{"id":29219,"date":"2018-05-22T13:19:40","date_gmt":"2018-05-22T11:19:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.faithful-to-nature.co.za\/blog\/?p=29219"},"modified":"2018-05-28T14:41:25","modified_gmt":"2018-05-28T12:41:25","slug":"immune-boosting-little-ones-outside","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.faithful-to-nature.co.za\/blog\/immune-boosting-little-ones-outside\/","title":{"rendered":"Immune Boosting for Little Ones: From the Outside In"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to fighting off an infection or boosting my daughter\u2019s immune system, I like to take a 360 degree approach. That is, what goes on her body is as beneficial as what goes in it. As I write in the \u201cDon\u2019t Just Eat Food\u201d chapter of \u2018Mila\u2019s Meals<\/a>\u2019\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cYour skin is the largest organ of your body and since it is porous, it absorbs what you put on it. If the products you use (both on your skin or around your house) contain harmful ingredients such as harsh, toxic chemicals, colours, and fragrances, those ingredients make their way into your body, your blood and lymphatic system. Essentially, if they are on your skin, you are eating them – which is how and why things like hormone patches and topical pain relievers work! To avoid this unnecessary toxic burden on your little one\u2019s tiny body (and yours), choose certified organic and natural skin care and household cleaning products.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>And\u2026\u00a0\u201cUse the fact that skin is so absorbent to your advantage. The healing benefits of many foods can be gained by simply applying it to the skin!\u201d
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So besides feeding Mila the nutrient-dense green fruit roll<\/a> and the fermented blueberries<\/a> to boost her defenses, I nourish her immune system with\u00a0 1) sunshine, 2) soil and 3) nourishing baths<\/a><\/strong>!<\/p>\n

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1) SUNSHINE FOR VITAMIN D<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Vitamin D regulates the innate and adaptive immune responses and various studies show that a vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as an increased susceptibility to infection. *<\/p>\n

Sunshine is such a vital ingredient in you and your little one\u2019s daily nourishment that I even included it in the ingredient glossary of my book J Here is a snippet:<\/p>\n

\u201cVitamin D is an essential nutrient – it builds bones and muscles, ensures proper hormone development, reduces inflammation, boosts the immune system and protects against cancer (including skin cancer). It is almost impossible to get your vitamin D needs met by food alone.\u00a0<\/em>Like all living things, we need sunshine, and it feels good for a reason. Much as plants harness the sun’s rays through photosynthesis, our bodies use sunlight to help the skin produce vitamin D.\u00a0<\/em>The best way to optimise vitamin D levels is through safe, sunscreen-free exposure to the sun. Requirements for vitamin D are different according to age, body weight, skin colouration etc. But generally, we all need 15 \u2013 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure two to four times a week \u2013 exposing as much of the skin as possible. It is best to be out in the sun (unprotected) before 10 am and after 3pm when the sun\u2019s rays are less harsh.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

In South Africa, we are blessed with plenty sunshine \u2013 even in winter. So be sure to head outside on those sunshiny winter days to soak up some immune boosting Vitamin D!<\/p>\n

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2) SOIL<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Did you know that soil\u2010based organisms (SBOs) support gut health, regulate the immune system, and naturally reduce inflammation in the gut and throughout the entire body?<\/p>\n

According to Dr. Axe \u201cSBOs nourish cells in the colon and liver and actually create new compounds, such as B vitamins, vitamin K2, antioxidants and enzymes. SBOs can destroy or crowd out harmful pathogens, such as candida, fungi and parasites. They also kill off bad bacteria that can bind to or puncture the gut wall. They\u2019ve been shown to bind to toxins and extract them from the body. SBOs also help regulate the immune system and naturally reduce inflammation in the gut and throughout the entire body.\u201d (1)\u00a0<\/em>There are probiotic supplements which include SBOs<\/a>, but then again, if you spend some time gardening with your little ones you\u2019ll get your Vitamin D at the same time\u2013 a double shot of immune boosters!\u00a0And yes \u2013 Soil is included in the Ingredient\u00a0Glossary of \u2018Mila\u2019s Meals\u2019<\/p>\n

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Page extract from ‘Mila’s Meals’<\/p><\/div>\n

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3) NOURISHING BATH BALLS<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Since the skin is the body\u2019s largest elimination organ and porous, it is a bi-directional \u201csponge\u201d that can be used expel toxins (detox) as well as absorb nutrients (nourish) \u2013 yes, every pore of your body cab be taking in medicine when you\u2019re sitting in the bath!<\/p>\n

These are some of my favourite nourishing bath ingredients:<\/p>\n