Cold & Flu season will be here before you know it, so now is the time to play defense & be prepared if you get called in for offense. In a world where the flu shot is touted as the only reputable source of prevention, and often incentivized with things like free donuts or a $5 Target gift card, I want to let you know that there are absolutely other (and way more effective) methods to prevent sickness this year—ones that actually boost your immune system, rather than tricking your body into deploying an immune response.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to boost my immune system during cold & flu season, as well as some great products to have on hand in case you need to battle it out.

Playing Defense

Vitamins + Supplements

Now is the time to stock up on your vitamins and supplements! Supplements like probiotics will help keep your gut health in check, which will result in your immune system staying healthy and balanced. Other immune boosting vitamins/supplements are Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D.

Rest

Getting an adequate amount of sleep is essential for a healthy immune system, but it is something that most of us overlook. Don’t skimp out on your beauty sleep!

Essential Oil blends

Diffusing or topical use of essential oils is an easy way to support your immune system. Oils like clove, cinnamon bark, citruses, rosemary and eucalyptus have immune supporting properties that make them a great choice during cold & flu season! Try mixing it with a carrier oil in a roller ball and rolling it on the soles of your feet before bed. I recently started using Rocky Mountain Essential Oils (not an MLM) and am really happy with my Immunity Boost blend!

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Elderberry

Ok I’m going to be 100% real: I can’t stand the taste of elderberry syrup! I think part of it is the syrupy consistency that throws me off. But regardless, there’s no denying it’s an immune boosting powerhouse. I usually mix it with a little bit of water and take it in a shot glass. I currently use this syrup, but want to buy this one when I run out.

Sunshine

It’s no coincidence that flu season occurs during the winter, when most of us do not get nearly enough vitamin D. If you are able, spend a little time outside without sunscreen to stock up on sunshine. Or take a Vitamin D supplement to help keep your immune system strong.

Incorporate Immune Boosting Foods

Citrus. Garlic. Ginger. Bone Broth. Mushrooms. Fermented Foods.

Avoid refined sugars—especially if you are coming down with a cold or feel your body starting to get fatigued. Colds & flus love sugar, so if you’re starting to feel sick make sure to starve your body of sugar so you’re not throwing gasoline on the fire.

Watch Your Digits!

You heard me—Keep your fingers out of your mouth, ears, eyes & nose! When we make contact with our mucus membranes, we give germs direct access to enter our bodies. Wash your hands often & try to keep them out of your mouth!

Playing Offense

Boiron Oscillococcinum

This will be the hill that I die on: EVERYONE should have this on hand at all times to have ready at the first sign of a flu. Literally, every time I share this someone messages me about how well it works and all I can say is “RIGHT??” Seriously, Boiron uses some sort of black magic in this because it seriously knocks out the flu when used as the first symptoms come on. Find this at a health food store, Whole Foods, Amazon, or even Target carries it!

Boiron ColdCalm

Another great, homeopathic medicine that treats symptoms of the common cold. No drowsiness or reaction with other medications. Just pop them under your tongue a few times each hour and watch as your symptoms start to subside.

Boiron Chestal Honey Syrup

Ok, I’m sure you’re catching the theme. I love Boiron products because they’re natural & they work! I grew up using homeopathic medicine and really believe in it. This cough syrup is amazing! I personally am a HUGE baby when it comes to taking medicine, especially anything I have to drink, but this stuff just tastes like honey—not to mention it is so helpful for a dry cough that won’t seem to go away! You can even pick this up at Target.

Zicam Nasal Swabs

If you’re an OG follower, you might remember last year when I swabbed my nose on camera. These things my be slimy and weird, but they do help shorten your colds! Zicam is another homeopathic brand. These nasal swabs are great because they enter the bloodstream immediately through the mucus membranes in your nose, so they can start working fast!

Throat Spray

There are a lot of great natural throat sprays to combat a sore throat. You want to make sure it has natural ingredients rather than any sort of oral pain reliever or steroid to numb the throat. This one from Organic Olivia is on my radar to grab before we’re sick.

A few notes on what you should not do if you’re sick…

Drug yourself on Dayquil in order to go to work, social events, etc. If you are so sick that you can’t muster the strength to go out without strong medicine, STAY HOME.
Consume sugar. No soda, no ice cream, no gatorade, no candy. Seriously—I know it’s tempting to eat comfort foods when you’re home sick, but you’re just feeding the sickness.
Kill your fever. This might be strange to think about, but a fever is good—it means your body is responding in the way it’s supposed to. Don’t kill the fever with pain medication (if it’s within reason, under 103 degrees) because the fever is your body’s way of fighting infection. Instead, just rest and drink lots of water!

Cold and Flu Season is Almost Here: Are You Prepared?