Fight the Flu! Ten Tips to Beat the Bug

Eat your vegetables

The holidays are coming and, unfortunately, so is the flu. Along with the relatives, gifts and good cheer that the season may bring, uninvited guests such as the influenza virus often also make appearances in our households. But getting the flu, unlike death and taxes, need not be a certainty.

Following are a few good tips that will help you fight the flu this season:

1. Wash your hands. This is one of the easiest ways to stop the flu virus from gaining access to your nose, mouth and eyes, all of which are primary entry targets for the flu. Use hot water and plenty of soap, but don't use the antibacterial kind; those soaps cause more harm than good by helping to create "super" bacteria that become resistant to existing antibiotics. Make sure to soap your hands thoroughly and scrub the palms, backs, finger webbing and under the nails.


2. Avoid sugar. Sugar has a significant effect on the immune system, decreasing its ability to function properly. Try not to overindulge in holiday sweets and alcohol and remember to be on the lookout for foods with hidden sugars; condiments like ketchup and relish as well as "healthy" foods such as fruit juices are all sources of sugar and should be avoided or eaten sparingly.


3. Minimize stress. The holiday season can add a lot of additional stress to your already hectic life so remember to take time for yourself and relax. Practice meditation, get a massage or go for a walk. After all, the greatest gift we can give ourselves is good emotional, physical and mental health.


4. Get plenty of rest. If your body is tired, it will be harder for your immune system to fight off the flu. Make sure you get plenty of uninterrupted sleep at night - at least 7-8 hours.


5. Eat your vegetables (and fruits). Fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, blueberries, apples and citrus fruits are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, which helps keep your immune system running strong. And don't forget garlic! Fresh garlic is a very potent anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal food. Eat it fresh and preferably raw, but remember to crush it slightly before eating in order to release its active ingredient, allicin.


6. Exercise. It benefits your body in so many ways, increasing your circulation and blood flow throughout your body, which helps keep your immune system oxygenated and strong. It's also a great way to reduce stress.


7. Drink water. Among its many benefits, water helps detoxify your body and carry nutrients to your cells. Keep your body thoroughly hydrated and try to drink 8oz of water for every hour that you're awake.


8. Make sure your children practice good hygiene. A recent study found that preschool-age children can drive the spread of influenza in a community as they were consistently the first age group to get infected with influenza. While you can't stop other children from sneezing and coughing on each other, you can make sure that your children learn the importance of washing their hands and covering their noses and mouths (or turning away) when sneezing or coughing.


9. Take Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, at least 500 milligrams a day. Bioflavonoids are especially helpful for fighting infections. A general multivitamin also enhances the function of the immune system.


10. Keep a good attitude and have a laugh. Scientists now connect pessimism not only with depression but consider it a risk factor for disease, just like high blood pressure or smoking. Scientific evidence has also shown that laughter not only helps people breathe easier but it also massages the heart and vital organs and may increase the release of disease-fighting cells of the immune system. So do yourself a favor: lighten up and laugh.