Back to School: How To Keep Your Family Healthy

It’s back to school time again!  Shopping for school supplies and lunchbox treats is part of our normal back to school routine.  But, one item on the checklist we all forget to stock up on are products that can help us stay healthy and thriving through all the germs and stress of a school year. There is no better time than back to school to make sure our immune system is in tip top shape.  Is your immune system ready?

Supporting optimal health includes supplements to fill the gaps in a wellness plan. Depleted nutrient levels in our soil means we cannot always get the amounts we historically relied on through our foods alone. Supplementing provides a nutritional boost that will promote good health. Supporting our immune system ought to be a top priority to help our body handle anything that may come up as the season’s transition. 

A healthy routine for the whole family can help keep weekly stressors and daily pressures at bay.  A solid routine can include: 

• clean colorful eating, 
• hydration, 
• time outside connecting with nature, 
• daily movement with enjoyable exercise, 
• and a consistent rejuvenating sleep schedule. 

Nutrient requirements can change from person to person.  Below we'll cover a few body system supplement recommendations to consider throughout the school year.  

Immune System Support

Studies continue to find more and more health benefits of Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, most notably for treating cold and flu symptoms. The berries contain nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, and antioxidants which earn a gold star for clearing out cell damaging free radicals that increase when sick.  Their protective properties have been proven in respiratory ailments, colds, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity.  Elderberry also has a significant impact on the immune system, antiviral and antibacterial activity as well as protection against UV radiation.  Incorporating elderberries into your wellness routine can help prevent sickness and shorten the length and severity when you are unwell.

In addition to Elderberry, Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc are vital minerals for our bodies and have anti-inflammatory effects. These, along with Vitamin D, are the world leaders when it comes to deficiencies in the human body, according to studies.  Magnesium plays a key role in converting Vitamin D into its active form, which then aids Calcium absorption. Magnesium and Zinc boost the immune system while also reducing inflammation.

Conveniently, Superior Labs has added all 4 into a single supplement called Calcium Magnesium Zinc D3, making it ideal for daily use and as a preventative of future illness.  Taken with our Elderberry Extract, you have a winning combination to strengthen your immune system and help you stave off germs your kids bring home from school.

Stress Response and Mood Support

Stress can come in many shapes and forms such as school, work, relationships, lack of sleep and more.  These stressors can affect our mood and create health issues in a variety of body systems.  As we navigate a world where stress and anxiety are difficult to hide from, B Vitamins can play a role in supporting your mood, anxiety and stress, as studies have shown. 

Ashwagandha, an adaptogen, gives a broad range of support to restore balance to your system. Adaptogenic herbs can help return your stressed body to a more normal state regardless of the imbalance (hyper/hypo). Along with substantially reducing cortisol levels, Ashwagandha may support brain function, elevate your mood, help your body manage stress, all of which can lead to an improvement in quality of life. 

Sleep Cycle Support

Sleep is one of the most crucial needs for every member of your family's wellness.  It’s our body’s time to rest and regenerate healthy cells. The supplements we mentioned previously can be supportive of our our natural sleep cycles, but GABA aids in relaxation and overall sleep support.  The more restful and relaxing your sleep is, the more productive your kids can be at school or yourself at work.    

As with any supplement, have a conversation with your healthcare provider.  They will be the most knowledgeable of the dose you need and any interactions with other medication you may be taking.   If you have any questions about the supplements we mentioned please don't hesitate to contact our support team, they're always ready to help.

This blog was written by Meg Ramirez, please click here to learn more about the author.