Immune Boost Protocol
Fall rolls around. It gets colder outside. People are getting less fresh air and less sunlight. Our immune systems take a hit. Not to mention our sugar intake increases with Halloween and Thanksgiving and Christmas and birthday parties and class parties and work parties. As a homeschooling Mom who recently sent her kids to school this year, I am IN IT with virus after virus. I know that some exposure is great. Our immune systems need some challenges here and there, but I am ready for our house to be filled with good health.
While my family has been sick with one thing after another now that the kids are in school and I’m working more days a week (and with the pediatric population), our symptoms have stayed somewhat mild. Our energy has been great and we are taking it in stride. I attribute this to some foundational practices that I set in place many years ago. I am going to share some of these with you so you can take control of your families wellness through the holiday season.
I have been leaning heavily on supplements, but I think it is important to mention that supplements are just an added bonus and really won’t help too much if the fundamentals aren’t being addressed. So what are the fundamentals?
#1 Sunshine: Get outside. No matter how cold it is, bundle up and get your booty out in the sun. It is one of the best ways to boost our immune system. I do not love windy so if it is a windy cold day, I do not spend AS much time outside. Getting outside will help the Vit D supplement that you are taking to work more effectively.
#2 Fresh Air: With sunshine comes fresh air. You kill two birds with one stone. Just do it! If you can stand it, crack the windows in your house for 10-15 min each day. The quality of our air can have a huge impact on our health particularly those respiratory viruses so do yourself a favor and let some fresh air in every once in a while. (And get outside!)
#3 Limit Dairy and Sugar: I don’t think it is realistic to avoid these things forever, but if you feel that you are coming down with something or are having trouble getting over a cold, try to limit these for a bit. They can contribute to mucous production and also feed the viruses
#4 Start Day with Lemon Water: This is a super easy way to cleanse your body, support your liver AND get an all natural dose of vitamin C when you first wake-up.
#5 Raw Honey: Raw honey has many immune boosting properties. I prefer using local raw honey. I also use this as a vehicle for all of the crushed up supplements that I give to my kids so I don’t have to buy the expensive and natural-flavor-filled pediatric vitamins :)
#6 Trace Minerals: When my husband and I had COVID for the first time, we would go out on our back deck and just bask in the sun until we were drenched in sweat. We would then come in and replenish with trace minerals. Our bodies can become depleted a bit more quickly when we are sick. I recommend Trace Minerals brand drops (found on my dispensary here). I also really like LMNT. I sell this in my office in Harrisonburg, but you can also order using this link.
#6 Vit C: You can take quite a bit of this-if you develop loose stools, back off a bit. I use my adult Vit C and crush up a bit of it and give it to the kids on a spoonful of raw honey
#7 Zinc: You can crush and give a small amount to your kids. Do not use for prolonged periods unless guided by a practitioner. Prolonged use of Zinc can deplete copper
#8 Vit dk (combo): I use the biotics brand found here. I take 5 drops and give the kids 1 drop
**Remember to rest. And I don’t mean sleeping perfectly every single night. I mean leaning into what your body is wanting. It can look like taking an hour to lay on the couch and read a good book, or turning your phone on silent for a while or having some alone time or maybe even chatting with a friend. Do not neglect the overall health of your nervous system. Getting out of a state of stress helps TREMENDOUSLY when it comes to our health.
**Disclaimer: This IS NOT INTENDED for medical advice. This is just what has worked for me and my family and my patients. Please talk with your provider if you are wanting individualized guidance.
In GREAT health <3
Taylor
Helpful Links:
