Can you build immunity to the flu? (Clam Chowder recipe)
5 simple tips to naturally build immunity. Plus, have these 4 items on hand before the flu happens and a flu-busting soup recipe
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to see autumn in different places. In Aurora Indiana, they really get into the festive spirit. The streets are lined with fun, festive fall decorations like this image above. Aurora comes alive in October with the Historical Aurora Farmers Fair and keeps the excitement going right into Hallowe’en.
We stayed in Rising Sun at the RV Park at Rising Star Casino about 15 minutes from Aurora. There are tons of parks to camp at along highway 56. Across from Rising Sun, a ferry ride away is Rabbit Hash. Go hungry and indulge in some good food. There is also a great candy shop worth investigating. Clifty Falls State park is about an hour away, perfect for a picnic or for some great challenging and scenic hikes. Oh and be sure to go through the cave. If you happen to be in Rising Sun from November through to January check out Rising Star Casino’s Holiday displays, such fun
My favourite way to share some words with you all is when I get a question from you. We will cover Ken’s question then, a yummy stick to your bones (as my Dad used to say) and warm you all over - soup. Guess what? It is not chicken soup! It’s clam chowder. Believe it or not, Clam chowder is perfect for starving a fever and feeding a cold and flu tummy while supporting the immune system and building natural immunity.
Let’s start with Ken’s question
Karen, I love your new format. I have a quick question can you build immunity to flu and how do you stop flu naturally? I really do not like taking medications unless I have to.
Hi Ken, what a timely topic, and thanks for your question. I am seeing really aggressive flu vaccine campaigns on TV and I am feeling really irritated by the scare tactics, riding off the coattails of the “Feardemic” COVID and now the “Fludemic”. Sickening!
Whether you vaccinate or not here are 4 simple tips on boosting your immune system and 4 natural items you must have on hand.
Did you know that all it takes is a teaspoon of sugar to suppress your immune-protecting white blood cells for up to 6 hours? This is when the flu can getchya! Keep the simple carbs, sugar and sugary drinks to a minimum or, completely take them out of your diet. Instead, eat real whole foods that grow from the ground and graze off the land.
Get in 30 minutes of movement a day. Movement gets your lymphatic system moving which brings nutrients to your cells and takes the waste out, keeping them healthy.
Get a good night’s sleep in a dark room void of your phone.
Keep your spirits positive. Always think or affirm “I am healthy” rather than “I hope I do not get sick.” The latter affirmation literally tells your body to get sick. If you tell your body how to react to positive thoughts your cells respond positively. Always worrying actually weakens your immune system.
Get the right flu-busting natural supplements now! See below
I am coming down with the flu what should I get?
I can not tell you how many people text me, “I am coming down with the flu, what should I get?” Then they are off on a scavenger hunt in a panic, not feeling that great trying to get what they need; which causes stress and further makes them sick.
I have done this a time or too and it is the worse dragging your butt around, feeling achy and in-and-out of the car searching for the remedies when all you want to do is curl up in a ball on a comfy couch and doze off to Netflix.
One of my clients texted me as a heads-up that he had come into contact with family members who had Covid. I asked him if he had the essentials (listed below) and he did. He started taking them immediately as a precaution. Here is what he had to say (I blocked out his name for privacy );
Believe it or not, if this is what you typically do (wait until the last minute), it is more than likely too late for early intervention. However, the items I mention below will work, it may take longer to work, but still worth the effort. The crucial key is to naturally intervene as soon as possible.
To directly answer your question Ken, besides eating good whole foods, and keeping your sugar and simple carbohydrates to a minimum, you can build immunity to the flu. You can also take mushrooms, 2 capsules daily to help in building immunity, especially during the winter season.
The ultimate secret is being prepared ahead of time. The codes below are for my store, get a free account, or sign in and copy the code, paste it into the search area, add it to the cart, save 10%, and free shipping. It’s that easy.
My fully grown kids always have these on hand because they know how powerful they are. In my home, I am fully stocked for the winter on all 4 of these;
Oscillococcinum Code B78245
Elderberry Syrup Code ELD20
MycoCeutics Ten Mushroom Formula Code MYCO6
Vitamin D3 Complete 5000 Code A72601
Oscillococcinum (Code B78245) comes in tiny convenient vials. Carry one with you ALWAYS. The moment you feel that weird sensation in the back of your throat and nose, or tune in that you think are coming down with something, take it. It will immediately start boosting your immune system until you can get home and get the other 3. The nice thing is, if it wasn’t the case, Oscillococcinum will not harm you. It will just boost your immune system and give you a boost of energy.
Studies have shown in clinical settings to help reduce both the duration and the severity of flu-like symptoms is to take Oscillococcinum immediately.
Black elderberries have been used for centuries across Europe and North America as a traditional herbal remedy. Deep purple-black polyphenolic berry contains bioflavonoids and anthocyanins compounds which powerfully support immune and respiratory health as well as have a beneficial effect on cellular function, particularly for their role in marinating the integrity of capillary walls. The elderberry syrup mentioned below is the one I rely on because there is no added sugar or fructose.
MycoCeutics Ten Mushroom Formula is grown on a blend of immune-supporting herbs and brown rice for more potent immune support because research indicates mushrooms grown on medicinal herbs greatly increase their health benefits.
Vitamin A and D3 have been shown to help reduce colds and flu by boosting the immune system. Vitamins A and D are naturally antimicrobial.
Vitamin D3 Complete 5000 (Code A72601) typically ends up on backorder this time of the year because it is quite popular. I will take this twice a day; morning and night. Vitamin A and D together are amazing antimicrobials ready and able to kill off pathogens (bacterial and viral) responsible for the flu.
If I feel I am coming down with something, for 3 days (even though I feel good the next day) here is what I take;
Oscillococcinum Code B7824; upon waking and before bed
Elderberry Syrup Code ELD20; I add a tablespoon to my water bottle and drink it throughout the day.
MycoCeutics Ten Mushroom Formula Code MYCO6 I take 2 capsules in the morning and two capsules before bed.
Vitamin D3 Complete 5000 Code A72601 I will take it twice a day, in the morning with food and evening meal.
Sometimes the little microbes can be super-strength and may need some extra help. I will fight back by taking;
Oscillococcinum 3 times a day,
Continuously take the elderberry syrup throughout the day in my water bottle
MycoCeutics Ten Mushroom Formula,
2 capsules, 4 times a day with the first dose upon waking, the last dose before bed.
Bump up Vitamin D3 Complete 5000 to 3 capsules a day just while I have symptoms.
This typically results in sweating it out while sleeping and lasts one day, sometimes 2 days. Then, I go back to the normal dosage listed above for 3-5 days depending on how I feel. This does the trick to the point I don’t have to take any downtime. Of course, before taking anything, check with your doctor and get the OK.
Don’t wait until you feel like crap and have to run around, stressing your immune system even further trying to get these flu-busting supplements only to be left looking at empty shelves! Be proactive, not reactive.
Clam Chowder to warm your soul and boost your immune system
I bet you are thinking, wait, isn’t chicken soup that starves a fever and feeds a cold? Yes, you are right, however, did you know seafood is high in zinc which helps boost your immune system? Zinc is also perfect for sore throats, colds and the flu!
I went with a low-carb version because we want to keep our neutrophils at peak performance. Of course, I made this in the HotLogic because it is just easier and less hassle. I can also reheat this soup over and over and it just gets better each time. You can also freeze this soup into individual portions and reheat it right out of the freezer to the HotLogic. Perfect for those crazy weekdays, special events, or when you just want to curl up in bed with Netflix while letting your flu-busting supplements listed above do their thing.
Clam Chowder
Keto, low-carb, gluten-free, healthy
Makes 6 - 8 servings
Prep time; 20 minutes
Cook time; 4-6 hours
HotLogic Max Oven
3 pieces, thick-cut bacon, chopped and cooked
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small leek, sliced
2 ribs celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet chicken broth ***
2 tsp dried thyme
3 ten-ounce cans of whole baby clams, drained
1 cup clam juice
1 cup heavy whipping cream
8 ounces of cream cheese
In an 8-inch pan or slightly larger, add the bacon and cook over medium heat. Do not allow it to become crispy. Cook until cooked but still tender and meaty, about 7 minutes.
Meanwhile, chop the onion into small chunks, set aside, chop the leek into small chunks, keeping only the white parts, discard the green part, set aside, chop the celery into small chunks, and set aside. Using a small-holed grater, grate the onion and set aside.
Remove the bacon from the pan and set it inside the glass dish you will be using to cook the soup in. Once cool, then chop into small pieces before adding the onion mixture.
In the same pan, the bacon was cooked in, add the chopped onion, leek and celery, stir to mix with the bacon fat, and sauteé for about 8 minutes over medium to low heat. Add the garlic, stir to combine and allow to cook for another minute. Add to the dish with the chopped bacon.
Add chicken broth powder, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, whole baby clams, 1 cup clam juice, and 1 cup whipping cream to the glass dish. Stir to combine ingredients. ABreak the cream cheese into chunks, sprinkle over the dish then, using your clean finger or a spoon, push the cream cheese down into the middle of the dish.
Add non-bleached parchment paper over the top of the dish, add the lid, add the dish to the HotLogic, zip it up and cook for 4-6 hours. To serve, add to a bowl grab a spoon and enjoy.
If you read all the way to this spot right here, thank you! Have a comment or suggestion? Please leave a comment. You can also email me directly, hit reply to this email.
I would love it if you would share this with others especially if you found this info helpful and useful. Of course, please share it with those who are looking for door wreaths and table center pieces-thank you, thank YOU!
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Have a wonderful, tasty and healthy week.
~Karen
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