Our Top Tips for Going Back to School

"Don't you just love New York in the fall, it makes me wanna buy school supplies" 

Starting the new school year can be an exciting time. Buying new stationary, new uniforms and going into a new class with a new teacher can make it an unsettling but exciting time of change for children. But, as every mum and teacher knows, those first few weeks back always bring an explosion of bugs, and children who are immune compromised can become easy prey for some of these viral attacks. Making some diet and lifestyle changes can help boost your child's immunity and make a real difference to their overall health and wellbeing. Here are our top tips for a healthy school year. 

​Optimise Vitamin D 

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin which is essential for maintaining healthy levels of calcium in the blood. Vitamin D also plays an essential role in immune system health and cell growth. The main source of Vitamin D is from exposure to natural sunlight from the sun. However, from October to March the rays of the sun in the UK are not strong enough to enable our bodies to make Vitamin D. As a result, it is now a government recommendation that everyone should supplement with Vitamin D from October to March each year. Recommended dosages for children vary according to body weight. 

Look after Gut Health

It is estimated that between 70%-80%  of our immune system is located in our gut which means that what we feed our gut bacteria can impact our immune health. Prebiotics such as garlic, leeks and asparagus feed the friendly bacteria in our guts so consuming these on a regular basis can benefit gut health. Probiotics have also been shown in clinical trials to have a beneficial impact on gut and immune health. Optibac and Proven both have good ranges for children. ProVen Fit for School was used in the ProChild study, which took place over six months and those children taking Fit for School saw a 30% reduction in absenteeism from school due to coughs, colds and other upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). The study also found that the duration of coughs and colds was halved in the children taking Fit for School and visits to the doctor and consequently prescription for antibiotics was reduced by 43%. This probiotic is suitable for children aged 4-16. 

Consume Omega 3 

Omega 3 is great for our brains and helping us focus. Omega 3's also reduce inflammation and prevent attacks by toxins or pathogens. Food sources include oily fish, eggs, walnuts, flax, chia seeds and grass fed meat. If you're concerned that your child won't eat many of the foods which contain Omega 3, you could supplement with a good source of omega 3 such as Eskimo 3 Bright Kids Jelly Splats. 

Eat a Rainbow 

Eating a wide variety of colourful fruits and vegetables ensures we get a combination of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support the immune system. If you're concerned about any nutritional gaps, BetterYou have designed a handy multi-vitamin spray for children with a blend of 14 essential nutrients. The robust multi-nutrient formulation contains the full spectrum of B vitamins, including folate, combined with vitamins A, C, D, K, selenium and iodine. 

Sleep 

Sleep is when our bodies rest and restore. It is therefore essential for optimal immune health. Aiming for at least 10 hours sleep for little ones is a great way to ensure they get the rest they need to grow and thrive. Avoid electronics and blue light effect from TV/ computer etc at night and ensure a good winding down routine of baths and stories. Relaxation music can be helpful for us all and some children benefit from white noise. Essential oils are ideal to diffuse in the bedroom and can aid sleep and relaxation. Talk to use about appropriate essential oils and other supports such as magnesium cream  which can be helpful depending on age of the child. 

​We hope you all have a happy and healthy school year!  

If you would like to know more about nutritional therapy for children, you can find more information on our children's nutritional therapy page or pop into the shop at 44 St Andrew Street, Aberdeen to have a chat with us. 

Optibac for Babies and Children

£6.99 - £45.99

What's it for?

A natural supplement from OptiBac, for infants and children.

Who's it for?

For infants & children from birth to 12 years, and for pregnant & breastfeeding women.

Each sachet:

Provides 3 billion live cultures + 0.75g of FOS fibres, guaranteed until end of expiry.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS); Filler: potato starch; Live cultures (Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52, Bifidobacterium infantis Rosell-33, Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71).

Each sachet guarantees 3 billion micro-organisms + 0.75g FOS fibres.

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MultiVit Junior Vitamin Oral Spray

£8.95

BetterYou™ MultiVit Junior Oral Spray is an expert blend of 14 essential vitamins and minerals expertly blended to support your child's health and wellbeing.

• 14 essential nutrients
• Perfectly balanced nutritional support for growing bodies
• Suitable from 1 year old
• Great tasting natural raspberry flavour
• No tablets, capsules or water required

Specially formulated to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. The tiny droplets absorb quickly in the mouth providing fast nutrient absorption.

The robust multi-nutrient formulation contains the full spectrum of B vitamins, including folate, combined with vitamins A, C, D, K, selenium and iodine.

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Acidophilus & Bifidus with A-Z multivitamins for Children

£7.95

Specially formulated for children aged 4-16.

• 2.5 billion Lab4 friendly bacteria per tablet - 30 chewable tablets - One per day

• Includes 100% RDA of all 13 essential vitamins

• Developed specifically to help maintain immune function and general wellbeing in children

• Blackcurrant flavoured

Adequate vitamin intake is especially critical for children to ensure they develop and grow healthily. As some children can be fussy eaters, it may be useful to supplement their diet to ensure they have an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals.

ProVen Probiotics Acidophilus & Bifidus with A-Z Multivitamins for Children is unique in providing a combination of 100% of the recommended daily allowance of all 13 essential vitamins, together with 2.5 billion Lab4 friendly bacteria - all in one tasty chewable tablet developed specifically for children.

The unique addition of the extensively studied Lab4 friendly bacteria helps to support immune and intestinal function making ProVen Probiotics Acidophilus & Bifidus with A-Z Multivitamins for Children a comprehensive nutritional support to help maintain your child's everyday health and wellbeing.

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

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DLux Infant

£5.95

BetterYou™ DLuxInfant Vitamin D Oral Spray is specially formulated for children under 3 years. The gentle combination of coconut oil and vitamin D deliver this vital vitamin directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system.

• Each spray delivers 400IU (10μg) of bioavailable vitamin D3
• Simple and pure formulation
• Convenient and effective vitamin D absorption
• Supports bone and teeth development
• Contributes to a healthy immune system

The tiny droplets absorb quickly in your child’s mouth providing fast and convenient nutrient absorption.

There is no need to take with food or water and DLuxInfant’s 100% natural, tooth kind formula is perfect for kids to boost their vitamin D levels quickly and easily.

Ingredients

Coconut oil, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3).

No artificial colours or flavours.

The source of vitamin D3 is Lanolin. This has been sourced from the wool of sheep living in Australia. The D3 is completely extracted from the Lanolin and while it is suitable for vegetarians (approved by the vegetarian society) it may not be suitable for those wishing to follow a strict vegan diet.

BetterYou takes pride in its unique approach to absorption, delivery and stability testing and proudly use natural, food-state, food-sourced ingredients wherever possible.

Proudly British made. Never tested on animals.

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