Immune Boosting Defense: 4 Supplements To Power Up Your Immune System
Disclaimer: The following information has not been approved by the FDA. This information should not be interpreted as medical advice and is not a substitute for a visit with a medical care professional. Always speak to your doctor about any health concerns.
Being the owners of a vitamin and supplement store often puts our family under some scrutiny. People commonly ask Tim and I questions like, “Do you and your kids get sick?” “Do YOU take the supplements you recommend?” “Do you have any tips for avoiding illness this winter?”
My answers to these three questions are “YES”, “YES!”, and “YES!”
Research says that children need to be exposed to germs and get sick occasionally in order to have a healthy and strong immune system. On paper, this makes sense. But as a mom pulling a night shift with a coughing baby or – even worse – a throwing up toddler, I sometimes have a different view on this. I want my kids to have a strong and healthy immune system, and I know that getting sick is part of that. However, I’ve found that the severity of the illness can be greatly diminished if their immune systems are ready for the onslaught of whatever cold or flu they pick up.
As a mom to three kids under the age of five, I regularly watch in horror as they lick shopping carts, share food with kids they don’t know, and roll around on dirty floors. I’ve had to to give up on entirely preventing these things. Instead, I have come up with an amazing immune building defensive lineup.
MY DEFENSIVE LINEUP
These four immune boosting supplements have, by far, been my star players in preventing illness. I’ve also found that if my family does get sick, we typically have a mild version of the illness.
1. Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry Syrup is my favorite secret weapon. I discovered it a few years ago and have been truly shocked at how well it works. My kids just don’t get sick when I’m giving it to them. They call it “berry juice” and love the taste. It’s a definite essential when it comes to preventing illness.
Elderberries have been used medicinally for centuries in North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Modern research has found that they have anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anticancer properties. The bioflavonoids and proteins in elderberry juice destroy cold and flu viruses ability infect a cell. In fact, researchers has found that the antiviral components of elderberry fruit extract inhibit Human Influenza A (H1N1 virus) as well as prescription medications Amantadine and Oseltamivir (Tamiflu). [1]
My favorite liquid elderberry syrup is Sambucus Immune and/or Original Sambucus, both by Nature’s Way. We have tried several different elderberry products, but have found this one to work consistently and powerfully. We also use Original Sambucus Lozenges during illness. It works to soothe a sore throat and cough while providing immune and antiviral support! Tim and I take ViraPro by EuroPharma. It is a standardized elderberry extract in tablet form. In fact, our family just pushed through a cold. One of the kids didn’t get sick at all. The other two had mild symptoms. I had a very mild illness and, Tim, who forgot to take his ViraPro has been very ill! It works!!
2. Probiotics
I believe probiotics are the unsung heroes of good health. Believe me, living with the owner of a health and supplement store, I spend a significant amount of time hearing about the supplements that work for our customers! Probiotics are in the top three products we recommend for a variety of health conditions AND to support foundational health.
You may have heard it said that the gut is the second brain. The state of your gut determines a lot and, if your gut is healthy, the rest of the body will follow suit. This is the supplement that I believe absolutely impacts health with regular use. In fact, this is the only product in my immune boosting supplement lineup that is taken daily, year-round, by everyone in the family! You can talk to one of the Wellness Consultants at our vitamin and supplement stores to find the best probiotics for your family!
3. Germ Eradication Essential Oil Blend
Essential oils have become quite popular for a reason. They work! But you do need to be careful when using oils on small children. Many essential oils aren’t recommended for young children, but this blend is completely safe for little ones over the age of 6 months.
To make Germ Eradication Blend I combine three oils in a reducer bottle (empty reducer bottles are available in our stores). I use this blend in a diffusers (it smells so good!) AND in roller bottles where I can adjust the dilution rate to be age appropriate. The process takes minutes and is completely worth your time. My kids look forward to me “tickling” their feet with my roller bottle as I apply this immune boosting blend each morning.
You can find the Germ Eradication Blend recipe here. It gives the specifics regarding safe use in children under six years of age. Remember, essential oils are very concentrated and it is best to adjust dilution rates according to age.
4. Medicinal Honey
I started making my own medicinal honey last fall. It has been a lifesaver with our family! We use it to prevent illness, and also for treatment during illness.
The recipe is simple. You can check it out here. The beauty of this DIY recipe is that it combines the healing properties of herbs and the medicinal attributes of honey. I combine herbs that are known for their ability to support the immune system and treat coughs. My daughter has a predisposition for night time coughing that keeps the whole family awake. Medicinal honey works to calm her cough and ease her back to sleep.
How do I use it? I put it on warm toast, in tea, and serve it up by the spoonful. It tastes delicious and is full of amazing antioxidants and immune boosting goodness.
As the dreaded flu season approaches, I keep these four immune boosters lined up on my counter as a reminder to give daily doses to the kids. Remember, the goal isn’t to prevent illness altogether, but to have a strong defense when germ exposure happens.
And it will happen.
You can find all of these products and local, raw honey in both of our stores. We also carry an extensive line of organic essential oils and diffusers.
The Healthy Place team can provide other powerful immune supporting recommendations. Call or stop at any of our stores, located in Fitchburg, Sun Prairie, West Madison, and Middleton, Wisconsin, to find out things you can do to support your family’s health during the upcoming cold and flu season. We want to help you “Find Your Healthy Place”!
References
*Disclaimer: All information and recommendations given on this site, in email correspondence, newsletters or other materials provided by The Healthy Place is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice nor be viewed as a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider. Consult a licensed healthcare practitioner before modifying, stopping, or starting the use of any medications, health programs, diets, and/or supplements, as well as regarding any health concerns you may have. Our statements and information have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. As with any health-related program, product, or service, your risks and results may vary. We expressly disclaim responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information provided to you here.”
The Healthy Place – Apple Wellness
6313 McKee Road Suite 100
Fitchburg, WI 53719
608-663-2640
The Healthy Place – Apple Wellness
550 Junction Road
Madison, WI 53717
608-203-5245
The Healthy Place – Apple Wellness
2824 Prairie Lakes Drive Suite 108
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
608-825-0080
Love this article!! Thank you for your careful treatment of essential oils, especially with children. Can’t wait to adjust our immune lineup for winter. 🙂