Hello friends!

Fall and winter are right around the corner, which means so are colds, flu and sinus issues. That being said I wanted to share Part 1 of my favorite immune boosting foods and supplements to keep you healthy all season long! And although these foods and supplements are powerful and can certainly help lessen the duration or severity of a cold or the flu- it really takes being consistent throughout the year with your nutrition and overall wellness. And please always check with a doctor and or pharmacist prior to taking any of the items listed below. I am not a doctor or pharmacist, I am simply speaking from experience and sharing what has worked for me and my family :)

Let’s dive in and get started- this list really is my “holy grail” to surviving cold/flu season!!

• Elderberry Syrup

  • This syrup is a staple in our home, luckily I have a dear friend who makes it and mails it to us. But, if you can’t find it locally there are several good brands that make high quality, low sugar versions.

    Why Elderberry Syrup?

    • Black elderberries contain antioxidants as well as immune- boosting properties. There are lots of research articles detailing just how powerful elderberries are with reducing the duration of colds and the flu.

    • Most common forms of elderberry are syrups, lozenges, tea and my favorite homemade elixirs. I recommend taking elderberry at the first sign of a cold- within 24-48 hrs to maximize the effect. And while I personally don’t make my own- you can use this super easy recipe from Wellness Mama to keep on hand.

• Colloidal Silver

  • Colloidal Silver is a water solution containing nanometer sized particles of suspended silver. The silver particles are so small that normal filtering processes cannot remove them. In ancient times, silver was commonly used as a natural antibiotic, antiviral and antimicrobial. Research has shown that consuming silver is both safe and effective for boosting and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Why use Colloidal Silver ?

• It can assist in healing wounds

• Prevent and kills viruses

• Treats and prevents the common cold and flu

• Can kill mold- parasites- fungi

• Treats and prevents sinus issues and allergies

• Natural anti-microbial and anti-bacterial

• Anti-inflammatory

• Treats and fights bronchitis and pneumonia

  It really can do it all!!! For me the best time to use it is at the first sign of a cold or flu. For all other issues, I just begin using it when it occurs. And as always please make sure you contact your doctor first prior to taking it.

  • These are the 2 brands I use- Sovereign Silver and Silver Wings- both very high quality and work quickly!

Bone Broth

• Bone Broth is an age old broth used by many cultures to prevent colds and illness throughout the year. Bone broth is traditionally made by slowly simmering the bones of beef, chicken, fish, etc in water with an acid (like vinegar) and optional spices, vegetables and herbs. Broth can boil for as little as 4 hours or up to 48 hours. As the bones cook down they release gut-healing compounds including glutamine and collagen. Bone broth is easily digestible, tasty and a great drink to sip on during those cold fall and winter months.

Benefits of Bone Broth:

• Reduces Inflammation

• Helps heal leaky gut

• Prevents colds and illness, by inhibiting viruses

• Strengthens the immune system

• Helps detoxify the liver

• Promotes good sleep

• Strengthens bones

• Improves digestion

  You can purchase bone broth already made in the store or you can make your own. I love this recipe by Wellness Mama as it is simple and effective. My favorite brands in the store are Bare Bones and Bonafide Provisions. Both use high quality ingredients from grass fed and organic pasture raised animals.

Raw Garlic

• Garlic has been used for centuries as a powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Garlic contains flavoniods, oligosaccharides, amino acids, allicin and high levels of sulfur. Each playing an important role in supporting our body’s immune system and natural fighter cells.

It is important to note that most of these beneficial properties of garlic come from consuming it raw. When garlic is cooked and or heated the alliin inside the garlic gets destroyed. As little as 60 seconds in the microwave will destroy this powerful compound.

Why consume garlic?

• Anti-bacterial

• Anti-viral

• Anti-fungal

• Fights off the cold and flu naturally

• Combats heart disease

• Possible cancer fighter

• Helps manage blood sugar levels

  The thought of consuming raw garlic will make some people gag, for others they will breeze right through it. So, if you prefer taking a supplement- my advice is to go with a high quality one. My favorite brand is Protocol for Life Balance. (If you are interested in ordering this brand- head over to the schedule page to set up a consult.)

Vitamin C

• Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that is essential for over 300 functions in the body. Because Vitamin C is essential -we must consume it daily in order to maintain proper levels.

  Why take Vitamin C?

  • Vitamin C is crucial for healing

  • Assists in the production of collagen

  • Helps protect the body against heart disease, cancer, the flu and more

  • Powerful antioxidant- protects the body against free radicals and damage to cells

  • Needed for proper adrenal function

  • Enhances anti-body cell production

  • Assists other vitamins and minerals in properly being absorbed by the body

    I consume Vitamin C daily. I typically use a supplement and on days I exercise at OrangeTheory I add in an additional glass of fresh squeezed orange or tangerine juice. You can obtain Vitamin C from fruits and vegetables- but you would have to consume 5 servings or more daily. Most people aren’t doing that- which is why I like a good quality supplement. This is the one I use.

I’ll be back later sharing a few more of my fav’s for immune support!!! Stay tuned :)