It's that time of year again - cold and flu season. Below are my top tips on how to boost your immune system using the products of the hive such as propolis, raw honey and royal jelly.

I've also made some nutrition and other supplement recommendations to ensure that you and your family stay healthy this winter.

1. Take Propolis Daily

In one study, propolis was shown to boost anti-body levels (immune activity) significantly. I use it daily come October and take 2 - 3 capsules daily for maintenance.

If and when I feel a cold coming on or I'm around people who have one, I take 10 drops of a tincture or chew 3 propolis raw chunks through out the day.

2. Avoid sugar

Fruit sugar is different than the refined, processed sugar you find in most processed foods. So eat your fruits and veggies but avoid the processed sweets!

3. Raw Honey

That was a recent headline about honey. Raw honey is anti-bacterial and anti-viral according to the studies. Research done at the University of Ottawa found that honey kills the bacteria that causes sinus infections.

I take 1 tablespoon of raw honey daily come October. If I feel like I am getting a cold or I am around lots of sick people, I take an extra tablespoon before bed.

4. Eat Garlic

That's because it is so wonderful for the immune system - it kills viruses and bacteria that may have invaded.

When crushed, Allium sativum (garlic) yields allicin, an antibiotic and antifungal compound (phytoncide) discovered in 1944. Allicin from crushed garlic can be used as a home remedy to help speed recovery from strep throat or other minor ailments because of its antibiotic properties.

During cold and flu season, I often eat a clove of fresh garlic before bed with some organic yogurt. If you can't stomach the fresh garlic, I recommend Kyolic Aged Garlic extract capsules.

5. Eat Royal Jelly

It helps your immune system react when it is supposed too but also sit back and relax when it should. An important part of every immune system is the ability of it to know when to attack invaders aggressively (like when you come in contact with a virus or bacteria).

6. Probiotic bacteria

Because nearly three-quarters of the body’s immune system is located in the digestive tract, maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria is essential to your overall health. The two most prevalent probiotics are Lactobacilli, which make up the majority of the probiotics living in your small intestine, and Bifidobacteria, the most prevalent probiotics residing in your large intestine.

These bacteria can be found in raw honey or in fermented foods such as yogurt with active live cells. You can also take it in capsule form, which I do during the winter months.

I hope you find these tips to be helpful in keeping yourself and your family healthy this cold and flu season!

Bee healthy ~ Angela and The Bee Pollen Buzz Team