Supplements that your Child should be taking

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Most consumers are aware of the fact that foods lose important  nutrients in their processing and transport across country.  For example, those delicious Florida oranges loose a lot of the vitamin C  before it reaches the supermarket shelves.  How then do you make up for the nutrient loss? Well, supplementation with vitamins and minerals become a necessity if we want to maintain the health and well being of our children and families. And, for growing children, this is a very important consideration since growth, brain, bone and muscle development are dependent on their nutrition.

This post will present suggestions as to supplementation that our kids could benefit from.

Probiotics

Probiotics refer to the good bacteria that exist in the gut. This is important in maintaining a good balance of microorganisms that help us stay healthy by building up the immune system.

Unfortunately, medications such as antibiotics, steroids and other commonly prescribed medication can destroy this delicate balance by killing off the good bacteria.  Probiotics help to restore this balance. A commonly recommended amount is ten billion live bacteria.  However, check with your doctor, as individual needs may vary.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids are important in behavioral health as a deficit can result in depression.  Nearly flawlesss skin and cardiovascular health are also benefits of taking this nutrient.

Remember, that the fatty acids: omegas 3, 6, and 9 can not be made by the body so our supply is based completely on supplementation.  Cod liver oil is one.  Natural foods sources include codfish and salmon.

Minerals

Minerals are important for healthy skin, hair, nails and bones.  Minerals are inorganic substances that come from soil and water and are absorbed by plants and eaten by animals.The list includes calcium, copper, chromium, selenium, zinc, iodine and potassium. 

Unfortunately, many of our highly refined foods rob us of minerals in the body.    Examples are sodas, caffeine,  refined flour and baked goods. What is the solution?  Supplements are one answer.  Plant sources of food are another and include:nuts, grains, green leafy veggies and beans.

Super Green Foods

This category includes wheat grass, barley and vegetable concentrates.  These foods are alkalinizing which helps the body maintain balance and decreases sickness.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzumes are produced by the pancreas to support the digestion of protein, fat and carbohydrates. With such a varied and often nutritionally void diet, the pancreas is often overworked.  Digestive enzymes can help relieve the pancreas of its workload and increase overall health.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants hlep the body fight off the damage and ravages of free radicals or other invaders to the body like chemicals and stress.

Antioxidants are found in the brightly colored fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, apples, red peppers and pumpkins.

Sources:

D'Antonion, Steven, "Top Seven Supplements for Children" Natural Awakenings Magazine