Winter Immune Boost
Must note that the best and easiest way to boost your immune system is to eat healthy, whole foods, and stay well-rested and hydrated!
Before we break down my favorites, I need to say that many of these products have overlapping functions - the main functions are increasing antioxidants to fight the free radicals and increasing minerals aka the electrolytes you get from hydration, as well as a couple of powerhouse vitamins like C & Zinc.
Now let’s go down this list:
Elderberry Syrup:
Full of antioxidants and vitamins like C. A recent study showed the effectiveness of reducing cold duration and symptoms. At the first symptom, I make sure we’re all taking this. I’ve used a ton of different elderberry syrups, so by no means is this the holy grail, I like the brand Mary Ruth’s, and my kids legit beg for this daily.
Quinton Hypertonic:
Since I started taking this I truly haven’t felt this hydrated in maybe… ever? Everyone got sick in December, yet didn’t touch me. I don’t believe it’s a consequence, I’m a mom, and my kids literally sneeze in my eye! It’s a little shot of salty water, easy to take!
This seawater harvested from plankton-rich ocean blooms off the coast of France consists of 78 minerals and trace elements. This makes for quick hydration and mineral replenishment. How does hydration improve the immune system? A couple ways…
The lymphatic system relies on water to deliver white blood cells to mount a response and eliminate harmful intruders.
Removes toxins and reduces inflammation - two things that will increase your body’s ability to respond to sickness if reduced.
Aids illness recovery - the body needs extra fluids to support an immune response and promote healing. Hydration ensures your body has the resources to recover efficiently.
You can read the additional benefits of seawater here.
Electrolytes:
If your kids or you don’t like salty seawater, here is another great way to get some minerals (Sodium, Potassium & Magnesium) into you! It’s rather salty and sweet so I usually half the packet in a bottle of water or sippy cup. My kids call it “juice” and suck it down!
Colostrum:
What does Colostrum do? It helps and strengthens your mucosa which is the soft tissue that lines the body’s canals and organs in the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems. You’d be surprised how much mucosa makes up your immune system. Armra’s website has a great mini video explaining how your mucosa breaks down over time and how the can lead to becoming ill more easily. Aka take your colostrum and keep the security tight from toxins and illnesses. There are other colostrum products on the market I like as well, like Miracle Moo Bovine Colostrum.
Liposomal Vitamin C:
This readily bioavailable version of vitamin C is a great way to get the full impact of this immune-boosting supplement while being gentle on your tummy. There are a ton of liposomal vitamin C on the market but I find a lot of them have this awful rubbing alcohol taste. This elderberry packet covers up that taste while giving you more antioxidants. The immune system utilizes liposomal vitamin C in the following ways: to produce antibodies, to help white cells multiply and function optimally, and to fight oxidative stress which weakens the immune system. Some additional perks of liposomal vitamin C are necessary for the production of collagen and combat sun damage. To learn more about how amazing liposomal vitamin C is for you - check out Dr. Will Cole’s blog post.
Bee Propolis:
My kids literally beg for this daily! It tastes like honey. Bee Propolis and its extracts have numerous applications in treating various diseases due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antimycotic, anti-fungal, anti-ulcer, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties (National Library of Medicine.) Need I say more?
Bone Broth:
I highly recommend making your own bone broth or rather meat stock. My midwife made a good point to include meat like chicken necks or oxtail into your broth for added nutrients. Kettle & Fire is a great widely available store-bought option. To find out all the goodness that bone broth provides and also how to easily make it at home - check out my blog post. The two reasons I reach for bone broth during illnesses: it helps heal your gut lining and it's an easy way to provide nutrients and protein to your body without adding any additional stress to it (easy to digest).
Zinc:
Zinc helps regulate immune function, exhibits antioxidant activity, and helps maintain a balanced inflammatory response in your immune system (Thorne). I only take this when exposed to sicknesses, run down, or under-the-weather yourself. Also, recently started giving it to my kids when they have diarrhea (kid zinc doses). A study shows that it can help reduce the duration and severity of diarrheal episodes. Note: Long-term use of zinc can mess up copper absorption. More zinc info.
Another thing I suggest not on this list besides hydration and rest is red light therapy.
*These aren’t the only brands for these products on the market but ones I love and use. Always do your research and read the labels!
*I am not a doctor, this is not medical advice. I am just my own body’s best doctor, you should always listen to your own body and/or consult your medical doctor.
Hope this helps!
XO Amy Lee
