Winter Supplements for Immune Support.

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EMBRACING CHANGE

The shift in seasons delivers change in so many ways. For us in the Pacific Northwest, the summer dresses, shorts and tee shirts move to the quiet corner of the closet. Unless you are like my three year old daughter, who insists on wearing summer dresses year round. For the rest of us, out come the warm and cozy accessories; layered shirts, sweaters, leggings, long pants, hats, scarves, gloves and so forth.

Embracing Fall

While I’m wearing a puffy jacket and winter boots, my daughter dances around me in a summer cotton dress swirling with flower and butterfly designs. As long as she puts on a shirt and pants underneath, she is welcome to pursue her summer wears. On top of that, she still looks cute, even with rain boots, rain jacket, and umbrella added to the mix.

ATTUNE WITH NATURE

Nature shows us how to let go and embrace change with falling leaves and decaying foliage. Animals prepare for winter by stocking up, burrowing and nesting. Many plants shrink back into the earth to rest and refuel for the winter season. Similarly, harvest time welcomes us with a bounty of storable winter produce like apples, zucchini, gourds and pumpkins to prepare for cold weather ahead.

BEING PREPARED

Additionally, as we move with this change, it’s helpful to have on hand supplies to support health through these colder times. Viruses and bacterial infections tend to flourish this time of year. Whether it’s just a stuffy nose or a full blown cold or flu, given the right tools we can support our natural healing ability with simple aids.

When we get sick, it’s sometimes difficult to gauge whether we have a bacterial or viral infection as symptoms are often similar. Antibiotics certainly have their place for bacterial infections, however, in our family we have found many ways to naturally support our immunity.

Summer clothes in winter

ORGANIC, RAW AND FRESH

First of all eating raw and fresh organic fruits and vegetables in abundance is going to help support the immune system and kick out the invaders. Food is medicine truly, and more than we know.

Similarly, we personally prefer to steer clear of flu shots, prescriptions and medicines as much as possible. We also avoid pain killers unless completely necessary. This gives these tools a stronger force if they are needed. Instead we lean toward fresh produce and some supportive supplements.

PROBIOTICS

It’s helpful to support gut health with probiotics when immunity is compromised. We need our ecosystem of gut bacteria to be in good balance in order to stay ahead of the cold season.

ELDERBERRY

Elderberry is known to reduce inflammation and boost immunity. As soon as we feel something changing in our systems, we take some Elderberry syrup which often curbs the issue altogether.

THROAT SPRAY

I love the raw and fermented Northwest Pollen Honey Tonic. It includes fermented NW bee pollen, PNW honey, raw apple cider vinegar, and stinging nettle leaf. This a great product for everyone, especially for those living in the NW since the honey is from this region.

I first picked up this Tonic spray bottle. The next time I ordered I got the bigger bottle offering a better value. However, if you have your own spray bottle, you may want to just get the bigger bottle.

NASAL SPRAY

I like to have nasal sprays on hand for when we get too dried up. I usually have a few options available. I have on hand the very spicy but effective Xlear Rescue nasal spray with oregano, tea tree, eucalyptus and parsley to open sinuses with additional support.

Xlear is the more gentle version that my daughter finds more appealing. She tried the Rescue however it truly is a bit spicy for anyone sensitive to hot peppers. I also find this good to take on flights to help hydrate the sinuses. We have been using this with my daughter since she was very little so she is super comfortable and finds relief from a nasal spray.

THROAT LOZENGES

Most lozenges are sugar based which can cake up on your teeth while you’re sick and sucking on them frequently. They also end up adding a lot of extra sugar to your daily intake which compromises your health even more.

After researching, I found Olbas Lozenges with Vitamin C, menthol and eucalyptus, to soothe my throat. Sugar alcohols are used in place of sugar.

Raw honey lozenges made with real honey are another great option, but you will have mittens on your teeth again.

WATER

I do love taking a steaming hot shower and clearing my sinuses when I’m feeling stuffed up. Another great option is an Epsom salt bath with a few drops of essential oils. Lavender or eucalyptus are some of my favorites. And of course, we all know how important it is to drink tons of water always!

VITAMIN C OR ESTER C

We have a citrus juicer easily on hand for a daily infusion of Vitamin C direct from an organic raw and fresh source, a lemon. I juice one lemon per person and mix it with 16 ounces of water for our start to the day.

Vitamin C capsules offer a quick blast of strong antioxidants. Vitamin C is also critical in collagen development and maintenance.

Ester-C offers Vitamin C blended with calcium for a highly bioavailable formula and gentle on the stomach.

It’s helpful to know the difference between Vitamin-C and Ester-C so you can make the best choice for you. You can also give yourself a big antioxidant blast with a Vitamin C Shock Therapy drink.

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Activated Charcoal has the power to purify by helping to trap toxins and chemicals and flush them out of the body. This is something I take if I feel I have some kind of stomach bug taking over my system.

STOCK UP

What I have found works best is having a cornucopia of options stocked in the fridge and pantry ready and waiting for when you need them. As soon as you feel a tickle in your throat, consider starting with blasting yourself with Vitamin C form various sources.

Ultimately, although I am not a doctor, it’s been over 20 years since I’ve gone to see a doctor for medical assistance. I take pride in the natural human immunity. When you listen to your body, work with it and choose wisely on what you put in it, you assist your natural healing. We are more powerful than the credit in which we sometimes give ourselves. This can also be said for organic fruits and vegetables.

Family in winter

ALWAYS BE A STUDENT

Additionally, doing the research needed to take the right steps for your family’s well being is essential. Thanks to a friend who healed herself through juicing and also introduced me to the Medical Medium, I have found a bounty of helpful tips that resonate with my holistic path, and hopefully you too.

Wishing you a winter of health, wellness, and family fun!