The weather is getting cooler, we are spending more time indoors and the kids are back to to school… you know what that means? COLD & FLU season has begun! We are getting busier as the year kicks off and added stress leads to lower immunity.

I don’t know about you but being sick absolutely stinks! Besides just feeling plain crappy you are also less productive, have no energy, miss out on gatherings with friends and family, and start worrying how you are going to ever catch up! No bueno!

So how about we agree this year is the year you DON’T GET SICK! You can simply dodge the seemingly incessant flow of germs that are freely passed around in the fall and winter months by taking extra steps and learning my tips to support your immune system.

Here are my 5 simple all-natural ways to alter your lifestyle so you are flu- and cold-resistant this year and boost your immunity:

  1. Hydrate! – dehydration weakens the immune system as it relies on fluid to flush toxins. In addition, dehydration makes you feel tired and droopy —> it’s the #1 cause of daytime fatigue. Make sure you drink enough pure, filtered water throughout the day—68 ounces is the general rule of thumb, but you should drink more if you feel parched (as that’s a clear sign of dehydration). Drink water, drink water, drink water! {okay, you got the point, right?!}
  2. Sleep! – sleep deprivation takes its toll on the immune system because your cells regenerate while you rest. To avoid feeling run down, get at least 7-9 hours sleep, and practice good sleep hygiene (going to bed and rising at roughly the same time each night). Listen to your body and take a nap when you need it.
  3. Eat garlic – No seriously… garlic and onion are part of the allicin family, which contains potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Eaten raw it’s most effective, but if you (or those around you) can’t stomach that, lightly cooked garlic will provide ample defense during cold and flu season. Start adding it to all of your dishes to ward off the crud (and any vampires) 🙂
  4. Drink hot water with lemon & ginger – when taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach it supports liver and gall bladder function while the lemon gives you a powerful punch of vitamin C. The ginger (grated or a slice) provides your body with ample antioxidants to help fortify your immune system and because it’s a warming spice, it is especially protective when it’s cold and windy outside. You can even add fresh grated ginger and a squeeze of lemon to dishes to up the ante.
  5. Reduce Sugar Intake – all forms of sugar and other refined processed foods suppress the immune system and load you up with empty calories that are devoid of the essential nutrients you need to stay healthy. If you are struggling with a sugar addiction (it happens to all of us), please let me know how I can support you and consider The Easy Energy Cleanse a great place to start.

Don’t wait, get started now on implementing these tips for you and your family to ward off the germs and stay healthy this winter.

– See more at: http://www.ginawellness.com/blog/2013/10/boost-your-immunity-this-season#sthash.b7KxFYtK.dpuf