In preparation for back to school, Nancy’s Nifty Nook wants to remind parents that to keep kids’ immune system strong, they need to be boosted in late August or early September.
This special feature includes Nancy’s recommendations of top products and supplements to keep the entire family healthy.
Nancy says, “Vitamin C, Vitamin D3 and a good multivitamin can be taken year-round. Always buy a high-quality product from your health food store. You may save money buying big brands at chain stores, but you are compromising on quality.”
When it comes to reputable brands, Sisu, Omega Alpha, Natural Factors, Salus, Siku, All Kidz and Honibe all have excellent multivitamin options for kids. CanPrev and Orange are also two brands from Toronto that Nancy recommends.
“Echinacea has always been my go-to product for boosting immune systems. I recommend that it be given Monday to Friday with weekends off. Taking it full-time without a break may compromise your own natural immunity instead of supporting it,” explains Nancy.
To provide relief from cold and flu symptoms, Elderberry functions as a good antioxidant and is often partnered with Echinacea. It comes in liquid, crystal and gummy forms, which is ideal for kids that have a preference.
Another customer favourite is Deep Immune for Kids by St. Francis Herb Farm. This product has also been proven to help boost immunity.
Kids who experience stress and anxiety can consequently have sleep problems, mood swings, headaches and/or stomach aches. Some children may also develop negative habits such as nail biting while others may resort to lying or bullying behaviour in order to cope.
Bach Flower Remedies, a homeopathic product, comes in a kids’ version. This can be given orally, or it can be put in your child’s water bottle so they can drink throughout the day. It also comes in a pastille form, which older kids like and can take throughout the day, as needed. If desired, older students can take the regular Bach Flower Remedy instead of the kids’ version. If your child finds it challenging to settle down at night, this supplement can be very beneficial.
Another safe and popular product for sleep-deprived kids (and parents!) is Melatonin. It is recommended they start with a low dose of 1 mg and slowly increase, as needed.
Even with a healthy diet, it is often difficult to get enough magnesium every day. Nancy recommends Natural Calm Magnesium to meet the body’s over 300 needs. It comes in a powder form that makes for a nice drink. The kids also love the gummy form. It helps with many things, including sleep, mood, concentration, energy, regular bowels, headaches, migraines and more.
Now back in stock! Natural Calm Gummies are the highly recommended, natural supplement to help kids settle down after returning to school.
Does your child struggle with focus and concentration?
Often, an Omega-3 supplement can help. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that our bodies cannot produce. This means, the only way we can get them are through food and supplements. Health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids include support for the maintenance of good health, cardiovascular health, and brain function, among others.
Before turning to prescription drugs to treat your child’s inability to focus, Nancy recommends trying two specific natural products that may help:
Efamol Efalex
- supports problem-solving abilities;
- helps with concentration and focus;
- helps with coordination and balance
- supports learning behaviours and disorders; and
- improves concentration levels in children/adolescents with ADHD.
EQUAZEN Chews
- Clinically researched and provides the same support as above.
Last year, Nancy noted that when students were in school many parents came into the store because their kids’ hands were peeling and raw due to the alcohol-based hand sanitizers that schools were using.
When the natural oils found in the skin are stripped away, it becomes dry and irritated. Small cracks then trap germs and increase the risk of infection.
An alternative to alcohol-based products is Soapopular, an alcohol- free foaming instant hand sanitizer that leaves skin feeling soft, with no sticky residue. Approved by Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, it is also fragrance-free and hypo allergenic. This has been a recommended and go-to product since the SARS outbreak. Visit the company website for more information.
Back to school doesn’t have to stressful and kids can stay healthy all year long.
Stop by Nancy's Nifty Nook located at 152 Holland Street E. to stock up on products that will help support your child’s health and learning this school year.