Don't Waste Time Sneezing and Sleeping This Season

Looking out onto the street, it's not hard to tell that the weather has gotten colder. With cooler temperatures come cuter jackets, elbow length gloves, trendy berets and chunky scarves. But a drop in the temperature also brings flu, fever and chills - and a sick day is never fashionable.

Last year, with the H1N1 virus terrifying us to our core, we all became a lot more aware of the common influenza virus, its symptoms and its cures. This year, don't wait for the sniffles and aches to come creeping in. Beat the flu before it starts with these five easy and natural preventative tricks to ensure your good health throughout the bitter winter months.

1. Garlic
Garlic is known for its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal agencies and it has long been known for it's ability to prevent infections. With just one daily serving of two raw cloves of garlic can supply you with a sufficient amount of garlic's healthy benefits. Of course, no one wants to walk around all day wreaking of garlic, so take the cloves with peppermint tea and then eat a fresh spring of parsley.

2. Exercise
Exercising between 30 to 60 minutes everyday is a great way to strengthen your immune system. According to NaturalNews.com, a study conducted by David Nieman at Appalachian State University found that people who walked regularly for twelve weeks had half the number of colds, sore throats and other flu-like symptoms as people who were less active. By hitting the gym as part of your routine, or simply taking the stairs or walking to work, you can greatly lessen your chances of becoming run down and ill during flu season.

3. Hygiene
Although it can be tempting to splurge on those nicely scented, uber creamy bodywash products at the store, studies have shown that simply using an anti-bacterial soap bar in a hot shower once a day is a great way to rid your body of unwanted germs. Keeping clean and germ free, and not just on your hands, is essential to your good health. If you are worried about dry skin (after all, anti-bacterial soap bars rarely come infused with cocoa butter...) use argan oil or baby oil on your skin immediately after you get out of the shower, then lightly towel off. Be sure to wash your towels regularly, too.

4. Mushrooms
Believe it or not, mushrooms are proven to increase the production and activity of white blood cells in the body. With healthy, active white cells, your body becomes better prepared to fight off infection! Studies say that both shiitake and maitake mushrooms provide the biggest boost to your immune system. Cut them up and put them in your salad or pasta sauce, or just a pop a few into your mouth while you're watching TV in the evening. With a little bit of oil and vinegar, mushrooms can actually make a great snack, too!

5. Sleep
Experts have been saying this for years. GET SOME SLEEP! Sleep is essential to your body, and maintaining good health. Doctors agree that a well-rested person is less likely to suffer from a weakened immune system. They also say that during the cold months of the year, when our bodies become more susceptible to infection, it is wise to try and increase your regular sleep time by one or two hours. Meaning, if you usually only sleep for six hours each night, try to sleep for seven or eight once flu season kicks off.

Sandra (6) Paque
		About the author:
		I am an avid aerobiciser, thigh masterer, kegel clentcher and core ball balancer. I am just like you: a curious and (mostly) motivated woman who thinks she can (and will!) lose a few before my next family wedding or beach party. I am your sister, your mother, your aunt and your daughter. I will scour the fitness and diet landscape (so you don't have to) and keep you up to date on the latest and greatest bum and thigh disappearing potions. I hope you find my articles insightful and more than anything, motivating! NOW DROP AND GIVE ME TEN!!
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