Perhaps you enjoy the cold, layers upon layers of warm clothing, mandatory winter bone broths, stews and soups. But before you know it you’re done with the cold and dreaming of those endless summer night, balmy skies and the outdoors.

We all hate the dreaded winter sickness that can sneak up on us right when we just don’t have time for it. There is nothing worse than being stuck in bed knowing you have a million things you need to do and the everyday rush of life, kids and work must go on.

It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom this winter! Winter should be about snuggling up with your loved ones, a good book, nights in front of the fire, not having to put up with feeling flat with a red raw nose and sore throat.

Immune system vs. winter.

What us the most important thing you can do to prepare yourself for the oncoming colder season? If you said get your immune system to its ultimate level, then you are right on track. With a strong immune then there is little chance you will suffer the onslaught of flu season. 

Why do people in warm climates get winter flu less?

For the very reason we just mentioned. In the summer we are outdoors, we most likely are more active, eat less comfort food and a big one to add to the list is we have more daylight with the healing benefits of vitamin D from the Sun.

The reverse is longer darker nights which is known to cause depression or a condition called SAD—Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is a winter problem that appears late fall or early winter and leaves when the days get longer. Could this winter condition and the flu have something in common? Absolutely, they are both winter conditions and what is the most likely cause for both? A weakened immune system, so isn’t better to support the very thing that keeps us healthy?

Preparing your body to prevent the flu, naturally this winter.

Right now it’s time to stock the pantry shelves and start filling your body with as much goodness as you can possibly get! Investing this time in caring for your body from the inside out, feeding it good wholesome nutrition and really listening to your bodies needs is well worth the effort! Let’s be honest nobody has time for the winter flu, not to mention the ongoing impacts it can have on our finances, mental health and stress levels. The first place to start is prevention with a strong immune system. If you often get sore throats, pick up colds or frequent infections easily, suffer from allergies, hay fever, skin rashes, feel tired all the time or have injuries that take a long time to heal, these are some of the signs of a weak and stressed immune system. 

Fermented olive leaf extract.

Have you thought about a herbal tonic that also contains probiotics to help boost your immunity, naturally? Probiotic Foods Fermented Olive Leaf! Fermented to create a nutrient-rich bioactive concentrate to assist with immunity, digestion and inflammation. This is the ultimate flu shot as nature intended!

Olive Leaf Extract is well known for its antiviral, antibacterial effects, as a powerful immune booster and flu fighter. If you feel like the slightest tickle in your throat reach for that Olive Leaf! This sweet concentrate can be mixed in with juice or straight from the spoon and kids too will love the taste! Olive Leaf Extract benefits date back to the 1800s, where it was known for assisting malarial infections. A century later it was observed that the olive plant was very resistant to diseases due to the bitter compound of the leaves.

Bacteria, bacteria, bacteria—the GOOD kind.

80% of our immune system is in the gut! So you better believe it and pay respect to the 100 trillion bacteria that are hanging out in, and on your body. All year round but during winter it is especially important to supercharge your body with good bacteria from a natural organic food source. Our range of Probiotic Foods are a super culture of multiple bacterial strains, prebiotic rich and nutrient dense! Not only are probiotics a great daily support to replenish our guts if you do feel you are coming down with a cold up your daily teaspoon to give your body that extra support it needs!  

“Since taking Probiotic Foods twice a day I know that my overall health and wellbeing has improved, as well as my energy levels. I can’t remember the last time I had the flu or an upset stomach. I can’t work or live without them now!” Brooke 

Healthy habits for a winter of wellness and a gut full of immunity:

• A diet that feeds good bacteria that is high in antioxidants. Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, resistant starch (e.g. sweet potato) and other nuts, seeds and wholefoods, preferable organic grown in nutrient and microbe rich soils.
• Healthy fats. Boost immunity with Omega 3, 6 and 9 fats from a variety of sources, wild caught fish, avocado, coconut, olive oil, flaxseed, chia and hemp oil. Use the bones to create bone broth. It contains collagen, gelatin and important amino acids to strengthen the gut barrier and it’s also great for hair, skin, nails and joints.
• Probiotics and fermented foods. Get your good bacteria from a natural, certified organic food source and feed them and you with nourishing prebiotics. The mother culture in Probiotic Foods is supercharged with multiple bacterial strains, prebiotic rich and nutrient dense, covering all bases.
• Vitamin D. Boost your levels with regular sunshine exposure and a supplement is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to improve your immunity and prevent acute infections like the flu. Consider having your vitamin D levels tested so you know if you are low you can supplement. Fever, sore throat, runny noses, aches and pains and the dreaded fatigue.
• Zinc, iron and colloidal silver. Minerals are foundational for supporting the immune system. Research shows zinc can cut down the time you have a cold by about 24 hours if taken within one day of the first symptoms.
• Boost Vitamin C and antioxidants. From local fruits and veg in season and other natural forms like Camu Camu and Acerola Cherry. These are rich sources of antioxidants and can help boost the immune system.
• Add herbs and essential oils to your diet. Oregano, thyme, garlic, ginger, clove, cinnamon and echinacea have powerful antimicrobial effects. Inhale tea tree oil, eucalyptus and peppermint oil and drink hot ginger with raw honey. Raw honey contains probiotics that boost immunity. The gut of bees contains a beneficial bacteria called Lactobacillus kunkeei and is transferred to humans via raw honey.

Winter doesn’t have to be the dreaded time of the year … look after your body and it will look after you!