Skip to Content

Reader Round-Up: Tips for Boosting Your Family’s Immune System

A few weeks ago I hosted a WMW discussion on “Preventing Sickness In Your Home”  and it was packed full of good tips and advice for keeping your family healthy. I decided to round up the tips in a post if you’re looking for ways to boost your family’s immune system.

DISCLAIMER: Obviously, every family is different and everyone’s germ tolerances are different, so feel free to take whatever advice resonates with you! What works for some may not work for all — and that is OK!! Oh, and I am not a doctor. And I don’t think any of this advice came from any doctors, although I think a few comments were left by nurses!

Minimize Germs Entering the Home

  • Avoid setting purses, backpacks and bags on counter tops and kitchen tables. (I am so guilty of this) 
  • Toss backpacks, lunch boxes and ice packs in the wash every now and then. Yes, apparently you can toss some ice packs right into the dishwasher! If not, one suggestion was to put them in a Ziploc baggie and trash the baggie at the end of each day. Brilliant, right?! 
  • This may seem obvious, but Lysol all of the frequently touched surfaces like door handles, remotes, light switches, etc.
  • Don’t forget to sanitize your phone!!!!
  • Change sheets and hand towels often. 
  • Consider making your home shoe-free
  • Change clothes or take baths upon arriving home from school/birthday parties/dr visits/grocery store/etc. 
  • Wash hands upon arriving home and keep hand sanitizer in a couple places around the home. 
  • I received a few messages about oregano essential oil which is purported to have antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties. The one I purchased is SUPER concentrated so use it sparingly!!!
     

Vitamins & Supplements

There were lots of great vitamins and supplements mentioned. The recommended frequency varied as some of you take these daily and some recommended skipping days to keep your immune system guessing and then give it a boost when you feel something coming on. 

Immune Boosting Foods

Certain foods have powerful properties that can support your immune system if you feel something coming on. I would suggest researching these ingredients yourself to learn more about their properties but I pulled some information from this article to give you the quick overview. 

  • Garlic can fight bacteria, viruses and stimulate the immune system. It helps you avoid illness and recover faster when you get sick.
  • Bone broth is a delicious and nutritious way to stay hydrated, and it also acts as a natural decongestant when hot.
  • Ginger is very effective at relieving nausea. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
  • Honey has antibacterial effects and stimulates the immune system.
  • Lemon are high in vitamin C, a natural antioxidant which enhances the immune system and has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
  • Spicy foods contain capsaicin, which can help break up mucus but also stimulate mucus production. It may be effective at relieving coughing caused by irritation.

Consider making this Chicken Noodle Soup with Garlic Chile Oil if you feel something coming on! I also highly recommend the most delicious and soothing Medicine Ball Miracle Brew.

Chicken Noodle Soup with Garlic Chile Oil

Starbucks Medicine Ball Miracle Brew

Leave any additional tips or advice in the comments!

You'll also love