Did you know our immune systems are actually weakened during the fall and winter months because of the lack of Vitamin D (sunshine) absorption and not the cold weather? Vitamin D is essential as it attaches to immune cells producing antiviral and antimicrobial proteins. Interesting, right?

Here are some of my go-to natural ways to boost our immune system. As always, it’s important you research and advocate for yourself. I am not a doctor and I do not know your personal medical history or sensitivities. My hope is that these suggestions help get the ideas flowing for safer, natural alternatives to keep both you and your kiddos happy and healthy this season!

SUNSHINE

Try to get 15+ minutes of sunlight every day. (Note: sunscreen inhibits the absorption of Vitamin D. Learn more here.) Of course it's not always easy to get sunshine during the winter, so we also supplement with Vitamin D3/K2.

VITAMIN D3/K2

Over 65% of people are deficient in Vitamin D, which helps the immune system function by attaching to cells and producing antimicrobial proteins, which are antivirals. Vitamin D3 and K2 work with one another for maximum absorption and effectiveness to maintain tight control over calcium levels in the body. We take this one or this one in the winter months. (Note: it is recommended to have your Vitamin D level checked every year so you know specifically how much to supplement with.)

GROUNDING

Our body is made of positive and negative electrons. Too many positive electrons from inflammation and toxins can cause excess stress on the body.

The Earth’s surface contains an abundance of negative electrons. Thankfully, positive electrons can be exchanged with the Earth’s surface, grounding our body’s electrical/nervous system to lower inflammation in the body. This can be done when your body touches any natural surface: grass, tree, flowers rooted in the ground. Rubber is nonconductive of electrical energy so bare feet is best. If it's really cold, you can even ground on the concrete in the garage.

DETOX BATH

Magnesium helps to regulate the activity of more than 325 enzymes and vital bodily functions, including the elimination of harmful toxins, but most Americans are magnesium deficient. Learn how to take a weekly magnesium rich detox bath here.

Elevate your bath with my favorite detoxifying charcoal face mask. You can actually see the impurities removed from your pores. So satisfying!

REDUCE REFINED SUGARS

Elevated blood sugar can hinder the immune system! Fructose can cause cells in our body to be inflamed, which can damage cells and tissues and lead to white blood cells in the immune system not working as they should. Fructose also inflames dendritic cells!

Numerous research studies show ingesting too much added sugar significantly increases intestinal permeability aka “leaky gut,” diabetes, cancer, and your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease

IMPROVE GUT HEALTH

Did you know over 70% of our immune system comes from our gut health! The food we eat has the power to support OR harm our health. Check out this post to learn more about gut health and 16 ways you can improve it!

When my kiddos and I are fighting a cold, we increase eating whole, organic plant food to get lots of fiber, antioxidants, polyphenols, and support the gut microbiome.

SLEEP MORE

Sleep increases resistance to infection, healing and recovery! Melatonin, which is naturally released during sleep, can also reduce the inflammation and damage caused by viruses in the body.

ORAL HEALTH

Over 80% of our immunity comes from our gut health, but did you know your oral microbiome influence your gut health? This podcast episode is an absolute must. Our favorite toothpaste is Risewell.

REDUCE TOXINS

We know that your nervous system controls every cell, organ, and tissue in your body, but it is also intricately connected to the immune system! Removing neurotoxic chemicals in products, reducing EMF exposure, and washing produce are easy ways to reduce our body's toxic load so it can function more optimally. Click here for my getting started email!

REMOVE DUST

Dust is a collection of particles including viruses, bacteria, dead skin cells, dust mite feces, VOCs, toxins, and more. Children absorb 5x as much dust as adults, so be sure to dust often and/or invest in an Air Doctor.

SUPPLEMENTS

ELDERBERRY

Elderberry syrup has been scientifically proven in two double blind, placebo-controlled studies to inhibit both influenza A and B strains when given orally in the first 48 hours of flu-like symptoms. Elderberry has also been shown to lessen the severity and duration of cold and flu-like symptoms faster than Tamiflu and without the side effects.

“Elderberries also contain a variety of nutrients ranging from various vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, B9, C and E), trace elements such as Cu, Zn, Fe and minerals such as K, Ca and Mg to phytochemicals such as carotenoids, phytosterols and polyphenols.”

Organifi-Immunity-Carton-14Servings-3DRender-SHOPIFY-V001_x1000.jpeg — Organifi Immunity Drink

This delicious drink is one of my kids’ absolute favorites and I love that it is low in sugar (zero calories) and rich in immunity boosting properties.
- Mushrom Beta Glucan has been shown in clinical trials to act as a viable alternative to antibiotics, supporting the reduction of sickness symptoms by over 30%.
- Whole food Vitamin C and Zinc
- Acerola cherry to support T-cell production
- Turmeric to reduce inflammation
- Prebiotic fiber for gut health
Olive leave extract - antimicrobial, antibacterial
**Save** with code SUNNYSEED

COLLOIDAL SILVER

Silver has been used to prevent and treat a variety of microbial infections for hundreds of years. It’s widely considered the world’s most powerful natural antibiotic as the tiny silver nanoparticles bind with microbes and inhibit them. We take Colloidial Silver (10ppm) on the onset of any symptoms and use in place of antibiotics, which can wreck havoc on gut health for months to years. (Note: I'm not against antibiotics, we just aim to save them for absolutely necessary instances and so far (knock on wood) we haven't needed them. Collodial silver worked for me when I had strep and mastitis.)

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is difficult to absorb in high doses and excess is excreted out. Liposomal Vitamin C is made of dietary phospholipids that can pass from the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. The liposomes then carry the Vitamin C to the cells. Due to their composition nearly matching that of the cell membrane, the liposome can assimilate into the cell membrane and drop off the Vitamin C in the cell where it is needed.

PROBIOTICS

Did you it is recommended to rotate probiotics for diverse gut health? My girls take this powdered one (refrigerate) and this liquid one from Mary Ruth Organics that truly tastes like water. Save 15% on Mary Ruth Organics with code SUNNYSEED

BEVERAGES

Star Anise Tea

Star Anise is a dried fruit rich in minerals with antioxidant powers to help flight the flu, kill off bacteria, and ward off fungal infections. Add a couple of stars to warm water with ceylon cinnamon and manuka honey for a soothing warm tea.

IMMUNITY SMOOTHIE

1 c frozen mango

1 frozen banana

1 carrot

1 heaping spoonful of coconut cream

1 tsp camu camu powder (760% of your daily Vitamin C + antioxidants)

1 tsp turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory, add a dash of pepper to aid in the absorption)

a little water or almond milk to get things moving

MATCHA

I’m sure you’ve heard of the incredible benefits of zinc. The EGCG found in Green Tea and Matcha is a zinc inonifer that helps push zinc into the cell! Matcha is health-boosting drink for many reasons, but particularly during the “flu season" because catechins in matcha are anti-viral. I trust Pique Tea because their process gently extracts antioxidants and phytonutrients, resulting in teas with more concentration of antioxidants than leading teas (verified by 3rd party testing). They also quadruple test for myotoxins, mold, and heavy metals.

BONE BROTH

Organic Bone Broth is rich in alkylglycerols, which are vital for the production of white blood cells. I try to make lots of soups and encourage my girls to sip right from the bowl. Try Bonafide Provisions or make your own (other brands are loaded with preservatives and stabilizers.) Not into the taste of sipping it directly? Try it in our favorite soup. I add two bags of Bonafide in lieu of broth and my entire family slurps it right up!

REDUCE STRESS

Physical stress, mental/emotional stress, and stress from toxic overload cause inflammation and decrease immunity. Even our gene-expression is negatively impacted by stress.

There are a lot of free things we can do to reduce stress, but I needed extra support. 2020 got me! 🤪 For the past few months I've been taking CBD oil and have noticed a big difference. CBD naturally reduces cortisol (stress) and inflammation on the body. There are no known side-effects and it has been shown to support anxiety and pain relief.

I also try to walk in the mornings, meditate, practice yoga, and curl up with a great book!