5 Things I’m Doing for Immune Support this Winter
As I feel winter approaching, especially with young children, it makes me quiver..
Although this year is different and I’m dying for a needed change in pace (remodeling a house is no joke), I dread the sickness that comes with the cold season ahead. I know I am not alone in this.
Every year before winter hits, I force myself to get better at one new thing for daily wellness and immune support, especially for the kids’ sake.
Over the years, this has included:
1. Daily doses of Elderberry
2. Incorporating Broth – (Soup very Regularly)
3. Water after Eating
4. Some form of Ferment regularly.
5. More time outside. Period.
Why?
Elderberry – rich in antioxidants, immune support activation, virus defense, and on and on. I source this from Alternative Roots Farm consistently.
Broth – Contains minerals, vitamins, amino acids all supportive and active in overall positive body functions. Get the recipe for homemade broth here.
Water after Eating – We started seeing a holistic dentist and I’ve learned SO MUCH about oral health being connected to overall body health. Who isn’t sick and tired of strep throat?
Here’s How: After eating (as often as possible and is reasonable), drink water and swish it around well in your mouth. This rids the mouth of debris from the meal and causes a balance in the pH of your mouth. Eating almost anything causes an acidic environment which leads to harmful bacteria flourishing and a negative pH environment in your mouth - cavities, bacteria that allow strep to flourish, bad breath, etc. This also has a role in your body producing more saliva which is healing for teeth and the mouth. (God’s Design for the win, again!) It can take months to really change the environment of your mouth; we’ve incorporated this into daily life and have definitely had less ‘sore throat’ and bad morning breath. Now, I’m not a health professional and this is not a cure but likely a good measure I want to pass on. This is something everyone can do!!
Regular Ferments… All the Time. – I tried so hard to get into ferments of all kinds, like the cool influencer moms do… But I gave up. It’s too much for me right now. I am proud of the yogurt and kefir I keep in regular rotation for our family. This is what I can manage and I am convinced it is beneficial to the big picture of health.
More Time Outside. Period. – I’m convinced that prioritizing time outside, either in shorter or longer increments, is beneficial to immune support. It’s tempting for everyone to be inside more in the winter – time, but I push you to do what you can to increase your time outdoors this winter. The 1,000 Hours Outside Podcast is great in teaching why this is a healthful activity!
Another new thing I’ve incorporated… Homemade Chest Rub.
¼ cup coconut oil
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp grated beeswax
Melt all in double boiler til liquid consistency and remove from heat, let cool a couple minutes before adding in oils
5 drops lavender oil
5 drops rosemary oil
15 drops eucalyptus oil
This has been really effective for us.
We still get sick, but I have noticed that it is much less often and usually less severe (shorter lived). We just don’t seem to be susceptible to every little thing we encounter. I do believe it takes months and even years to see substantial results.
Remember, we’re changing the environment in our bodies to support our immunity better. Changing and enhancing gut bacteria doesn’t happen overnight unfortunately but these are little things we can all do to work towards better.
I hope this helps your family as much as it has helped mine.