Several years ago, we were hit with the worst cold and flu season, ever. The girls were sick, all of the time and it seemed as though sniffles, runny noses, coughs, and fevers were on a continuous rotation. I was becoming frustrated, and desperate for us to be happy and healthy. That’s when my mom introduced us to elderberry and thus our journey to natural, daily immune support.
a strong immune system: why it matters
The immune system is your body’s first defense against viruses, bacteria and toxins. It is a complex network of cells, organs, proteins and tissue that all work cohesively to recognize and destroy harmful invaders that make you sick. This is your innate immune system; it is what we are born with.
As your immune system begins to reduce the invader and heal your body, it memorizes and stores the biological makeup of said invader and produces antibodies that help protect your body from future infection, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. This is the adaptive immune system; it is acquired over time through illnesses.
But, sometimes, our immune system may not work properly. Health conditions and lifestyle choices and changes can weaken our body’s defenses, making us more susceptible to illness. While having a strong immune system won’t protect us from getting sick, an immune system that is well-supported and functioning properly helps our body fight illnesses and recover more quickly. Alongside a nutritious diet, drinking plenty of water, exercise, proper sleep, fresh air, and good hand hygiene, daily supplements, can help fill nutritional gaps, support the body and its natural defense system.
five supplements for daily immune support
A Multivitamin
Multivitamins have always been part of our daily routine. Although we have tried many different brands over the years, they share a common goal: to help provide nutrition when we canβt eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole foods.
If you are searching for a multivitamin, you will want to look for:
- Vitamins and Minerals – A multivitamin that includes natural sources of vitamins and minerals. Look for vitamins A, B-12, C, D, and minerals Zinc, Folate, Magnesium, Calcium and Iron.
- Additives – Avoid additional, and unnecessary, ingredients like corn syrup, food coloring, flavoring, artificial sweeteners, preservatives and common allergens.
- Bioavailability – This is how easily a nutrient can be absorbed and used by the body. Multivitamins like Nourish incorporate real, whole food, not synthetics, making it easier for your body to recognize and process.
Elderberry
Elderberry has become one of the most commonly used herbal supplements for immune and respiratory health. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, elderberry can support heart health, promote a healthy gut, support healthy blood sugar levels and lower inflammation. Research suggests that elderberry may help reduce the severity of common cold and flu symptoms if taken early.
Fresh elderberries can be enjoyed in pancakes, muffins, jams, capsules, gummies, teas, syrups, and even popsicles; however, our favorite way to get our daily dose of elderberry is with Earthley’s Elderberry Elixir (Alcohol Free). It has six complementary herbs that have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. After trying different elderberry syrups and gummies, we found Earthley’s Elderberry Elixir (Alcohol Free) to be the most affordable, shelf-stable product, that is kid approved for deliciousness!
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the absorption of calcium, which promotes and maintains good bone health. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Vitamin D also supports immune and brain health, helps balance blood sugar and control inflammation.
When we expose our skin to sunlight, it naturally converts the sun’s rays into vitamin D. Studies indicate that we need at least 30 minutes of sunlight exposure, three times a week, to get the recommended amount of Vitamin D. But as winter approaches, we spend more time indoors, reducing our exposure to sunlight. Since Vitamin D isn’t naturally found in foods, we rely on supplements like D3 Organic Spray, Cod Liver Oil, or Vitamin D Cream.
Adaptogenic Immunity
This time of year, there is a lot of talk about boosting the immune system. We all want to protect our bodies from the nasty germs that we can encounter. But as we know, our immune system is intricate and doesn’t work alone. Instead, the immune system involves other body functions, that can affect our immunity.
With five organic herbs, Adaptogenic Immunity helps support your body’s physical and emotional functions so that your immune system can do its job, efficiently and properly. Adaptogenic Immunity is an alcohol-free, botanical liquid that’s highly bioavailable and easy to absorb into the body. And, it tastes great, too!
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a key nutrient for your body’s healing process, but our bodies don’t make enough of it. 3Incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables, like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and spinach, into our diet can help support liver and kidney health, promote digestive health, enhance cognitive function, strengthen the immune system, improve iron absorption and lower blood pressure.
If you too are finding it challenging to get enough vitamin C through your diet, supplements like Immune Aid Vitamin C Powder or Vita-C offer a simple, natural way to boost your intake.
when sickness settles in
Sickness is inevitable. We are exposed to germs, in all that we do and everywhere we go. And, when our immune system is weak, we are most susceptible to becoming ill, quickly. Therefore, when sickness settles in, it is important to care for your body, so that you can get back to enjoying life.
Stay Hydrated
When you are sick, you may not feel like eating or drinking. However, when your body is fighting an illness, it’s even more important to follow the daily recommendations for fluid intake. Proper hydration helps clear toxins, improves blood circulation, and thins out mucus. Reach for water, juice with coconut water, decaf tea with honey and lemon, broth, popsicles and water-rich foods. Because they can cause dehydration, avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, soda and energy drinks.
Get Rest
While your body is fighting an illness, it is important to give your body rest. Getting enough sleep helps your body to conserve energy, so your immune system can work efficiently. Studies show that not getting the recommended amount of sleep, regularly, can increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and obesity, weakened immune system and mental health issues. Aiming for 7 to 9 hours of sleep can help your body rest, repair and restore.
breathe in fresh air
The last thing that anyone wants to do when they’re sick is go outside. However, this has been one of the best remedies we’ve discovered. Studies show that breathing in fresh air can help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. Besides stepping outside for some fresh air, it’s also important to circulate and ventilate the air within your home. By opening windows and doors for just 10 minutes twice a day, you can significantly improve air quality and reduce virus particles.
Support Your Symptoms
Every symptom we experience when we’re sick, plays a role in helping our body rid itself of a virus. Earthley Wellness has natural remedies that help support common cold and flu symptoms like fever, cough, congestion and tummy issues. For a little extra relief, we rely on Hyland’s and Genexa brands. (Not an ad, not a partner just clean, effective products that we use and love!)
Eat Nourishing Foods
Preparing healthy foods can be challenging when you’re feeling under the weather. Picking the right food, for a balanced diet can help provide your body the necessary nourishment to fight off an illness and recover more quickly. Keep staples like crackers and pretzels, cheese sticks, organic canned soup and fresh fruits and veggies on hand for those times when sickness strikes.
As a wife and mom, I have researched the benefits of the herbal ingredients and natural remedies listed in this article. We have made the decision in the best interest of our family. With that said, I am not a medical professional or a licensed practitioner. This article is not intended to treat or diagnose and is merely for informational and educational purposes only. Before implementing any herbal remedy, do your research and speak with your healthcare professional.
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