Cold and flu season is here and I don't know about you but I am not trying to get sick. I have two little boys who are in daycare and I also don't want them to be sick all the time either! I try to do everything I can to keep my home and my family healthy. You can look at this post from last November here where I talked about all the products I've changed in my home to a low-tox version to help keep us healthy. Part of my journey to low tox living has included finding ways to support my immune system and keep myself (and my kids!) healthy. I fully believe there is a place for modern medicine and all the amazing advancements they have made in our lives. But, I also believe that we all need to take accountability for our own health and do whatever we can to support our bodies and support our immune system. 

There are two things within this post that I have been doing for over a year now to keep myself and my kids healthy. I can happily say that since I started doing these I have only been sick one time!! I had a round of C*VID but only had symptoms for two days and then was back on my feet. I truly think these work to improve your immune system. I recently added item #3 from this post into my repertoire and really love it. My husband is usually a little skeptical about some of these "hippie remedies" I'm using but item #3 has him convinced there are things we can do at home to boost our immune system and keep us healthy. Read on for all the details!

1. Propoolis Throat Spray - Perhaps one of the easiest ways to boost your immune system is a daily dose of Bee Keeper's Naturals Propolis Throat Spray. Available at stores like Target and Amazon, it is readily available and easy to introduce into your routine.  I use four sprays every morning and it gives me antioxidants and immune boosting ingredients in each spray. Propolis is created by bees. Per their website, the propolis combines the immune system of the plant with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This makes a blend that is so beneficial to the immune system of humans.  Bees use propolis to line the walls of the hive and keep germs out. We can use it in a similar fashion to support our immune system and combat free radical damage in the bodies. My son started taking this every day when he turned 3 and I really do believe it has helped keep him healthy as well. My youngest turns 3 in February and you better believe he will be taking the kids version the propolis throat spray as well! 

2. Elderberry - This is another product that both my kids and I take each and every day. I have a small dropper for them that I put in their water once a day, and I take a shot of it every night before bed. I know some people like to mix it into evening mocktails so there really are a lot of options! Elderberry is amazing for immune support!! However, like most things, it works best when you take it every day for preventative measure. Then, if you get sick, you already have all the benefits in your body and it can fight it off faster. (This is why I'm convinced I got over a contagious virus in 2 days with no additional meds needed.) Additionally, with the one I take, you can take more doses on days you don't feel well for extra support. Elderberry boosts the immune system and combats colds, the flu, and allergies. Berries and flowers of elderberry are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help boost your immune system. Taking elderberry every day is something so simple you can do to improve your immune system at home. All elderberry is not created equal so make sure you are getting one that is not full of lots of other junk.  Elderberry has an antiviral effect and and inhibits viruses from infecting your cells. If you do get sick, it will help the virus work its way through your body faster. (Also not to mention it tastes really delicious too.)  This is what I take every day and here is what my kids take. 

3. Armra Immune Support - Armra is the most recent addition to my goods to support my immune system.  If you are looking for a discount code for Armra you can use my Armra promo code DARCYLYNN To save 15% off your purchase. This is the item that convinced my husband that some of my home remedies really do work. Armra Immune Revival is a powder you can take each day (up to four scoops) that helps with so many things. It helps with your immune system, digestion, bloating, your hair, skin, nails, etc. It is made from colostrum. If you are a mom you know that colostrum is like liquid gold for our babies. This stuff is "liquid gold" for us!! (It's a powder.. but hopefully you get the metaphor!) Armra fuels your body with prebiotics that support your microbiome and has antibodies that strengthen your immune system, as well as other antioxidants. My husband actually has a lab test confirmed immune deficiency -- he is deficient in IgG and IgA. This means he is really susceptible to things like sinus infections. Well Armra's immune support powder contains both IgG and IgA because of their colostrum. This means he (and you if you take it!) can get these exact nutrients he is deficient in through Armra and help support his immune system. Usually when he gets sick he is sick for a full week (or more). He started taking Armra when he got sick and he was over it in 4 days! This is a huge improvement for him. I am hopeful that now that it is part of his daily routine, it will help keep him healthy as well.  I am so excited to have hopefully found something that will help reduce the amount of times he gets sick this winter, and limit the duration of sickness when he does get it. If just taking it while he was sick reduced his illness time by three days I am so hopeful for him now that he takes it every single day. You can use my Armra discount code DARCYLYNN to save 15% off your Armra purchase. Does Armra Colostrum really work? We both think so!! 

I hope these tips help you and your family stay healthy this cold and flu season! There is so much we can do at home to help boost our immune systems. If you decide to purchase from Armra, please use my Armra discount code DARCYLYNN to save on your purchase!