Imm.unity.

Tis the season for illness. It seems like everyone is coming down with some sort of bug or is anxiously waiting for it to run through their home. Every hospital is overcrowded, it seems like you would have to give up a first born to get into your primary care provider and wait times to be seen in an urgent care or emergency room are BANANAS (Gwen Stefani anyone).

I've recently had a few friends reach out with questions about illness and parents at the hospital are angsty about how they can protect their family members who aren't yet sick so here's some down and dirty for you to hopefully make it through this sick season a little smoother.

Friends, I'm going to go ahead and just address the elephant in the room, nutrition. Food is freaking VITAL for our bodies and what you put in your body matters. While pathogens are running rampid, your body is working extra freaking hard to keep the equilibrium. Nutrition is important always but ESPECIALLY during this time of the year when were faced with flu, RSV, rhino, and every other virus under the sun. The quality matters, the nutrients matter, vitamins matter. You don't need to be a nutrition expert or go get a bunch of supplements, just simply incorporating a ton of variety of nutrient dense food to fuel your body can work wonders. If you keep shoveling in inflammatory foods or things that suppress your immune system then your signing up for the sniffles. Everyone's body is different and everyone's triggers are different so only you can know your own. We know by now the big ones are sugar, gluten, corn, soy, dairy, and alcohol. You don't have to eliminate them all but try being mindful about paying attention to your body when you eat these things and notice if you feel bogged down and crumby after. If you slow down and listen to your body, it will tell you what it does and doesn't like.

We got a juicer recently and it is the titties. A few cups of fresh juice throughout the day can be a super easy addition, especially for kids and picky eaters. We've been making an orange, carrot, golden beet and lemon juice as well as a green juice with whatever dark leafys we have plus some ginger, celery, granny smith apples and lemon. Bright colors = polyphenols, antioxidants and good good vitamins. It doesn't have to be a science or overwhelming, if it's bright rich beautiful colors toss it in the juicer. If you don't want to eat it then drink the rainbow ya'll.

Other options can be making a big batch of bone broth with lots of veggies, onions and garlic and mineral heavy herbs likes rosemary, nettles, basil, oregano, etc. This can be easy to freeze and thaw when in a pinch for an extra boost and your body will definitely appreciate the love.

You can DIY your own syrups and honeys at home as well for a prophylactic tonic action to carry you through the season. Some big love immune boosting herbs herbs are calendula, elderberry, garlic, mushrooms especially reishi, and echinacea.

Look into it yourself and find one or two that resonate best for you and your family.

I'm on an elderberry kick right now and as I write this I'm infusing a elderberry honey on the stovetop that I'm going to mix with Apple Cider Vinegar that has been infused with stinging nettles and chickweed for a daily tonic syrup that is has immune properties and a mineral boost. Elderberry is safe for children to elderly and taste really yummy. Honey has been shown time and time again its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral properties - I mean this shit doesn't spoil so clearly the bees knew how to make a protective product.

Last but not least, be mindful of your stress during this time of year. Holidays are supposed to be a time to rejoice, find gratitude, be surrounded by those we love most and reflect. Often times we are thrown into chaos, bogged down by shopping list and feeling like we need to take on the mountain alone. Listen, do you boo, do the things, go all out, just not at the expense of your own health. Stress hormones have been proven to wreak havoc on the immune system and it's no wonder we feel flipping drained after the holidays are over. No amount of gift wrap and casseroles is worth feeling under the weather. Make it a practice or a mantra to try being mindful about what your body is calling for, if you need to slow down, then slow down, if you need to say no, remember you have permission and its a full sentence.

From my family to yours, I wish you nothing but wellness ALWAYS but especially right now when we seem to need it most.

Hannah