With more and more people coming down with colds and the flu this season, I wanted to share some additional tips that we can all start implementing into our daily routines.  I came across these tips in an online article, and I think it does a great job of highlighting those areas that can really make a difference in our health. 

You can read the article by clicking here.

I especially liked that the suggestions in the article are, for the most part, geared toward items we either already have or can easily add to our kitchens. 

raw or lightly cooked garlic and onions

According to the article, “Both garlic and onions appear to possess antiviral and antibacterial properties and are believed to boost immunity.”  Sounds great to me! 

Now that wintery weather has arrived (or at least here in Michigan it has), I’m more inclined to make heartier meals than I am during the summertime.  Meals like chili and stew just feel like such a great fit when there’s a chill in the air.  And now I’ll be sure to add in garlic and onions whenever possible, not only for the flavors, but to enhance my health as well. 

Enjoy your healthy eating!

Dr. Bob Sears, who is interviewed on the show, shares lots of valuable information on cold and flu prevention.  He also discusses swine flu and clears up some of the misinformation that is floating around out there.  Definitely worth a listen to help you and your family become more educated on these issues.

You can listen in below, or you can click here to download the episode to your MP3 player.  The episode is about 60 minutes long.  (Note:  Dr. Sears comes on the line about 5 minutes into the show).

Enjoy your weekend.  Remember to engage in something that helps you to relax and have some fun.  Doing so will boost your immune system!

The energy we have on any given day depends a great deal on our overall health.  The body’s first line of defense for keeping us in good health is the immune system.  Last week I talked about how important consistent, quality sleep is for keeping our immune systems functioning at their highest level.  Today I am going to share three additional tips that can help set us up for optimal immune system functioning. 

1.  Decrease sugar consumption, especially in the evening before bed.

2.  Eat a handful of nuts each day.  They contain vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that bolsters the immune system.  Almonds and walnuts are excellent choices.

3.  Try to get some fresh air each day, even if it’s chilly outside.  Avoid spending all of your time indoors where the air is dry and viruses are more likely to linger. 

Now that fall has arrived, the kids are back to school, and there seems to be more on our plates than ever, it becomes even more important to take the necessary steps to keep ourselves physically healthy.  Start implementing the three tips above right away, and if you have something that helps to keep you and your family well during this challenging time of year I would love for you to pass it along.