The gut plays a central role when it comes to an immune system working at peak performance. This is because 80 percent of the immune system resides within the gut wall. Also living deep within the gut, along side the immune system, is a collection of different types of bacteria, collectively called the gut microbiome. These play a very important role in your child's health and are a key component to a robust immune system. Good Bacteria - The Back Bone of A Healthy Immune System Bacteria is mostly associated with germs, however, they are extremely important for immune...

There are many different immune-boosting vitamin, mineral and herbal remedies available.  The nutrients listed below play a key role to assist your child’s recovery from infection, or will help to support their immunity to stop them getting sick in the first place.  Next time your child feels unwell, this is our list of recommended supplements to have on hand and ready to use in your natural medicine toolkit. Natural Medicine to the Rescue Zinc When your child has a zinc deficiency the immune system cannot work at its optimal best, making it difficult to fight off common bacterial and viral infections.   Children with low levels of...

If you want to boost your child's immune system to help their body fight off illnesses. Follow these lifestyle and dietary changes to strengthen their immunity naturally. Plenty of sleep Not getting enough sleep is linked to a higher susceptibility of catching bacterial and viral infections. Adequate rest helps to strengthen the immune system naturally and if your child is sick they may need extra. If your child is having trouble sleeping ensure they have a regular nighttime routine such as warm bath, reading a book and are away from screens for 2 hours before bedtime. Eat more...

Antibiotics hold a very important place in modern medicine.  They are life-saving when medically necessary, so if your doctor strongly advises your child needs them, they should be taken.  However, they can be over-prescribed. Antibiotics are ineffective to treat viruses and only work to fight bacterial infections.   The downside of antibiotics When your child takes antibiotics, they kill all bacteria – good or bad, including friendly bacteria such as the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium families.  Because your child’s friendly bacteria are delicate in numbers and still trying to establish themselves. If your child does have a course of antibiotics you will need to support the good bacteria's recovery by supplementing...

The gut is a tube that resembles a long string of sausages, it begins at the mouth and ends at the anus.  But it’s not just a small straight tube: in an adult the surface area of the gut spans out to nearly the size of a tennis court and is around 8 metres (20 feet) long.  The gut is a complex system with its main organs being the stomach, small and large intestines. And it's far more than just a processing centre for food, this role takes up only a small portion of its function.  It works tirelessly to build optimal...

If you are travelling with a child who has food allergies, this can be a frightening prospect, especially if your child suffers from serious allergic reactions.  Our best advice is to plan ahead and take some precautions.  These arrangements may seem extreme but it’s best to be prepared so you can relax and enjoy your family time away.   Travel checklist Tip 1 Make sure you carry auto-injector medication (such as an EpiPen) with you at all times, plus spares.  As an added precaution when carrying an auto-injector through baggage checks, get a letter from your doctor for additional peace of mind (plus a copy translated into...

The more often your child takes a course of antibiotics the more often they are likely to get sick, even one prescription can weakened the immune system.  Gut health and immunity are intimately interlinked. One of the main reasons for this connection is the friendly bacteria living deep within the gut. The bacteria and the immune system work together to fight infections and stop the merry-go-round of recurring infections. Antibiotics kill all bacteria - good and bad, and re-seeding your child's gut with friendly bacteria will help to restore the numbers of microbes to strengthen their immune system. Read our previous...

An ear infection occurs either because of a bacterial or viral infection that affects the middle ear - the section of the ear behind the eardrum. Called the eustachian tube - it connects the middle ear directly to the back of the throat and is about as thick as a strand of hair. This extremely narrow tube can easily become inflamed, causing swelling that can lead to a blockage with a subsequent build-up of fluid in the middle ear - this is what causes the pain.. Antibiotics are routinely prescribed to treat ear infections. However, research shows the...

Children who are raised with animals from a young age are exposed to an assortment of bacteria that reside on their pets. Furry family members can bring countless 'healthy' bacteria found in nature inside the home which is carried on their paws and fur. It's this exposure to a diverse range of beneficial bacteria that experts believe is responsible strengthening a child's immune system. There is a diverse range of bacteria living in your child's gut and animal exposure helps to increase the different types of bacteria and the more bacteria the better. These microbes work...

Some kids have trouble getting good quality sleep which is essential for happy moods, focus and concentration. Getting adequate rest will help to naturally strengthen the immune system while inadequate or poor quality sleep is linked to a higher susceptibility to sickness. And unfortunately if your child isn't getting a good night's sleep, this most likely will impact their parents sleeping patterns too. The last thing you need at the end of a busy day is a bedtime battle. Follow these simple tips for a good night's sleep 1. Turn off the TV and all Screens At least 2...

Kids Health Club

Memberships coming soon.

Only $10 monthly.