IMPORTANT
Unless otherwise stated on the package, most supplements and herbal remedies aren’t suitable for children under 12.
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Vitamin Deficiency

What you need to know:

Although the majority of doctors maintain that vitamin deficiencies are rare in the Western World, this is far from the truth. Convenience foods, take-aways and intensive farming result in a severely reduced vitamin and mineral intake. These deficiencies are seldom severe enough to cause obvious deficiency diseases like scurvy or beri-beri, but they do result in a condition called sub-clinical malnutrition. This can severely affect the body’s natural immune defences.

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

To keep the immune system functioning properly, it’s essential to give your child or teenager a well-balanced diet with plenty of complex carbohydrates - wholemeal cereals, pasta, wholemeal bread, rice - at least five portions (500 g in weight) of fresh fruit and vegetables and two litres of fluid a day. Obviously, these quantities will vary with the age and body weight of the child.

It’s important to remember, however, that sugar makes the body less efficient at destroying bacteria, so does eating too much fat. But live bio-yoghurt produces acids that destroy invading bugs, so it’s advisable to give them at least one carton, preferably organic, a day.

And it goes without saying that, if the sufferer is a teenager, smoking and drinking too much alcohol won’t do their immune system any favours at all.

Other useful advice:

Getting enough sleep is important, too, so teenagers need to be told not to stay up late at night watching TV, sending e-mails or playing with their computers.

They should also try to get some fresh air every day and do at least half an hour of exercise three times a week - even if it’s just taking the dog for a walk.

The most useful Herbs:

  • Echinacea
  • Garlic
  • Thyme
  • Green tea

The most useful Herbs:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Bioflavonoids
  • Carotenoids
  • Zinc
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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk).
The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.