Build Your Natural Immunity during Cold and Flu Season

Every year we face cold and flu season, especially in the northern part of the USA where we don’t see much sunshine.  This year, like last, we also have to contend with the possibility of Covid.  There are things we can do with our nutrition and lifestyle that can make a real different in building out immunity and help to strengthen our bodies to fight these viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens.

What can we do as individuals and parents and spouses to help our families and ourselves be stronger through this season of the year?

Diet

If sugar and carbs make up a large portion of your diet, you will have a real weakening of your immune system.  We need to feed and nourish our cells in order for them to be able to do their jobs and protect us.  White blood cells are some of our most significant fighter cells and they require Vitamin C to perform certain tasks.  Because Vitamin C and sugar share a similar chemical structure, they will compete for entrance into the cell through the same recpetor.  Glucose will often win, pushing the Vitamin C out, which will hinder immune function. 

Excess sugar can also feed underlying infections like candida, while depleting critical nutrients like Vitamin C, glutathione, and zinc. That means, that if you are eating a high sugar diet,  you would need even more immune boosters like Vitamin C and zinc for optimal function. 

Bone broth is an excellent addition to the diet as often as tolerated.  Especially when fighting some sickness, chicken broth is very soothing and not only brings the extra fluids needed to fight a cold or virus, but also is very soothing to gut health and helps to heal and strengthen gut health conditions. It is very easy to make by cooking down bones on the stove top, crock pot, or instant pot with some seasonings and a bit of vinegar to draw out the collagen in the bones.

Apple cider vinegar provides great disinfectant support against even the most resistant bacterial strains and viruses.

Ginger is one of the most potent medicinal spices that help to reduce inflammation, boost immune health, improve sore throats, and lower pain levels.  

Garlic and onions also both reduce inflammation and fight infections. 

Elderberries are a very potent anti-viral.  They can be dried and consume in a tincture form or in a syrup.  

Hydration

One important step when fighting any kind of cold or flu is drinking lots and lots of fresh pure water. This flushes the cells and the whole body and allows for a thinning of the mucous which is removing the dreaded invaders and the white blood cells which have sacrificed for the cause.  

Vitamins and Minerals

There are several vitamins and minerals which are really important to the immune system.  A big one is Vitamin C.  First off, it is good to get what you can from your food.   These include bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cantaloupe, chili peppers, kale, guava, kiwi fruit, lemons, mango, oranges, papaya, green peas, potatoes, rosehips, and strawberries.  It is very difficult to get what you need from only food though.  I also encourage daily supplements of Vitamin C and if you feel a sickness coming on, really up the amounts to a tablet every 30 -60 minutes for the first hours that you are fighting the cold or virus. My favorite form of Vitamin C is liposomal in a liquid form.  This is the most powerful form next to IV Vitamin C.  We keep it on hand and use it only when someone is fighting a sickness as it does cost more than regular tablets.

Some other important supplements include zinc, Vitamin D, and magnesium.  I recommend taking these on a daily basis throughout the whole cold and flu season and increase all of them when you are actively fighting something.

Staying aware of these interventions and being faithful to care for your body throughout the cold and flu season can make a big difference.  Often you can either avoid sickness altogether, or cut back the time you are dealing with sickness significantly.

If these things are not enough or you are exposed to someone who is sick and you realize later on, I highly recommend Wish Garden Herbs herbal tinctures.  Specifically I love their
Immune Activator, Deep Lung and Bronchial Support, Serious V-Fighter, Daily Immune, and Serious Cough.   Get a few of these to have on hand; you will be grateful when sickness strikes. This is my affiliate link.