Childhood illnesses help build immunity

Multivitamins and fish oil will help.

My 2-year-old son started day care six months ago, an exciting step in our lives. However, after his first few weeks he started to get sick and run-down all the time. I understand this is a part of life but I feel like he is never really well anymore and my husband and I end up sick all the time as a result of him bringing germs home. Is he too young to start taking multivitamins and is there a natural supplement that could help boost his immunity?

Unfortunately, this is quite a common issue. First, your son's immune system is still developing and he hasn't yet built up the immunity an older child or adult would have. Also, he is coming into contact with a lot of other children who are also experiencing "immune challenges" in a confined environment where they are playing close together, putting things in their mouths, sneezing over each other, and so on. So germs are easily spread.

It's not surprising you and your husband are coming down with viruses -- think of it as an opportunity for you all to strengthen your immune systems!

At 2, an age-appropriate multi and a fish oil would be the two core staple supplements for him to take every day and will give him the ingredients he needs to build up his natural immunity.

As for fish oils, I would choose a liquid cod liver oil supplement as it naturally contains vitamins A and D, which both support the immune system as well as having high levels of the omega-3 DHA for brain development which is happening at a great rate at age 2, the DHA will also support his learning.

A good quality cod liver oil that is very fresh will not taste fishy, making it easy for him to take. In addition to the core products you could use a liquid herbal formulation designed specifically for children (check that it's alcohol-free) to support his immune system when he is experiencing a "challenge".

There are many options available.

Some help with symptoms of a cold -- such as a runny nose, sore throat, earache -- and also contain anti-viral agents.

Others work to quickly boost the immune system at the onset of a virus.

If you want something to give him as a prevention measure for short periods -- such as the coldest months of winter -- consider echinacea.

Because he is only 2, I wouldn't condone doing this for months on end as it's best to let his immune system develop.

All those colds and viruses he's getting are actually an important part of his immune system development, it's just a fine balancing act keeping it in check so he's not constantly sick.

For you and your husband it is also important you take at least a multi every day and extra zinc and Vitamin C when you do come down with a virus.

You could also take cod liver oil as your omega-3 option for the extra immune support it provides. And you could consider taking something daily as a preventive measure.

Look for a herbal formulation specifically designed for daily immune support or just go for echinacea by itself.

Naturopaths worry if people never get a cold or flu as it means their immune systems are not working properly, so next time you get one be thankful your immune system has the strength and ability to create a response to a virus.

It's also a wonderful detox.

For more information, or to ask questions, visit naturalmeds.co.nz

The author, Michele Wilton is a naturopath and technical adviser for NaturalMeds.