Pro-Health and Probiotics

From September on, I have been wiping snot, teaching my children how to blow their noses with gusto and running the humidifier for coughs (we need to get out of New York soon!). With spring on the horizon, I am anxiously looking forward to getting outside to play in the fresh air, and running their little bodies around at the park, instead of their recent loops around the apartment.

I am big on natural remedies to help combat colds and boost the immune system. I take painfully bitter drops of Oregano oil when I feel a cold coming on, and soothe my scratchy throat with lots of Hot Toddy drinks, packed with honey, lemon, tea and a numbingly wonderful shot of whisky. I also take probiotics, which I believe really help strengthen the gut and boost the positive germ fighting bacteria in our bodies. Since I am not a huge fan of dairy products, this is especially important since I do not get it from my morning yogurt or smoothie.

I also try to instill similar health habits in my kids. They take daily multi vitamins, eat a variety of healthy foods (sometimes), and in order to help fight the sniffles, I have been stocking up on Culturelle kids probiotics. We buy the chewable kind in berry flavor, which my kids think tastes exactly like candy. They enjoy them so much that I can even rely on them as a reward for “good listening” in the morning, helping mommy clear the table from breakfast and for speedy dressing, which is more like trying to herd chickens.

I have found that not only are their little bodies growing a bit tougher when the colds come on, but it has also helped with the common tummy trouble complaints by keeping them regular. I am glad to have our pink “treats” to help with everyday wellness and immune health.  Happy and healthy kids mean a happy (albeit, tired) mommy, for sure.