Whether you’re expecting a bundle of joy in the coming months or are nursing a new addition to the family some guidelines are very clear; Limit the coffee, avoid the booze, and in terms of your sushi, consider yourself a fish-phobe for the time being.

What about cold and flu prevention and treatment though? Some OTC medications are a definite no, but there are options available to you, including a clinically proven natural alternative.

While the flu shot is an option, its low efficacy rate in recent years has healthcare professionals recommending additional support in the form of natural supplements to ensure the health of future, new mamas and baby throughout cold & flu season. Specifically products made from fresh, organic and GMO free Echinacea purpurea, which has well-established anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.

Backed by Science

Clinical research has proven that the use of a fresh Echinacea purpurea remedy known as Echinaforce can reduce the chance of developing colds and flu by over 50%. More importantly, Health Canada has approved it to be safe and effective in pregnant and nursing women for daily use throughout the cold and flu season.

Further research shows that participants who did get sick had fewer symptoms, shorter sick time and a reduced risk of suffering from complications like bronchitis, pneumonia and sinusitis.

Moms aren’t the only ones who can benefit as research in 203 little ones showed that Echinaforce Junior was just as effective as supporting our children’s immune system. Fewer episodes of cold & flu, fewer symptoms and reduced the number of antibiotic prescriptions by 76%!

Additional Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy This Winter

It’s all in your hands

If we learned anything from the pandemic, it was to avoid handshakes, limit contact and stop touching your face when sick. Wash your hands thoroughly (minimum of 20 seconds) after the bathroom or an outing and before each meal to keep germs at bay.

Eat well and hydrate

Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and lean proteins to support your engines. Much like a car will be stuck in place without fuel, your body needs nutrients to make it through the day. During the winter months we also tend to be more dehydrated because of the low humidity outside, so drink plenty of water (8 glasses per day).

Keep your cool

Stress, especially chronic stress, causes the immune system to go haywire with changes in hormones and neurotransmitters. A few minutes of meditation and deep breathing per day can make a world of difference. Yoga is also great for getting back your qi, plus exercise encourages blood flow and the movement of immune cells.

Catch those needed ZZZ’s

Make sure to get at least 7- 8 hours of sleep at night and nap when you’re tired. A tired body means your immune system isn’t as fired up as it could be and you’re more susceptible to getting sick. Keeping your little ones on a regular sleep schedule can keep the whole family functioning better. Good luck with that task!

Freshen up the home

While it might not be the most energy efficient suggestion, circulating fresh air through the home can do wonders for the body and mind. Get rid of the petri-dish of infected air by opening the windows morning, noon and night for even 5 minutes.

Step in to nature

As Dr. Owen at Science & Nature reminds us, getting out in the woods can benefit the immune system and boost your mood while you’re at it! It will boost the activity of your natural killer cells which defend against viruses. Even better, the results lasted for days after being immersed in nature.

Healthy Moms Discount Cardholders save 15% off Echinaforce products, both from the A.Vogel website and from our Healthy Moms Market, in-store and online.