The temps may say summer, but we all know that it’s that time of year again: the dreaded Cold & Flu Season! Kids go back to school and bam, everyone is sick again. All those germs and bacteria in confined classrooms may just have something to do with it. How can all kids, big and small, boost the immune system?

Here’s how!

1. Support a healthy gut with the foods you choose to eat. Remember, 70% of your immune system resides in your gut. If you are eating sugar and simple carbohydrates you are creating an acid gut environment that weakens the immune system.

Did you know that eating sugar can paralyze your immune system for up to 5 hours? Yes, 5 hours! That leaves you without protection should you come into contact with a virus or bacteria left on a shopping cart, door handle or anything airborne. You can cover that cough and snuffle out that sneeze, but those little buggers can live for a long time on any surface they wind up on.

2. Consider avoiding anti-bacterial hand soap and hand sanitizers, because it isn’t only the bad guys that are killed off. No way, they all bite the dust, good and bad bacteria together. Bacteria have their own eco-system, with thousands of types. If we disrupt the eco-system, we gain new resistant bacteria. The good guys have the ability to transform into hostile bacteria over time. Did you know that e-coli used to be friendly? In order to survive, it mutated into a bad guy. You can’t fool Mother Nature!!

3. You want to be sure to create meals and snacks that support your immune system. Think about eating for the season. The foods grown during a season help support the body and the immune system. Think about cabbage, sweet potatoes, kale, almonds, spinach, oats, mushrooms, garlic, and the mineral rich herbal teas!

4. Did you know that herbs contain a high mineral content? They do. They absorb all the nutrients from the soil. Nettles contain a high magnesium content. You can boost your magnesium and help your allergy symptoms all at the same time!

Here is an recipe for an Immune Boosting Herbal Tea

Immune Boosting Herbal Tea
Elderberries are a well known immune booster, but rosehips are a lesser known one! Rich in Vitamin C, rosehips contain 40 times more vitamin C than lemons!
– 1 part dried elderberries
– 1 part rosehips
– ¼ part cinnamon chips
– ¼ part ginger root

Directions

Combine herbs in a bowl and store in a sealed container when not in use.

To Make a Medicinal Infusion – In a glass quart jar, pour boiling water over 4-6 Tablespoons herbal tea, filling the jar to the top.

Allow to steep covered for 30-45 minutes.

Strain herbs and enjoy! Be sure to take the time to breath in the steamy vapors of your medicinal tea while you are sipping it!

You can refrigerate your excess infusion and heat it up to drink later.

From Rosemary Gladstar’ Herbal Medicine: A Beginner’s Guide.

Need help creating a healthy lifestyle change? Schedule a Nutrition Consultation or Reiki Session with Pam!