Get your children off to a healthy start by making natural choices when it comes to their care. Pharmaca's in-store staff of licensed health care professionals can direct you to the best products, whether your little one is feeling bad or staying well. Shayne Case, a clinical herbalist at Pharmaca's Portland store, and Tyler Bruno, a former acupuncturist at the Pacific Palisades location, lent their expertise on the best choices for the early years.
Pregnancy Bruno recommends
Rainbow Light's Complete Prenatal vitamins for soon-to-be mothers. These include additional herbs to help support pregnancy on top of the essential nutrients. Case suggests vitamin B6 for mothers experiencing nausea or morning sickness. If the idea of swallowing a vitamin is challenging, try
WishGarden's Calm-A-Tum or the homeopathic remedy
Ipecacuanha.
Newborns "The number one thing we see is colic, especially in first 3 months," says Case. She recommends
Cocyntal Colic Relief by Boiron, a homeopathic remedy in a liquid single dose for gas pains and irritability due to sensitive digestive systems. For mothers with newborns, a great formula to help with milk production is Lactation Blend Nursing Support by Vitanica.
ToddlersBruno encourages toddlers to enjoy
Nordic Berries by Nordic Naturals for their daily intake of fish oil. "Kids love them, and they are great for brain development," she says.
School Age and Beyond During this time of growth and development, a good multi-vitamin is great for providing stable nutrition. Taking a combination of fish oil and probiotic is recommended for kids experiencing hormonal changes. Case likes
Jarro-Dophilus probiotic system for immune health. This product is easy because it comes in single use blister packs that don't need to be refrigerated.