With kids going back to school, the need for proactive illness prevention starts now. Currently, there are more than 200 cold-causing viruses in circulation, causing more sick days, or absences from school and work than any other illness.1 However, as a preventative measure, strengthening the immune system can help to build resilience. Implementing immune-supporting lifestyle and nutrition practices not only helps with the prevention of seasonal illness but also helps to facilitate a quicker recovery. These preventative measures are especially beneficial for high-risk individuals such as young children, those immune-compromised, and the elderly.   How the immune system works   The innate immune system is what humans are born with; it’s the first line of defense and is naturally occurring. It is comprised of the physical barriers of the body, such as the skin and other mucous membranes, like the lungs and the digestive tract. It also includes bodily secretions and tissue-specific responses that further act to protect the body from foreign invaders. 2  When the immune system is neglected, under-prepared, over-loaded, or stressed, opportunistic invaders have the chance to infiltrate the system and take hold. This leads to infection, manifesting as common conditions like cold or flu, stomach bug, or pink eye.  Lifestyle Strategies to Support the Immune System and Mitigate Exposure to Viral Infections  Hand Washing  First and foremost, to prepare for the on-coming cold and flu season, remember to wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Adults interact with their face - mouth, nose, and eyes- over 500 times per day.Children's interaction with their face and orifices is significantly higher,even 2-3 times that of adults, making children that much more susceptible to infection involving the mucous membranes. Again, keeping hands free from germs by regularly washing with soap and water is essential.   Physical Exercise for Immune and Lymphatic Health   As cold and flu season arrives, it is also important to stay physically active. Physical exercise activates specialized immune functions on both a cellular and systemic level. In fact, the muscular contractions that occur during exercise also promote lymphatic drainage.This is key as lymph is a collection of cell debris, metabolites, and other inflammatory toxins that typically coincide with infection. Additionally, regular exercise provides further immune boosting benefits such as alleviating inflammation, mitigating stress responses, improving the health of other immune-specific organs like the thymus gland, and increasing the number of overall immune cells.3   Benefits of Fresh Air and Time Outdoors  Even as the weather gets colder, spending time outside continues to boost immune resilience. When staying inside, the circulating air gets trapped and becomes stagnant, causing the potentially infected air to continue to circulate and increasing the risk of airborne-specific infection. Spending time outside provides non-contaminated, fresh air and has been shown to reduce stress, where stress otherwise suppresses and inhibits normal immune function.4  Additional information on how stress can impact the immune system can be found here: Managing Stress and Immune Health - WholisticMatters  Preventative Nutritional Support  Given the growing amount of convenience foods, picky eaters, and food sensitivities, it is important to acknowledge that a significant nutrient gap now exists, especially in our youth and elderly populations. While it is advised to get proper nutrition from fresh, whole-food sources, this may not always be possible. In these instances, supplementation may be necessary to help fill those nutrient gaps, particularly if these deficiencies lead to a compromised immune response.   Zinc  The innate immune system, that first layer of protection, relies heavily on zinc. The 2nd most abundant trace mineral after iron, Zinc is essential for mucus membrane, skin, lung, and gut epithelial integrity. Systemic-wide wound healing and recovery is also an integral component of the cell membrane, tissue stabilization, and protein synthesis. Supplementing with zinc has been shown to reverse membrane damage, as well as preserve and restore function of the mucus membrane secretions.2 Zinc is also a potent antimicrobial/antiviral that has been shown to disrupt replication and reduce the risk, and duration, of pneumonia, the common cold, and other respiratory tract infections, whereas deficiency in zinc has been correlated to higher incidence of such conditions.5    Vitamin D Vitamin D is also essential for building immune resilience. Vitamin D promotes infection-induced macrophage activity at the cellular level to support both membrane and tissue integrity. Vitamin D supplementation, specifically during the winter months, has been found to reduce the risk of influenza A and prevent upper respiratory tract infections, specifically in children and young adults. Therefore, it is no surprise that a deficiency here would also be attributed to increased incidence of upper respiratory infection. 6     Omega-3s Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, and cod, have also been shown to protect against and help mitigate pathogenic infections involving the lungs and gut. As a main component of the cell membrane and driver of cellular/epithelial integrity, omega-3’s help maintain the physical barriers and mucus membranes but are also in part responsible for the differentiation and maturation of the immune cells. Omega-3’s have also been shown to act as chemical messengers by triggering a desired immune response. 7   CBD Hemp Oil Hemp (Cannabis sativa) products contain cannabidiol (CBD), a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis, CBD does not produce an intoxicating effect. CBD interacts with the body’s ECS and other brain signaling systems, including those involved in producing serotonin and GABA, which are linked to mood, stress, and relaxation. While some research suggests that CBD may influence the body’s stress response and promote a sense of calm, more research is needed to fully understand its effects, particularly in children and adolescents. In clinical studies involving adolescents, the median weight-based dose of CBD was 4.3 mg/kg per day, divided into two to three oral doses.7    Elderberry Elderberry has also been used for centuries to address the signs and symptoms of cold and flu such as cough, sore throat, fever, and excess mucus production. The phenolic compounds and phytonutrients in elderberry have been shown to have protective effects against viral infection in both direct and indirect ways. While the specific mechanisms of action are not yet understood, it is theorized that its specific polyphenols inhibit viral replication and widespread proliferation while also promoting, modulating, and activating host immunity. Elderberry has a long-standing use in children and has been shown to reduce the signs, symptoms, and reoccurrence of upper respiratory infections, ear infections, tonsilitis, and the flu. It has also been shown to have synergistic effects when combined with other immune-boosting nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. 8   Colostrum Colostrum also supports and strengthens the innate immune system by promoting gut epithelial and mucosal membrane integrity. Colostrum prevents bacterial adhesion and thus further suppresses bacterial proliferation in the gut. It also supports the microbial balance by promoting beneficial bacteria, inhibiting opportunistic bacteria/pathogens, and mitigating the risk of microbial translocation. Furthermore, colostrum also stimulates intestinal cell proliferation and facilitates gut healing and tighter intestinal juctions.9  Medicinal Mushrooms Medicinal mushrooms, such as shiitake and reishi, also have immune promoting benefits. These mushrooms are doubly beneficial as they support both innate and adaptive immunity. Shiitake has been most widely studied amongst the mushrooms and has been shown to act as a potent antimicrobial, thus providing that first layer of protection against pathogenic invaders. Reishi mushrooms, on the other hand, have traditionally been used to address and treat conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia and are also highly antimicrobial and antiviral. Additionally, the reishi mushroom is an excellent source of selenium which is also essential for immune modulation and defense against pathogenic invaders. Furthermore, reishi mushrooms promote liver detox and clearance, meaning they are also beneficial in promoting recovery following infection.10  Maintaining Gut Health for Immunity Protecting and promoting gut integrity and microbiome health is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. While the gut is most abundant with microbes, they are present on every exposed surface of the body such as that of the skin, the lungs, and the mouth. Naturally, when one microbiome is in dysbiosis, another microbiome may also be immune compromised.2 Dysbiosis has been attributed to a weakening of the intestinal junctions, or leaky gut, meaning the intestinal barrier, as well as the skin and the lungs, are more susceptible to pathogenic invaders. Supplementing with probiotics, such as the specific combination of L. acidophilus DDS-1, B. lactis UABLA-12 has been shown to help prevent acute respiratory infection in school-aged children, as well as promote recovery following infection. Additional studies have shown these same synbiotics, plus inulin, markedly improved skin tone, quality of life, sleep parameters, and other eczema-related symptoms in young children, further demonstrating the gut’s influence on skin/barrier integrity and overall immune resilience.11    Fiber Fiber provides another layer of gut health, further boosting immune resilience. Essential for microbial balance, fiber such as that found in oat fiber, green banana, and apple pectin, are fermentable foods for the microbiome that are broken down and function as a signaling mechanism to influence gut integrity and regulate immune response. These dietary fibers truly shape the microbial environment and directly influence how the microbiome and the immune system develops, matures, and functions.11  Nutrients for the Developing Innate Immune System  As the adaptive immune system takes a few years to mature, young children naturally go through a series of exposures, called tolerance priming events, to build their immune tolerance and more targeted defenses. Specific micronutrients, in particular vitamins A, C, the various B-vitamins such as B6, and again vitamin D play a distinguished role in tolerance building and protein synthesis which are crucial for healing and recovery, immune signaling, immune cell differentiation, and immune function. Deficiencies in these vital nutrients means a compromised, more susceptible immune system.2   Additional support for the adaptive immune system would again be zinc and colostrum. As the system develops and adapts, zinc is needed for the maturation and differentiation of specialized immune cells.2 Colostrum, however, provides immunoglobulins as passive immunity to infants/toddlers while their own systems are still under development. This form of passive immunity would help defend against and ward off infectious pathogens such as bacteria, virus, parasites, and fungi, further strengthening the immune system.9   Additional information on how colostrum can support the immune system can be found here: Colostrum Benefits: Immune & Gut Health Support.  Key Takeaways With kids going back to school, preventative health is essential. Remember to wash your hands regularly with soap and water, make sure to stay active, and keep spending time outside even as the weather turns cold. This will keep your immune system primed and strong throughout the season.   The key nutrients for immune support and resilience include:   Zinc  vitamin D  omega-3’s as found in tuna  elderberry  colostrum  CBD hemp oil mushrooms such reishi and shitake fiber  probiotics, such as the specific combination of L. acidophilus DDS-1, B. lactis UABLA-12 These vital nutrients are especially beneficial for that younger population. These again support the body’s physical barriers, such as the mucus membranes of the respiratory tract, gut, and sensory organs - that first line of defense protecting again pathogenic invasion. Keeping that first line of defense toned and resilient means more preparedness and protection against the winter months to come.    Did you know WholisticMatters is powered by Standard Process? Learn more about Standard Process’ whole food-based nutrition philosophy.   Locate Professional Health Solutions Nearby Looking for high-quality, practitioner-recommended health solutions? Locate authorized Standard Process practitioners in your area and gain access to premium health services to support your wellness journey. Find A Participating Practitioner

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition in children and adults characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The exact reason why some children develop ADHD is not fully understood. Experts believe that genetics, neurological differences, and environmental exposures can all play a role in the development of ADHD. Many children with ADHD also experience emotional dysregulation, causing them to endure big highs and lows and feel sensitive to criticism. They also tend to have quick tempers and can be challenging to calm down.   Children spend all summer running outside, rooted in outdoor activities like pool days, beach trips, and playgrounds. Suddenly it can feel like their world gets turned upside down when they find themselves back at school, sitting inside a classroom. So it is not surprising that children can have trouble focusing once they are back in school. Fortunately, there are several dietary and lifestyle practices that can make the transition back to the classroom a bit easier for the entire family.   Establish a Routine  Creating a new routine 1-2 weeks before school starts can help reduce the mental stress of sudden change on the first day of school. Ease the children into going to bed early, waking up earlier, and getting ready in the mornings. It is never a bad idea to have them spend more time reading independently and practicing math skills in workbooks towards the end of summer to reactivate their memory recall before school starts. Timing activities with a timer can also get them accustomed to smoother transitions between tasks.  Nutrition and Supplementation  The Standard American Diet (SAD) focuses on processed foods, added sugars, and refined grains. This causes most children to be left with a nutritional gap in essential vitamins and minerals.   Omega-3 Fatty Acids  Omega-3 fatty acids provide the brain with adequate eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to help support focus. Studies found increased fish consumption yielded improvements in the cognitive abilities of pre-school aged children.1 Most children lack a diet rich in fish oils. Therefore, supplementing with fish oil can provide substantial health benefits.   Vitamins and Minerals for Neurologic Support  Zinc and magnesium are two important minerals that help regulate mood and improve sleep. Zinc aids in regulating dopamine levels. Magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitters like GABA and dopamine. Both of these neurotransmitters play a key role in mental clarity and cognitive function. Micronutrients such as iron, zinc, choline, iodine, and B vitamins have been proven to be valuable for cognitive development.1   Vitamins A and D to Manage Symptoms of ADHD  Adequate levels of vitamin D have been found to regulate neurotransmitters that may help reduce ADHD symptoms.2 A study looking at 82 children with ADHD noted that the majority had low serum levels of Vitamin A and D.3 Supplementing with both could provide benefits for the central nervous system, brain function, and quality of sleep.   Supplementation of Vitamins and Micronutrients for Mood and Concentration Support  Another study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, gave children micronutrient dense formulations of 36 different vitamins and micronutrients and saw improvement in moods and concentration.4 This means that when given the right supplementation of adequate vitamins and minerals, children can see an improvement in focus and concentration. It is also worth considering removing artificial food coloring and preservatives from the diet, as it can help reduce core symptoms of ADHD in children.5  Nutrient Dense Whole Food Diet  Focusing on nutrient dense whole foods can aid in stabilizing blood sugar which supports brain function and helps to maintain healthy energy levels in kids. Experimenting with colorful foods can make eating fun for kids, such as adding spinach to muffins to make them green or a bright red beet hummus or dressing. Rather than providing carbohydrates on their own, give children protein rich foods like eggs, meat, and yogurt that can aid in focus by regulating their blood sugar levels. Try to feed them balanced plates by adding proteins, fats, and healthy carbohydrates in the form of fruits and vegetables. For picky kids, try making a protein shake with whey as the base and add nut butters or avocados as a source of healthy fats.  Finding a pediatric specific pre- and probiotic in powdered form to add into a smoothie can serve as a wholesome gut loving snack.  Gut health  Focusing on strengthening the microbiome in children can help regulate inflammation and neurotransmitter production that influences focus and behavior. Research shows supplementing with certain strains of Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium can be beneficial in children with ADHD.6 For example, kefir and yogurt are some friendly probiotic foods most kids enjoy. Providing sources of fiber can also help feed beneficial microbes in the gut. Some ideas of healthy fiber choices for kids can include raspberries, apples, oatmeal, and black beans. When offering high fiber foods, it is essential to also provide water for adequate hydration and to avoid constipation.   Botanicals for ADHD  Hemp Oil Benefits for Managing ADHD  The transition back to school can place increased demands on learning, memory, emotional regulation, and stress management in children with ADHD, highlighting the relevance of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in these processes. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates and controls many bodily functions, such as learning, memory, mood, inflammatory/immune responses, pain, and body temperature control. While the ECS contains many cellular receptors, research shows cannabinoid receptors CB1 dominate this landscape. The cannabinoid receptors are stimulated by endocannabinoids that our body naturally produces. In fact, the cannabis plant produces molecules very similar in structure to our endocannabinoids and can bind to these receptor sites. CB2 is a second type of cannabinoid receptor that exists mainly in our immune tissues and helps to control immune functioning and inflammation.   Hemp (Cannabis sativa) products contain cannabidiol (CBD), a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis, CBD does not produce an intoxicating effect. CBD interacts with the body’s ECS and other brain signaling systems, including those involved in producing serotonin and GABA, which are linked to mood, stress, and relaxation. While some research suggests that CBD may influence the body’s stress response and promote a sense of calm, more research is needed to fully understand its effects, particularly in children and adolescents. In clinical studies involving adolescents, the median weight-based dose of CBD was 4.3 mg/kg per day, divided into two to three oral doses.7    Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa   Many parents are searching for alternatives to stimulant-based medications to support their children with ADHD. Herbs such as Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monnieri have shown some promise in reducing symptoms of ADHD in preliminary research studies.8 Bacopa is a creeping marsh plant that has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine to boost memory and lower stress. Preliminary studies show it can improve inattention, hyperactivity, and memory.8 Gingko studies have shown its ability to reduce symptoms of inattention in adolescents while producing limited and mild side effects, making it a safe option that can be used in conjunction with ADHD stimulants.9 When dosing herbs for children, please work with a qualified health practitioner with experience in herbs. A previously written article on Wholistic Matters dives into safe dosing and the indications between herbs and children, which can be found here.   Additionally, supplements, herbs, and hemp are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is important that you source these botanicals and products from a trusted company with high purity and testing standards. Additional therapies to consider for ADHD  Aromatherapy can provide calming scents for hyperactive children. Essential oils such as vetiver, lavender, and cedarwood can help calm the nervous system and ease the mind of racing thoughts.   Consider Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a trained psychologist for your child to help them navigate executive dysfunction, time management, and any negative thought patterns associated with ADHD.    Practicing breathwork and mindfulness techniques with little ones can help them learn how to regulate emotions and reduce impulsive behaviors. Keep the exercises and approaches to mindfulness short and playful to keep them engaged for as long as possible while building the skills.   Recommendations Summary for Natural ADHD Support  Children’s multi-vitamin containing Vitamin A, C, D, and B’s. Also containing whole food-based ingredients such as sweet potato, carrot, alfalfa, oats, pea vine, shiitake and reishi mushroom. Animal glandulars such as bovine liver, adrenal, spleen, and kidney can be an excellent source of vitamins.  Children’s Probiotic containing key strains S. boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis to support a healthy microbiome with additional gut supporting ingredients including chicory root fiber, oat fiber, apple pectin and green banana flour.   Hemp oil grown organically, sourced from a trustworthy company, with the highest testing standards.  Fish Oils produced from wild caught sustainable sources to support brain health.  Nondenatured Whey Protein Concentrate for protein shakes and smoothie making.  Gingko leaf 50:1 extract containing ginkgo standarized to 14.4mg of active flavnoglycosides and 3.6 mg of active ginkogoldies and bilobalides.*  Bacopa whole plant 20:1 extract standardized to 37.1mg of active bacosides, combined with Schisandra fruit 6:1 and Eleuthro root 10:1 extract standardized to 400mcg of active syringaresinol diglucosides can be used to support mental clarity, focus and healthy cognitive function.*  *When dosing herbs in pediatrics it is important to work with qualified healthcare practitioners and follow the Salisbury method for dosing.    Did you know WholisticMatters is powered by Standard Process? Learn more about Standard Process’ whole food-based nutrition philosophy.   Locate Professional Health Solutions Nearby Looking for high-quality, practitioner-recommended health solutions? Locate authorized Standard Process practitioners in your area and gain access to premium health services to support your wellness journey. Find A Participating Practitioner

Improving children’s gut health during their early years is one of the most important steps a parent or caregiver can take to support their long-term well-being. A healthy gut in childhood not only contributes to better digestion, immunity, and mental health in the present, but it also lays the foundation for a strong, resilient microbiome that can benefit them throughout their life. Nurturing gut health early on can help prevent future health challenges such as allergies, digestive disorders, and even chronic conditions like obesity or diabetes and sets children up for a healthier, more vibrant future.