It has been a rough year for many families dealing with winter colds, flu and infections. I interviewed naturopathic physician Holly Beckwith to find out more about how parents can support their kids’ immune systems year-round.

The Tranquil Parent: What can parents do to keep their kids healthy?

Holly Beckwith: There are a few key things that parents can do to help support their child's immune system year-round. Eating a healthy, well-rounded diet is very important. I think it is essential to eat seasonal, locally grown foods. Unfortunately, that means no peaches in January! A breastfeeding mama should eat lots of fruit and vegetables, especially dark leafy greens such as kale and collard greens. If your little one is having a hard time eating a variety of fresh fruits and veggies, then I would recommend a multivitamin. I am not a big proponent of supplementation for kids, but I think a multivitamin, especially during the cold and flu season, is warranted.

The two supplements that have a positive effect on the immune system are probiotics and fish oil. Probiotics are the healthy bacteria found in our guts. A child's gut can lack enough of these healthy bacteria if they have ever been on antibiotics or if their mom was on antibiotics during pregnancy, they were born via c-section (babies are inoculated with this good bacteria as they pass through the birth canal), or if their digestive system isn't working properly. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that have immune boosting properties, as well as a whole host of other benefits. I like using cod liver oil in the winter because it contains Vitamin D. Vitamin D is also very important for immune health.

TTP: If a child is already getting sick, what can we do to help them fight the infection?

Beckwith: First, determine what kind of infection they are fighting. If it is a basic cold, I would encourage the child to rest as much as possible, exclude sugar and dairy from the diet and increase fluids.

I am a big fan of using hydrotherapy with kids. Alternating hot and cold towels to the chest or sinuses can help loosen phlegm and relieve symptoms. A recent study was published that compared cough medicine to honey. The honey actually worked better than the cold medicine to relieve the cough. I recommend a teaspoon of raw local honey for children older than one year every few hours [Editor’s note: Doctors say to never give honey to a child under one year old due to certain bacteria they cannot tolerate].

Herbs such as Echinacea and Oregon-grape can be used at the first sign of a cold. It is important to establish a relationship with a practitioner who is experienced in using herbs to ensure safety and to get the proper dosage. I often find the dosage for an acute illness has to be high for the first few days and then can be tapered off as the child gets well.

Breastfeeding moms can take immune stimulating herbs, like Echinacea, to treat infants through breast milk. I have recently been using high dose Vitamin D to treat certain illnesses with great results. I would recommend this only under the supervision of a physician due to the risk of overdose.

TTP: How can parents determine when to treat a fever?

Beckwith: Fever is one of the most common concerns parents have when their child is sick. Fever is not a disease, but just a symptom of the body fighting an infection. In most cases, it is clear what is causing the fever: usually an ear infection, stomach virus or sore throat. If the cause is not known and the fever is getting worse over the course of a few days, it is important to rule out urinary tract infection and other more serious illnesses. As a general rule of thumb, I ask parents how their child is acting. If they are eating and drinking, happy and playing normally, then I say to let the fever do its job. If they are not drinking fluids and acting lethargic or really upset, then I tell them to bring the fever down. I do not focus on the number on the thermometer but on the way the child is acting.

Dehydration can occur quickly in babies and children so it is very important to keep a close eye on them during a fever. Fevers will often spike during the night. Before reaching for the Tylenol, try a tepid bath. This is very effective at bringing down the fever. Homeopathy can also help with fever and make the child more comfortable.

Dr. Holly Beckwith has a family practice in Portland, Oregon. She loves encouraging her patients to live as healthy and happy as possible!