Immune Boosting Tips for the Whole Fam

By Jenn Pike | October 27, 2017

Tis’ the season for colds and flus.

And who has time for that?! Beyond that, who wants to feel slow, congested and tired?

Not this girl! I want to prevent my kids from catching cold after cold. And I definitely want to prevent my husband from catching any bugs, because when he’s down for the count, my to-do list piles even higher. So, what’s a Mama to do to keep everyone happy and healthy throughout this tough season?

The key is support, nourishment and prevention.

What to remove from your routine:

First things first, remove the common irritants which promote inflammation.

  1. Dairy – I know what you’re thinking…can I still eat cheese?! If you’re a cheese lover and you need some dairy in your life, I recommend a goat or sheep cheese. Goat cheese is a little more palatable and it’s much easier to digest. Unsweetened nut milks are my go-to as a milk replacement (cashew, coconut, almond, etc). Dairy is mucus forming, so if you’re feeling congested, dairy with exasperate the situation.
  2. Gluten – An irritant to your digestive system, which can wreak havoc on your system and promote inflammation.

What to add in to your routine:

  • A multi-strain probiotic, which will help to repopulate the healthy bacteria in your gut, which promotes health for your entire body – I write about my favourite probiotic brands in my book, The Simplicity Project. You can download the supplements chapter of my book FOR FREE here:  www.jennpike.com/freechapter
  • Vitamin D3, which is fantastic for supporting your immune system during allergy season (or anytime of the year) I recommend 4000-5000 IU per day for adults, and half of that for children. Be sure to get an emulsified version (make sure it’s in drop form, opposed to a tablet or capsule)
  • Juice Plus:  due to the antioxidants, bioflavonoids along side all of the vitamins and minerals it contains, it will help to build your body’s resiliency
  • BeeKeepers Naturals Throat Spray – coats the throat, anti-viral and very soothing (safe for kids over the age of 1)
  • Raw and Local Honey, preferably with bee propolis, which again is anti viral and soothing to the system, which will help to build your resiliency (safe for kids over the age of 1)
  • Collagen, I will say it over and over again – your gut is the core of your health! 70% of your immune system lives here. It’s where you digest and assimilate all your nutrients, so keep it in tip-top shape. Collagen is extremely healing for the gut.
  • NAC – Helps Relieve Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis
  • Deep Immune Tincture by St. Francis – used primarily as an antiviral to tonify a weak immune system. For dosing, please just follow the instructions on the bottle.

Cook with Herbs:

  • SAGE (fresh is best) – An anti-microbial herb, excellent for a sore throat, and gentle enough for children. It acts as an astringent to the tissue, meaning it will help to clear mucus. Add into soups, stews and chilli’s, and it pairs well with roasted chicken.
  • GARLIC (fresh is best)– Ancient and time tested, very effective remedy – anti-microbial and anti-fungal – it helps to break up mucus build up in the lungs. Garlic, along with its milder cousin, onion, has been indicated to actually slow the aging process, slow oxidative damage and boost the immune system.
  • GINGER (fresh or dried)– This herb has an affinity for the digestive tract, gets blood moving toward the gut to aid in the act of digestion and therefore, elimination. You can use dried (powder) or fresh ginger. I like to add it into baking or smoothies, and you can even make a tea with fresh ginger.
  • TURMERIC (dried) – A potent anti-inflammatory herb. Scientifically proven and widely studied, this herb reduces inflammation at every single level. It’s best absorbed when heated with a fat, and tossed with black pepper. Example: next time you’re making a stir fry, toss 1 tsp of turmeric with 1-2 tbsp of Avocado Oil and a dash of black pepper. Simmer together before adding in your veggies.

My last reminder – stay hydrated with plenty of filtered water, lemon water and herbal teas. Ginger, peppermint, Tulsi (Holy Basil), and Echinacea are all excellent herbal teas to help prevent and treat a cold or flu.

Cheers to a healthy and supported immune system,

– Jenn xoxo

 

Posted in Immune Boosting