Kids Immune Health

Kids Immune Health

There are many viruses and infections going around currently and some seem hard to shake. Sometimes these illnesses are just intrinsically harder to get through than average. Other times there are things we can look at and optimize to make sure your kids’ body is better equipped to deal with these illnesses as they come up.

Gut health plays a huge roll in overall immune health. Signs that kid’s digestive system is struggling and potentially contributing to immune system issues would include: digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, or abdominal pain; skin symptoms including eczema, dry patches or overall dry skin, hives, lighter or darker pigmented skin patches and recurrent rashes like candida or ringworm. For some kids the symptoms are more mood or sleep related like tantrums, trouble falling or staying asleep, night terrors, nightmares. Even recent use of antibiotics can leave the gut vulnerable.

Other factors to consider in immune health are overall nutrient and metabolic status. Most commonly in practice I see low iron contributing to lower immune function. Common symptoms of low iron include low energy or in some children inattentiveness and hyperactivity, dizziness, shortness of breath, trouble falling asleep, anxiety, low mood to name a few. Other important nutrients to consider is vitamin D and B12 as well as some other things like thyroid or insulin/blood sugar depending on other presenting symptoms.

To get a head start on your child’s immune health for next season or boost things for the remainder of this season call the clinic to book a visit to discuss your child’s specific needs.

Dr. Alyssa Fruson, ND