Protect Yourself from the Flu!

(article taken from Nutrition Works newsletter January '09)
1. Sugar and processed foods impact the immune system. Through a complex system of chemical processes, sugar and processed foods (sodas, candy, cookies, ice cream, and potato chips are the big culprits) depress the immune system. There is a direct link between the amount of sugar your child consumes and his/her health. Foods that you think are healthy may be hiding a lot of sugar and many refined ingredients: juices, yogurt drinks instead of real yogurt, breakfast foods such as pop-tarts, kid's cereals, frozen waffles, and many of the "100 calorie" treats still have ingredients that are not good for your immune system.

2. Fresh foods offer the highest quality vitamins.
Don't substitute orange juice for your daily dose of vitamin C. Real oranges, berries, and vegetables contain tons of vitamin C! And for those who are not getting their fruits and berries I invite you to look at JuicePlus (www.BostonNutritionJuicePlus.com) the next best thing to fruits and vegetables.

3. Sleep will boost the immune system.
At night while we rest, the body is working to rebuild the immune system. Deep sleep allows a complex set of hormonal changes that recharge the body so that it's resilient the next day. The best way to fight off a cold or flu is to act immediately and get extra rest. Pay attention to the health of others around you such as those at work or your child's school. If you hear of a bug "going around" and you notice that your child is tired, there's a good chance that extra sleep will ward off the cold or flu. This is the time to allow extra television and require a mid-day nap.

4. Soups are still the best winter foods.
Homemade soups are packed with vitamins and minerals. They warm the body and strengthen the immune system.

5. Wash hands frequently, soap and water are best.
The best way to kill germs is to use soap and hot water and scrub hands thoroughly. Only use the anti-bacterial products when soap and water are not available.