How I Helped My Son Stop Getting Sick (and How You Can Keep Your Kids Healthy This Winter)

Every winter used to feel like survival mode in our house. My son would get one cold after another — ear infections, runny noses, coughs that lasted for weeks. It felt like as soon as he got over one illness, another one began.

At the time, I was working in medicine, but I knew there had to be a better way. I started diving deeper into how the gut, immune system, and environment work together. Once I started applying what I learned at home, everything changed.

Now my kids rarely get sick. When they do, it’s short, mild, and they bounce back quickly. The difference came from small daily habits that supported their bodies naturally — not from chasing symptoms or overusing medications.

These are the same things I now teach inside my Holistic Healing School for Moms and my Holistic Home Remedies workshop to help families strengthen their immune systems going into the holidays and winter season.

1. Focus on Daily Foundations

When my son was constantly sick, his body was run down and depleted. He needed rest, hydration, and real food to help his immune system function.

Sleep is one of the most powerful immune boosters we have. Kids need 9–12 hours a night, depending on their age. We use magnesium lotion and a calm bedtime routine to help their bodies unwind.

Hydration is another big piece. Aim for half their body weight in ounces of filtered water every day. Add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of minerals for flavor and better absorption.

Meals are built around protein, healthy fats, and colorful fruits and vegetables. Reducing sugar and processed foods alone can make a huge difference. Small, consistent steps like these build strong immune foundations that last all year.

2. Heal the Gut to Strengthen the Immune System

Around 70% of the immune system lives in the gut. Once I started supporting digestion, everything changed.

I began adding fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, chia seeds, and oats to feed beneficial bacteria. I rotate probiotics and make sure they’re pooping daily — because if the body isn’t eliminating properly, toxins get trapped and immunity weakens.

When I focused on the gut, my son stopped getting sick every few weeks. His body was finally able to do what it’s designed to do — heal and protect itself.

3. Use Food as Medicine

I swapped the quick fixes for natural, nourishing options. Garlic and raw honey became staples in our house during cold and flu season. Elderberry syrup is another favorite — I make ours with garlic and Manuka honey for extra antimicrobial support.

Turmeric and olive oil are my go-to anti-inflammatory foods. I use them in soups, roasted vegetables, and dressings almost daily. Bone broth is another must-have because it’s full of minerals and soothing for the gut.

These are things most families already have at home — the magic happens when you start using them intentionally.

4. Keep Detox and Drainage Pathways Open

When the body can’t drain properly, kids hold onto inflammation and toxins longer. Supporting detox pathways helps their bodies work efficiently.

We do Epsom salt baths a few times a week for magnesium and relaxation. The kids jump on the trampoline or go for walks to move their lymphatic system and boost circulation. I keep the air clean with purifiers and open the windows daily for fresh air.

These small things make a big difference in how well their bodies handle stress, germs, and sugar during the winter.

5. Keep a Simple Supplement Routine

You don’t need a cabinet full of supplements — just a few targeted ones that work well together.

In our home, I always keep:

Vitamin D with K for immune and bone support
Zinc to help shorten the duration of colds
Magnesium for sleep and relaxation
Elderberry syrup or silver spray at the first sign of illness
D-Hist Jr or V Clear for congestion and viral support

It’s not about taking everything, it’s about using what’s truly supportive — and doing it consistently.

(Feel free to use this link if you want to order supplements!)

6. Nasal Sprays and Rinses Make a Big Difference

This one has been a game changer. Most viruses enter through the nose, and research shows that saline or xylitol sprays can reduce how often kids get sick and how long symptoms last.

We use Xlear nasal spray once or twice daily during cold and flu season and a silver nasal spray at the first sign of congestion. It’s simple, safe, and effective for prevention and early support.

7. Stay Consistent During the Holidays

The holidays bring joy — and also sugar, travel, excitement, and late nights. I’ve learned that protecting the basics keeps everyone healthy.

We still enjoy the treats and festivities, but I keep bedtime consistent, make sure everyone stays hydrated, and pair sweets with protein. When we travel, I always bring silver spray, probiotics, and magnesium lotion.

Consistency matters more than perfection.

8. Progress, Not Perfection

If your kids are getting sick constantly right now, I’ve been there. It’s exhausting, but it can change. Start small. Add one new habit at a time and build from there.

My son used to be the one missing school every other week. Now, he’s the one who rarely gets sick — and it’s because we focused on daily rhythms that build resilience from the inside out.

Your kids’ bodies are capable of healing. They just need the right support to thrive.

The Bottom Line

Healthy kids aren’t built overnight — they’re built through small, consistent habits that support sleep, nutrition, gut health, and detox.

This winter, focus on the basics. Keep the home environment clean, nourish their bodies with real food, and use simple prevention tools like nasal sprays, Epsom salt baths, and elderberry syrup.

You don’t need to do it perfectly. You just need to do it consistently.

If you want guidance on exactly how to build these healthy foundations, I teach all of this step-by-step inside my Holistic Healing School for Moms, where I help you become the healer of your home with confidence and simplicity.