With the temperatures falling and the layers of clothing piling up, everyone’s least favorite flu season is just round the corner. Follow these steps to stay a step ahead and keep the flu bug at bay. Like they say, prevention is better than cure. As for those of you who can already feel a cold catching on, read on to find out ways to beat it.
1. Fluids
Photo by Delissa Handoko
As cliché as this sounds, drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day is one of the best (and cheapest) ways to help keep your immunity system up and running. Need extra motivation to keep to your 8 glasses per day? Besides preventing dehydration, removing toxins from the body and keeping your throat moist in this dry weather, water consumption also has the added side effect of helping you achieve glowing and healthy looking skin!
2. Healthy Chicken Soup
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Falling ill and missing your childhood days of hot chicken noodle soup while staying home from school? Why not make your own comfort soup to help you tide through this dreary season. Chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory and it also speeds up the movement of mucus to help you relieve congestion. Just heat reduced-sodium chicken broth, vegetables like carrots and celery, chicken breast, minced garlic and ginger cloves to taste for about 20 minutes and you are good to go!
3. Honey Lemon (and Ginger) Water
Photo by Delissa Handoko
This remedy calls for warm water, 2-3 tablespoons of raw honey, and fresh lemon juice to make your own quick and tasty refreshment. Raw honey is high in nutrients and antibacterial enzymes that can boost your immune system, while lemons are full of Vitamin C that helps to build resistance to cold and flu. For an even more power-packed drink, add grated ginger to taste.
4. Garlic tea
Photo by Delissa Handoko
Garlic strengthens the immune system and is a great antiviral herb for fighting colds and the flu. It is also effective in aiding decongestion. To prepare this calming tea, crush 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic and boil them in 2 cups of water. Strain the garlic and add raw honey and lemon juice to enhance its taste.
Photo by Delissa Handoko