Back To School: How To Give Bacteria The Boot

This time of year, students, teachers, and families are headed back to school excited to meet new friends, learn new things, and grow! Unfortunately there is something else growing, in every school, every classroom and really any environment filled with people. BACTERIA.

Even thought there are thousands of species healthy bacteria that we come into contact with everyday, and hundreds that are part of our normal body chemistry, there are some bacteria that are dangerous, that we don't want to share or spread.

Such as S. Pyogenes, a streptococcal bacteria that commonly causes strep throat in children and adults alike. This bacteria is not one we want to spread or share. There are a few common well-known ways to reduce bacteria spreading: washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, not sharing drinks, and not touching your face, not going to school or work if you are sick - especially if you have a fever.

A lot of things can be done to support the immune system, and improve overall health, which makes us more resistant to germs and bacteria - even if we catch them every now and again.

1. Pre/Probiotics - Help fight off germs and bacteria growth from the inside out, be sure to talk to your health care provider to make sure you are taking the appropriate supplements for you health, body, and age/stage of development.

2. Healthy Diet - More specifically one full of good antioxidants (berries, citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables) and healthy fiber (broccoli beans and Brussel sprouts).

3. Regular Exercise - Even brisk walking and gentle yoga can do amazing things to boost the immune system in the body. When you exercise it helps flush bacteria out of your airways and lungs and it changes the antibiotics in your white blood cells allowing them to circulate faster and detect bacteria sooner to initiate a quick response.

After you have the basics down if you are working, or dropping your little ones off at school there are a few more helpful preventative tips you can use to reduce germ spread.

1. When you kids get home from school, and daily activities, have them CHANGE there clothes, they sit in class all day normally in shared desks, using shared materials that can often be germ and bacteria conductors. Changing helps eliminate germ exposure,

2. In the dryer, place a few drops of Thieves, or Clove which are both known for their antibacterial properties on the dryer sheets before you hit start - not only will your laundry smell amazing it adds an extra layer of bacteria resistance to your day.

3. Make some natural hand sanitizer spray: