By Guest Blogger: Nonie Lewicki from Honestly Natural

Our immune system protects our bodies by identifying and killing bacteria, viruses, parasites and other organisms that can harm us. In order to allow your body to do this, you need to have a good strong immune system. It is important during the virus seasons to ensure your body is working at tip top shape! I have compiled the top 10 natural immune boosting remedies to help your body this cold and flu season.

Top 10 Secrets to Natural Winter Immunity

  1. Probiotics

Probiotics are the number one best secret you can use to boost your immunity. 80% of our immune system is in our Guts. There is more and more growing evidence that   indicates having good gut bacteria leads to a better immune system. There are a few fabulous ways to get probiotics into your system. Through Ferments, Kefir or  Good quality Probiotic powders from Health stores (these are kept in the fridge). Good gut health is not just about probiotics; you need to have a balanced diet to protect and regenerate the walls of your gut for those lovely gut bugs in probiotics, do their job efficiently.

  1. Exercise

I know it’s hard to get out of bed now the mornings are getting colder but evidence suggests exercise can help you from catching a cold. Exercise can flush out bacteria and waste from your body through sweating. Exercise regularly at a moderate intensity as too intense can do the opposite of what we are trying to achieve. The fresh air while exercising if outdoors will also help!

  1. Herbs 

There are many fantastic immune boosting herbs, some you can DIY or I have found an amazing supplement  of fermented oregano (check it out here). Oregano has been traditionally used to boost immune systems.  Another amazing herb is Echinacea; known for its immune-stimulants, it enhances the body’s resistance to both viral and bacterial infections. You can have Echinacea as a tea or herbal tablets too.

  1. Protein 

Our immune systems are made up of proteins and as well as a balanced diet we need protein to help function, too little protein can weaken your immune system.


  1. Diet

Food is one of the most important aspects for our immune system.  There are special occasions when food is important to a social gathering for celebrations and events. As such, we may need to make a compromise regarding its natural purpose- that purpose is to heal and nourish our bodies.  The majority of the time we need a well-balanced diet, with large quantities of vegetables, good fats and proteins and small amounts of fruits. These are what our body uses to fight infections and protect our immune system.  We all have different ideas of the perfect diet but I think we can all unanimously agree that vegetables and good fats are vital for our bodies.

  1. Sleep 

I know how hard it is these days but sleep is integral to our bodies for repair and maintenance.  Try and get enough sleep and go to bed before 12 midnight as our internal body clocks can get out of whack easily when you go to bed and eat late at night.  A study published in 2009 showed that people who got less than 7 hours sleep at night were three times as likely to get sick after being exposed to a cold virus.

  1. Supplements

There are many great supplements but my pick for deterring the flu this year is to take any of these immune boosting supplements or vitamins: a good quality GM and sugar free Vitamin C, Spirulina, Zinc, vitamin D and plenty of Garlic!

  1. Essential oils

Essential oils are such powerful healers and protectors. Oils such as oregano oil, Melaleuca, rosemary, clove, frankincense and geranium are great oils for the immune system. Many essential oil companies sell blends for immunity which are fantastic as it’s all done for you in one little bottle! Capsules are also created by these companies which are a great defense system for your body.  You can diffuse into the air or dilute as recommended by manufacturers and apply a few drops to the bottom of feet, along spine or under arms.

  1. Water

Fluid intake is one of the most important things our bodies need and so many people aren’t getting enough – No that coffee doesn’t count even though you added water. We need at least 8 glasses of water a day depending on your size and gender and activity level.  Some people may need double others a little less but the importance here is to drink. Take a reusable drink bottle everywhere you go and sip throughout the day. You can always add some fresh fruit if you don’t enjoy the taste of plain water!

  1. Turmeric and Ginger

Turmeric and Ginger are two of the very best spices, used for centuries for healing and for our immune systems. There are so many ways you can incorporate these powerful spices into your week. Turmeric latte, stir-fry’s and curries, capsules or juices. Raw, powdered or cooked whatever suits you!

For more great info and Honestly Natural products, head on over to the website. Honestly Natural has an extremely strict product selection criteria, so you can feel confident that you really are getting the safe and natural products that you deserve.

All information is intended to motivate readers to make their own nutrition and health decisions after consulting with their health care provider. I am not a doctor, lawyer, psychiatrist, therapist, or your mother, and I don’t play one on the internet. Please speak with a medical practitioner if you are ill or need to seek medical advice. Nonie Lewicki