We all want our kids to stay healthy throughout the year, right?  It’s no fun to have a sick kid at home so anything we can do to avoid illness is a good thing. So what can we do to keep our kids virus-free?  Turns out that there is a lot you can do from home.

Optimal immune function is the key to keeping your children healthy. Since over 70-80% of our immune system is located in the gut, a healthy digestive tract is vital to immune function.  During cold and flu season, keep the following wellness tips in mind:

• Eat a diet rich in organic whole foods including; fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

• Keep your gut flora healthy with a high quality probiotic.

• Drink filtered water throughout the day.

• Incorporate immune-boosting carotenes into your diet including; dark greens, orange and yellow squash, carrots, yams and sweet potatoes.

• Eat foods from the cabbage family to increase immune function including; Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and mustard greens.

• Avoid Immune System BUSTERS; refined sugar, damaged fats, excessive pasteurized dairy, food sensitivities/allergies, pesticides and insecticides, processed foods, and stress.

And in case your little one gets sick despite your best efforts…stick to these words of wisdom from my mama:  “No sugar, no dairy!”

I used to joke with her and yell: “NO FUN!”

But my mama speaks the truth—removing sugar and dairy from your diet will help the immune system get back on an alkaline, healing track!

Looking for even more healthy tips?  Check out my 8 Ways to Keep Kids Healthy This Winter