Let's face it, there's nothing pretty about a runny nose and red eyes (except maybe designer Kleenex). That's why we've collected these good old-fashioned word-of-mouth remedies, so you can sashay your Ugg boots through cold and flu season, free and clear of the sniffles.
Citrus
Not only will juicy citrus, like pink grapefruit, lemons and blood oranges look pretty in your fruit bowl, they'll help keep your system strong by increasing your stores of Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids (don't worry about remembering this word, just know that it comes in the white rind around the peel). Be sure to include one in your diet every day.
Garlic
You better learn to love this natural immunity booster. Yes, it might kill your chances on a first date, but it will also kill the bad stuff that leads to colds. Try adding garlic to your diet by rubbing a peeled clove over your toast in the morning or (for less kick), try roasting garlic in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes and adding it to sautéed spinach as a delicious side dish.
Sleep
It doesn't take a brainiac to know that getting at least eight hours of peaceful sleep a night will help your body ward of sickness. The cells in your body restore themselves in the wee hours, so it's important to get in bed before 11:00 pm, if you're rising at 7:00 am. It's as simple as this: stay rested and you'll have a better chance at staying healthy.
Drink
We're not talking about champagne bubbly here. What you need to do is drink loads of liquids, especially hot liquids like herbal tea or hot water with lemon, to keep your system flushed and clear of any cold and flu bugs. Sorry ladies, coffee doesn't count (we all know what caffeine does), but you can say yes to green tea, which has the caffeine you crave and the antioxidants your body wants.
Supplement
If you have trouble getting the five recommended servings of fruits and vegetables a day, then these three beauties should become your best friends (at least during cold and flu season): Vitamin C, Echinacea, and Zinc. But if the thought of popping three pills a day scares you, visit your local health food store and buy up a cold formula that has 'em all.
Dress Up
Dressing up is the key to not catching a cold (and we don't mean open toe patent-leather heels). Think layers, hats, mittens and scarves. But if you're not one to wear a hideous hat in the name of staying warm, than don't wait another minute - head to Holt's and get yourself a stylish accessory to keep warm. After all, the term 'cold' didn't arise out of nowhere.
Rogers Publishing Limited copyright © 2008 by Rogers Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.