freshly brewed tea daily or tinctures that use glycerin to extract the constituents from an herb rather than alcohol.

-Mona Claypoole, Director of Marketing and Wellness Support