A Naturally Healthy Winter


Ah, the joys of winter: snowball fights, toboggan races,
and snow angels. 

Unfortunately, ‘tis also the season for runny noses, scratchy throats, and tickly coughs.  On average, a child will catch 5 to 10 colds each year.  No need to panic, these brief bouts of illness actually help to strengthen the immune system.  So although complete prevention is not realistic, there are nutritional measures that can be taken to ensure that the illnesses are short-lived and your little one is back guarding his snow fort pronto!

·         Stock the body with nutrients and power up the immune system with whole, nutrient-dense foods.
·         Offer a rainbow of colourful fruits and veggies.
·         Serve up lots of warm, nourishing soups and stews.
·         Increase the immune-boosting power of your foods by cooking with lots of onion and garlic.
·         Limit sugar intake, in food and drinks.

When the inevitable cold does find its way home, take action as soon as possible.

With a focus on nutrition, we give the body the tools it needs to heal itself.
·         Ensure that your child gets lots of rest and stays well hydrated.  Avoid sugary juices and artificialsports drinks; stick with good ol’ water, or make your own hydrating drinks and healing herbal teas.
·         Offer a variety of nutritious foods, but follow the child’s cues as to their level of appetite.
·         Avoid dairy, which can increase mucous.
·         Sip lots of homemade chicken stock (a.k.a bone broth).   Add immune-boosting herbs and                   seaweed to help super-power your soup.
·         To calm a sore throat, nothing beats honey… served in a warm drink, as a lozenge, in a home-made syrup, or straight up on a spoon.  In addition to providing soothing relief, honey has powerful  anti-viral and anti-microbial properties.

Once the cold symptoms disappear, keep up the healthy eating, and get back to the winter fun! 

AnnePichoraAnne Pichora
Holistic Nutritionist, Natural Wellness Coach, and Mom to two busy, snow-loving boys.

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