As a mom of a toddler I am always looking for ways to incorporate all the healthy vitamins and nutrients necessary to fuel my little mans fast growing body and mind. Though he takes a multivitamin, probiotic,and fish oil religiously every morning, it is still important for him to eat wholesome foods. For my particular toddler I try best to avoid foods with gluten, dairy, and processed sugars because it tends to lower his immunity and cause an over production of mucus. I also try and find ways to give him foods that can boost his immune system and ward away the viruses he is regularly exposed to from his school environment. Now I am aware that preventing illness in toddler-hood is neither a realistic goal nor beneficial, since every cold is meant to teach his growing immune system how to fight back, but I do what I can to make sure his immune system does not become over whelmed by all the germs he is exposed to on a daily basis. Luckily he has a mommy that can give him acupuncture and herbs at the first sign of a green booger or cough and these treatments thankfully reduce the time that he is sick and manage his symptoms so he isn't as uncomfortable. I wanted to share with you another great secret to boosting your, or your children's, immune system. It is a great way to stick in extra servings of fruits and veggies, especially for any picky eaters out there! I myself have trouble getting my two year old to eat spinach! So the secret is really no secret, but rather a fun way to give your immune system and gut a healthy boost: JUICING! I myself have been doing so through out my pregnancy and have started finding tasty recipes to get my two year old to gulp down cups of healthy and nutritious juice. Here is a recipe I tried out today:
Vitamin C Boost Juice: (yields 2-4 cups juice)
1/4 of a pineapple
2 green apples
2 gala apples
1/2 lemon
2 handfuls spinach
1 handful parsley
4 carrots
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Most of the veggies and fruits punch a high amount of Vitamin C which is a natural immune booster and anti-oxidant, but here is a quick break down of the amazing features and health benefits of each of these ingredients:
Pineapple: Rich in anti-oxidant vitamin C to boost the immune system,rich in vitamin B6 to stabilize blood sugar and boost energy, also rich in potassium, an electrolyte, which is vital to kidney health and wards muscle cramping, contains Bromelain which is a potent digestive aid and anti-inflammatory enzyme.
Apples: high in fiber, apples can ward away various ailments ranging from diarrhea or constipation to high cholesterol and gallstones! Also, the phytonutrients in apples help stabilize blood sugar and breakdown complex carbohydrates
Lemon: creates a more alkaline environment more favorable to the efficiency of all biological processes within the gut, rich in vitamin C it not only boosts the immune system but also aids in the absorption of iron-rich foods (like spinach!), other benefits include: detoxing, anti-cancer, and blood-purifier.
Spinach: an excellent vegetarian source for iron and calcium as well as folate, also high in manganese which is a mineral that is needed for bone health and aids in absorption of vitamin B6 (in the pineapple!)
Parsley: great for the summer and for weight-loss because parsley is a natural diuretic and laxative! It is also high in iron, vitamin C/B12/Carotene so it can aid in anemia and boosting of the immune system.
Carrots: A vitamin A super food-aids the mucus membrane protection against bacteria and viruses. The carotenoids also have potent anti-cancer qualities.
I hope that list has wowed and amazed you...but the best part is how tasty it truly is! and to prove it, here is a snapshot of my two year old guzzling down the healthy drink...stay tuned for some more tasty recipes and healthful tips!
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Most of the veggies and fruits punch a high amount of Vitamin C which is a natural immune booster and anti-oxidant, but here is a quick break down of the amazing features and health benefits of each of these ingredients:
Pineapple: Rich in anti-oxidant vitamin C to boost the immune system,rich in vitamin B6 to stabilize blood sugar and boost energy, also rich in potassium, an electrolyte, which is vital to kidney health and wards muscle cramping, contains Bromelain which is a potent digestive aid and anti-inflammatory enzyme.
Apples: high in fiber, apples can ward away various ailments ranging from diarrhea or constipation to high cholesterol and gallstones! Also, the phytonutrients in apples help stabilize blood sugar and breakdown complex carbohydrates
Lemon: creates a more alkaline environment more favorable to the efficiency of all biological processes within the gut, rich in vitamin C it not only boosts the immune system but also aids in the absorption of iron-rich foods (like spinach!), other benefits include: detoxing, anti-cancer, and blood-purifier.
Spinach: an excellent vegetarian source for iron and calcium as well as folate, also high in manganese which is a mineral that is needed for bone health and aids in absorption of vitamin B6 (in the pineapple!)
Parsley: great for the summer and for weight-loss because parsley is a natural diuretic and laxative! It is also high in iron, vitamin C/B12/Carotene so it can aid in anemia and boosting of the immune system.
Carrots: A vitamin A super food-aids the mucus membrane protection against bacteria and viruses. The carotenoids also have potent anti-cancer qualities.
I hope that list has wowed and amazed you...but the best part is how tasty it truly is! and to prove it, here is a snapshot of my two year old guzzling down the healthy drink...stay tuned for some more tasty recipes and healthful tips!
.jpeg)
