Score Yourself Immunity This Winter
You can probably tell from my headline that I watch far too many reality TV game shows. We just made it through The Biggest Loser, and now we’re diving deep into Master Chef and The Voice (how good is The Voice!). We’re wild here in The Wellness Warrior house. Enough about my high brow entertainment choices though, today we’re going to talk about the steps you can take to protect yourself from the Snot Monster this winter.
First of all, you do not need to offer your arm up and get jabbed with a flu shot. I don’t care if they are free and “everyone else at work is getting them”. I expect to cop a bit of resistance when I write about vaccinations, and I probably will now that I’m slagging off the flu vaccine, but I don’t mind. Flu shots are useless at best, and dangerous at worst. They are also totally unnecessary if we listen to our bodies, look after them, and protect ourselves the natural way. Believe it or not, but our bodies are amazingly resilient and they are equipped to cope with the change in season.
After seeing how dedicated my wellness regime is, people are always saying to me, “I bet you never get sick!”. I do though, actually, just not for long. In fact, this morning my meditation was interrupted by my running nose and sneezing fit. We are meant to get sick! Just like how trees lose their leaves upon the change in season, colds and flus are natural mechanisms of our bodies. It’s only when we suppress them that we run into problems.
Flu shot recipes change each year, but these are the just some of the ingredients that are usually in them: formaldehyde (a known cancer-causing agent), thimerosal, mercury, aluminum (a neurotoxin), triton X-100 (a detergent), phenol (carbolic acid), ethylene glycol (antifreeze), betapropiolactone (a disinfectant), nonoxynol (used to kill or stop growth of STDs), octoxinol 9 (a vaginal spermicide), and sodium phosphate.
So, you could inject your body with that nasty cocktail or … you could protect yourself naturally by implementing these methods:
Get adequate vitamin D
Vitamin D allows your immune system to activate. Vitamin D works by increasing your body’s production of 2-300 different antimicrobital peptides that are far more effective than any synthetic antibiotic or antiviral. Not only does vitamin D protect you against the flu, but it will also help to prevent a heap of other more serious illnesses including depression and cancer.
Avoid sugar and processed foods
Sugar is not just in the obvious culprits like cakes, lollies, and soft drinks – it lurks in pretty much all processed foods including sauces and breakfast cereals. Sugar impairs the function of your immune system almost immediately.
Avoid dairy
Dairy is very mucous forming, which is not good during any season, but during the cold and flu season it is particularly detrimental.
Eat lots of veggies
Now is the time to get stuck into veggie juices, green smoothies, veggie soups, and lots of other fresh vegetable dishes. There is a pharmacy right inside your refrigerator (provided it’s stocked with the right stuff).
Get adequate sleep
It’s important to aim for eight hours of sleep per night. Our bodies produce the immune-boosting hormone melatonin between the hours of 10pm-2am. So it’s important to be in a deep sleep between those hours. I’ve heard that we get our best healing sleep before midnight.
Move your ass regularly
Exercise enables the components of your immune system to be better circulated, meaning that it gives your immune system a better chance of locating an illness before it spreads.
Stress less
Nothing brings your immune system undone quite like high cortisol levels – and stress floods your body with the stuff. Keep calm by practicing meditation, going for a walk outside, going for a run, practicing yoga, or simply taking several deep breaths.
Load up on vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C is found naturally in foods like papaya, lychees, goji berries, kiwi fruit, capsicum (aka bell peppers), lemons, oranges, strawberries, broccoli, pineapple, and Brussels sprouts to name a few. However, rosehip tea is one of the best sources of vitamin C available. If you don’t feel like you’re getting enough vitamin C from your diet, a good quality supplement may help. Just make sure to use a natural form such as acerola, which contains associated micronutrients.
Embrace bee products
Raw honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis are all wonderful immune-boosting superfoods.
Take olive leaf extract
This stuff is widely known as a natural, non-toxic immune system builder.
Use natural antibiotics
Examples include colloidal silver, oil of oregano (I add this to my coconut oil when oil pulling), and garlic. These work like broad-spectrum antibiotics against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in your body.
Immune supporting tea
If a sore and scratchy throat is telling you that you need to take care of yourself, head to the kitchen and make yourself a warm drink with lemon juice, raw honey and a little ginger.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!
If you’re feeling buggered, if you’ve got a headache, if you’ve got a sore throat; your body is trying to tell you something. Respond with respect by giving it some rest, or loading up on immune-boosting natural prescriptions (you’ll find them above). Popping a pain killer or cold and flu tablets will only suppress the symptom, which then suppresses the immune system, and causes the problem to resurface even worse later on.
Stop a cold in its tracks with hydrogen peroxide
It sounds too simple to be true, but I’m telling you that this works. If you feel a cold coming on, do this:
Add a few drops of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to your ear. You will hear some bubbling going on. Wait about five to 10 minutes before flipping over and doing the opposite ear.
We were buying 3 percent hydrogen peroxide already made up from our local pharmacy, but recently we’ve started buying 35 percent and making up 3 percent ourselves. Someone told me that the stuff that’s already made up may contain stabilisers, so we thought it would be safest to make it up ourselves from now on.
Do you have any other tips for boosting our immune systems?
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POSTED IN: cold, flu, illness, immune system, immune-boosting, immunity, natural cold remedies, sick, sickness, winter
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Eat lots of garlic and chili! Just not at the same time, that might be difficult!
Thanks Jess, just what I’ve been looking for to get rid of this cold.
Very interesting about the hydrogen peroxide, ive been using the 3% on your recommendation, (love it on my hair!) can you tell me how you dilute the 35% to make it 3%? Thank you!
Me too!! I can’t find 3% here in the Middle East. Can you give us the lowdown on dilution?
So sorry about the delayed reply! We worked it out to be 1 drop of 35% hydrogen peroxide to 12 drops of water. Hope this helps! x
Thank you!
Thanks for the great advice! When I was pregnant and got coldy I had regular cups of tea with Manuka Honey & Lemon, in fact when my boys are coldy now I stir a bit of Manuka Honey through yoghurt to help fight the bacteria.
A supplement that has evidence for reducing the duration of cold and flus is zinc. Unfortunately most of us don’t get enough of it in our diet – at the first sign of a throat tickle I load up on zinc powder – it usually comes in combination with vitamin C too!
I offer an additional component to the stress side of things. Write down 20-50 benefits to you of having a cold or flu. How does it serve you? It can assist you in seven areas of life, which are: spiritual purpose, mental quest, vocation, finances, family, social life and the physical body. The body will always assist you in fulfilling your purpose.
To balance this out, write down 20-50 drawbacks to you if you didn’t have the cold or flu. How would it be a disservice to you if you weren’t sick? What, in your own life, would you be sacrificing just to be healthy? It’s important to learn to be grateful for the body and its amazing feedback system. You’ll understand more about yourself and what your intuition is guiding you towards.
This is fantastic advice and is what I always do when I feel a cold coming on. Even though these days they only last for a day and are few and far between (yay for health!) I still try to understand why my body needs to be sick in order for me to listen to it. eg. have I been to busy? Is this the only way I can honour myself and say no to requests from others, using the time instead to slow down and get some rest? Those types of things.
The only thing that comes into question for me with immunity is that of others, not my own. I know I can fight a cold easily, and not even actually get ‘sick’, but my grandmother has emphysema and can’t afford to get even a minor cold. So for me it’s about protecting those around me from any germs I may pass on.
*too
Ever since my family and I started taking a daily probiotic (mine is included with an organic superfood green powder, Inliven) we haven’t been ‘really’ sick ! Amazing stuff.
Hi Jess thanks for the amazing post 
could you reccomend a great australian brand of bee pollen or Raw Honey ?? thank you xxxx
Lani » It’s a personal choice with bee pollen. I have tried some that I don’t like the taste of, but other people like them. It’s best to try a few and see which ones you like best. As for raw honey, I just buy the brand of our local organic store. It’s made up there I think. x
Hi Jess, what is your view on vaccinating babies/children? would you vaccinate your own?
Alice » Hi Alice, Based on the research I have done on vaccinations so far I wouldn’t vaccinate my own. It is such a personal decision though, so I don’t feel like I have the right to tell anyone else what they should do in that situation. I would just recommend really researching both sides of the argument, and coming to a decision based on what makes sense for you. I went to a seminar recently where Meryl Dorey (head of the AVN) was speaking, and her research made me see that vaccinations have actually not been successful at preventing the diseases they are made for. I would urge anyone to look into this further before making their decision. x
I have seen research that says vaccinations mess with the babies natural immune function. From what I have read babies need to have their immune system primed by normal immune reactions to their surrounding environment to have healthy immune resposonse. If their environment is too clean, ie too many disinfectants are used, they haven’t been breast fed, been given antibiotics before the age of two and been vaccinated they can end up with autoimmune diseases such as asthma, eczema, hay fever, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis to name a few. The article is called “Innate Factors in Immune System Maturation” by Daniel J Murphy DC FACO
The best way to ensure your immune system is functioning at it’s best is to have regular adjustments with your chiropractor! Ours would always tell parents that when their child was having a “health expression” as they didn’t like to use the word “sick” they would usually have a growth spurt afterwards or learn something new such as walking, talking, being able to integrate information in a new and better way. It also happens in adults only the results are not so obvious, it’s just natures way of having a spring clean
Some freshly grated ginger in a bath is also something that is beneficial. It makes you sweat and we all know that sweating is a potent way to get rid of toxins. If I ever feel something coming on, I have a Ginger bath and it allows me to feel cleansed. An Apple Cider Vinegar bath will provide similar results. A regular dose of Zinc Fix is also something that works amazingly in our household.
This is a great article. Even though we are coming into the summer months here in America, this is great advice. There are people in my office who got the flu shot (which i shunned) who got sick anyway and the fact that you dont know what they are injecting into you makes me nervous !!
Heres to good health in your winter months !!!
When considering vaccination (not just in terms of flu), it is worth considering that many people, including children, used to die from diseases like polio, whooping cough, diptheria, influenza and measles. Death and disability from these diseases are now extremely rare events, mostly due to widespread vaccinations. Here is a helpful link which provides some basic facts about vaccination.
http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/faq
I don’t think any information from health. Gov is worth reading. Do your own research! Medical journals are a good place to start and looking up each ingredient, no to mention the true statistics of the incidence of disease. Polio was not wiped out from vaccines. The criteria for diagnosing polio changed when the vaccine was introduced. Mum of 3 healthy unvaccinated kids and I’m a nurse that’s well aware of the side effects
OK, it’s fine to read medical journals if you’re a nurse and qualified to understand and interpret the articles, but for most lay-people, government health information is very reliable and based on expert research. I don’t think it’s fair to dismiss all information provided by governments; you can still apply a thoughtful, critical approach to it.
If you can read then you shouldnt have a problem reading a medical journal. I would not rely on information from an agency which profits from vaccinations.
Fully agree with Amelia- a healthy gut is important. Vaccinations destroy your ‘healthy bacteria’
We have the highest amount of children vaccinated against whooping cough in Australia and we have the highest incidence of whooping cough that we have ever had- and they are still trying to blame the unvaccinated for this when its pretty obvious the vaccine doesnt work. Just search cochrane.com and you will find proof that it doesnt work
Don’t forget that around 50-70% of the body’s immune system is in the gut…. So, strong, healthy gut means strong, healthy immune system!
Hi Jess, not sure if you’ll remember us, my husband Geoff and I met you over lunch with David and Amanda at Kind Living Cafe last December. You were sitting at the other end of the table to us, so we didn’t have much of a chance to chat, but I made a point of coming over to introduce myself and to tell you how much your initial Profile magazine story inspired me and what an amazing young woman you are. I purchased your e-book yesterday, “Make Peace with your Plate” and love what I have read so far. The more I walk a journey of authenticity and truth, the more attune I become to my body and the more it sings. We practice TM daily, keep active and eat an amazing diet of fresh (organic/biodynamic/wholefoods) and predominately raw foods and very rarely get sick. If we do, it flushes through the system so much quicker than before.
We recently had a major life change and as a consequence are now travelling around Australia with our two children in a caravan and it’s amazing. I am writing a book of my own and wold love any tips you may have to share about writing and publishing an ebook.
Keep shining Jess, you have been put on this earth to inspire the truth in others.
Love your work!
xo Jules
A great post as the weather dives into super chilly mornings. I find garlic is also a great cold and flu fighter, just make sure you don’t have a hot date that night!
I also find once I lose my sleep I lose my strong immunity wall!
Some great tips and reminders for us all to share and know. I totally agree about the flu shot and every year get confused stares when I am one of the few to refuse the free injection. I get sick atleast once every winter but it will only last 2 days max (without aid of cold and fly shots or tablets)
Love it and fully agree with your views on vaccinations!!
Great Post Jess
Hi Jess, thanks for this post, TOTALLY VACCINATION OPPOSED! whilst most of the country was dashing to get swine flue we reached for the supplements. OUr family did get it but only with mild symptoms and not need for a doctor. hmmm, so I am too convinced that its all scare tactics! I am going to show my boys(young adults) this post, they never listen to me!!! My eldest recently caught a nasty cold, its been 9 days and he still has the dregs. I caught it and took huge amounts of vitamin c until I reach my bowel tolerance then reduced it a tad(need to get my hands on lypspheric vit c). Thanks for the tip on what vit c to get, I also used olive leaf extract. Well 3 days later and with only a mild dry cough that didn’t even get yukky I am back to myself. I also still trained (weights) and walked 5kms a day. I did this because I felt like I could do it. Normally I would have barricaded myself with pillows in bed, but decided this time to still exercise. I am convinced now it helped. Jess is the peroxide you buy food grade(you can ingest), I am not sure where to get it. the chemist brands have stablisers in it, and as you have said they are toxic. These prevent the peroxide from exploding usually from heat. (bit scarey) but you can keep the safe form one in the fridge and dilute it as needed with pure water to the percentage you want. Can I get it on line?? I would love to find a supplier because it has great therapeutic use for all sorts including cancer.
Love your work!! Cheers
Jen
We keep a bottle of Colloidal Silver handy throughout winter and spray into our mouths and ears daily. Seems to keep colds and flus away. I also spray it on my 7 month old each day and she has been a healthy bub since birth, without any colds, tummy bugs or ailments.
I’m sure not having her vaccinated has also aided in her continual great health.
My tips are definitely listening to your body and allowing it to rest if it is feeling it needs to! So many people feel they are letting down their jobs/others down by pushing through their sickness, and they don’t take the well deserved one day off to rest and recoup. Thank you for the tips also on immunisation – I have been researching a lot to do with immunising children for uni studies and personal information its fascinating.xx
Hi Jess,
I second Anne’s question, how do you dilute 35%? I can only find 6% in all the pharmacies I have tried. Do you do it with bottled water?
Thanks!!
x
Awesome advice honey, thank you x
Great tips! I tell my husband this stuff every time he gets sick!
Rebounding on a trampoline to get the lymphatic system moving or a massage. Kundalini yoga also. I regularly bike with 3-4 rescue dogs so I get in some ass moving most days a week. Great article. Thank you.
i love liquid echinacea when I feel a cold coming on , great for sore throats. Speaking of vaccines, I’m a conscious objector. My son now 5 is so amazingly healthy more so than I believed, I expected him to get maybe measles some other nasties by not vaccinating, but weighed up the risk and decided against vaccination. He has other than the occasional cold he has had 1 round of antibiotics to treat a minor chest infection. He has had no ear infections, no other illness. What is interesting is we are notified at kindy whenever there is an outbreak of measles, chicken pox, whooping cough, From vaccinated children . My son still doesn’t catch these , Compared to other kids his age he just doesn’t get as sick. There has to something in this. ( vaccination).
Hi Jess!,
I am the mother of two very healthy and happy kids. I agree that it should be an INFORMED decision whether or not to vaccinate. And I don’t mean by simply reading all the government health publications. I have been a big fan of sodium ascorbate the melrose brand but am now trying to get the family Vit C boost with more natural options such as camu camu. I had a highly recommended tip this week for kick starting the immune system from a very respected expert on health and kefir, which was cod liver oil (which has your A and D in it) with a dose of Vit E and Vit C. I will be testing that one out next. He says it works in a day to clear a cold!
Keep up the great work!
Bianca
love you description of a vaccine!
I am constantly bombarded by emails and notices from my university encouraging us to get our free injection of this lovely cocktail, people need to take control of there health and research what they are putting in there bodies. Does the so called benefits of a vaccine out-way the toxic chemicals, heavy metals and deadly ingredients that are associated with it?
Hi Jessica,
I have just been introduced to your blog by a friend and I love it. Thanks for sharing so much.
I have an extra immune boosting tip for winter. Do you know the Nasturtium plant? It grows so easily and the leaves and flowers have a nice peppery taste. It also wards off pests in the vege garden. Well I read this great article by Isabell Shipard about how eating the leaves and flowers of the Nasturtium can act as an antibiotic. Here is the article http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/isabells_blog/nasturtium-natural-antibiotic.html
Enjoy
xx
Awesome article! Currently taking your advice to sit with hydrogen peroxide in my ear and it tickles My bf have had a cold for about 1.5week now and it looks like its finally rubbed off a little, but I’m running down to the health-food shop now to get some zinc and perhaps some vit C too. Been very sunny and delightful here in Norway the past week so vit D should be no problem but I’m still taking my Vitamin Code Raw D3 tabs.
Silly cold – but it wil not get in the way of my exam reading!
Great timing for this great post, Jess!
I think that we can not underestimate the power of eliminating toxins and chemicals in our beauty products, cleaning products, as well as additives in food for the benefit of our immunity. Since doing this, I have noticed that my immune system is way more resilent, because it isnt bogged down or tired from trying to eliminate toxins all the time. Also, doing yoga, getting in the sunshine, and intentionally eating a wide range of superfoods and raw veggies does wonders. Having a great immune system is a whole lifestyle thing. Once you get started on that badwagon, and become educated on ways to achieve optimum health, it is an addictive way of life because you really feel the benefits!
Thanks for a wonderful post Jess! Very informative and practical. Love it!
I would love to see stats on the children who have caught the diseases we are vaccinating against – how many of them were vaccinated and how many not-vaccinated. I’d love to see whether the numbers are similar between the two groups.
I vaccinated my kids however skipped the vaccinations at birth as I couldn’t stand the thought of a brand new baby being injected with toxins before it has even had a chance to acclimatise to the world. Also dragged the dates out as long as possible on the 1 year vacs as they are the most risky in terms of autism etc. I wish Australia would give us the option to get individual vaccinations rather than having shots with several different vaccines mixed together so we could choose what we vaccinate against. When I took my third baby in for a vaccination lat 6 months the doctor said they had to inform me that some children who had this particular vaccine (oral one) had their intestines rupture and have to have immediate surgery to save them!!!! “It’s up to you if you would still like the vaccine” umm NO! It was a vaccine for gastro! Not worth it…beware of that one mums!
Hi Jess, Thanks for the article. I am always on the hunt for immune boosting strategies.
Have you had any experience with oralmat. It is made in Melbourne and I believe it works amazingly on stopping a cold in its tracks. It is a rye grass extract.