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We had a bit of a banter the other day about our top three back to school must haves and after a fair bit of oh this needs to be on the list and oh no that needs to be on the list we finally agreed on three.

Top of the list would be a good quality Probiotic such as Viridians Children’s Sybiotic, Bio-Kults Infantis or the Udos Infants or Children’s blend. There are so many benefits to using probiotics but first and foremost they are super important to the healthy functioning of your little ones immune system and so back to school time is an ideal time to begin including probiotics. Probiotics have also proven beneficial in the treatment and prevention of allergies and can also help with skin conditions such as eczema.

Next up is Almond Butter (or any nut butter of your choice). Almond Butter is really versatile and nutritionally rich being high in protein which will keep little bellies fuller for longer, whilst also providing healthy fats, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium. Add some to a breakfast smoothie, spread on toast with sliced banana for a fantastic energy boosting breakfast toast, add to homemade energy balls or just spread between two slices of apple for the ultimate apple sandwich – any way you like it’s delicious and healthy.

Third on our list has to be Theraneem’s Shampoo and Body wash. Neem has long been used as a preventative and treatment for the dreaded head lice (we hate to mention them). However regular use of this shampoo and body wash (twice a week) can be a really effective deterrrant while also being a great product for sensitive scalps.

So there you have our top 3 must haves for any home with school going kids and all that’s left to say is here’s to a great
school going year!!

Sinead and Eimear xx

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The long stretch in the evenings reminds most of us that spring has arrived and that summer is only just around the corner. But for a significant number of people these long evenings signal that allergy season is just a sniff away. And so the torment of congestion, a runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing begins yet again almost as though it is a rite of spring. Why does this happen to some and not to others? Well the simple answer is that when plants pollinate they send pollen into the air some people’s immune systems respond by producing antibodies that attach to cells in the nose, eyes and lungs which release histamine the chemical which causes the allergy symptoms.

There are however some very effective and natural allergy treatments which have little or no side effects contrary to many of the anti-histamine drugs which are generally available.

Quercetin

This natural plant derived bioflavonoid is a natural antioxidant and helps prevent the body’s cells from producing histamine. Quercetin is naturally found in onions, apples, tomatoes, broccoli and wine. However allergy sufferers are much more likely to benefit from supplementation in order to build up enough of this compound to prevent attacks. The recommended dosage would be 1000mg per day and treatment should probably begin at least 6 weeks before allergy season.

Nettle Complex

You could also try a supplement with a combination of natural ingredients. Here I would definitely recommend Terra Nova’s Quercetin Nettle Complex which contains a combination of nature’s best anti-inflammatories, Quercetin, Turmeric and Nettle with additional Elderflower, Vitamin C and Bromelain. This is an intensely synergistic combination of ingredients which provides a completely natural approach to seasonal allergies.

Local Honey

By consuming local honey you could say you are gradually vaccinating the body against allergens. Local honey contains a variety of the same pollen spores that give allergy sufferers so much trouble and the idea is that by eating the local honey the body will become accustomed to their presence and so decrease the chance of an immune system response which will release histamine. Again this treatment gives best results if commenced 6 wks before the onset of allergy season.

Salt Pipe

The salt in the salt pipe helps to calm and cleanse the cells of the respiratory system helping to flush away the impurities from the surface of the cells. The pipe is very simple to use, simply place it between your lips and inhale deeply into your lungs. The recommended use is for 15-25 mins a day and this can offer great relief from allergy symptoms.

So as you can see that even though allergies are sure to put in an appearance year after year there are several natural remedies available which will help keep those uncomfortable symptoms at bay.