Sleep & Immunity

Top 5 Tips to keep Under 5's Well This Winter

1. Teach good Handwashing techniques, littlies also love being responsible for using hand sanitiser which can really make them feel important!
2. Eat the Rainbow! Try to incorporate lots of good food into thier daily diet!  Here are some of our favouritees: Beef—it contains zinc, which is vital in the production of the white blood cells your child uses to destroy bacteria.    Fruits that contain vitamin C—oranges, kiwifruit, strawberries, and raspberries all contain a good amount of this vital vitamin.  Garlic—it contains allicin, a compound that fights bacteria and infection.  Yogurt that contains probiotics—probiotics keep the digestive system free from disease-causing germs. Much like your home requires extra energy to stay warm during the winter, your child’s body will require extra nutrients to fight viruses and infections when they do strike.
3. Make sure your children and yourself are getting plenty of rest and quality sleep during the colder months. If your little ones (or yourself) are tired and rundown they will be more susceptible to colds and viruses
4. Support thier immune systems if they need it, our favourites (and the ones Anna's son Blake (5) tells us are the best tasting!) include - Viralex Kids , Lipospheric Vitamin C sachets,  Nutralife Probiotica Daily Kids
5. The health of your child’s immune system is largely dependant upon the integrity of their gut. Approximately 70-80% of immune function originates from our gut, so supporting it’s health is critical. Probiotics or Bone Broth heals and repairs the digestive system, whilst providing tiny bodies with all of the nourishment they need to stimulate strong immune responses.

Lorraine's Super Immune-Boosting Chicken Soup

This is one of my favourite soups to make during cold and flu season. Feel free to add any vegetables you prefer. Diced yams or winter squash are an excellent addition, so are finely chopped hot peppers.

YUMMO - it's up to you!

Tip: Use 16 cups of water for a Size 7 chicken or 12 cups of water for a 6 chicken.

Broth:1 whole organic chicken 16 cups water,1 medium onion, chopped. 3 celery stalks, chopped. 2 carrots, chopped. 4 to 5 shiitake mushrooms, chopped. 1 whole head garlic, cut in half cross-wise. 2 to 3 inches fresh ginger, cut into thin slices. 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns. 1 stalk lemongrass, chopped (optional) Dried Astralagus is an amazing addition to supercharge the Immunity Factor. Add as desired.
Soup: 1 medium onion, chopped. 3 carrots, sliced. 4 celery stalks, chopped. 2 cups shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced. 1 large red bell pepper, chopped. 2 to 3 teaspoons grated fresh ginger. 1 tablespoon sea salt. 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes. 4 to 5 cups sliced cabbage.1 cup chopped coriander ( contraversial , I know !!)
To start making the soup, add all ingredients for the broth into a stockpot, cover, and simmer for about 1 ½ to 2 hours on low heat.
Place a large colander over another large pot or large stainless steel bowl. Pour the broth through it to strain out the chicken and vegetables. Place the pot of broth back on the stove. Place the chicken onto a plate to cool. Bring the broth to a boil, add the all of the ingredients for the soup except the cabbage and coriander. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
While the vegetables are cooking, pull all of the meat from the chicken and cut into smaller pieces. Add the chicken to the soup. Once the vegetables are tender, turn off the heat and add the chopped cabbage and coriander. Taste and adjust salt and seasonings if desired.
 Makes about 12 servings ( or 6, if you eat like we do !! )