Every year as the winter comes around, people get anxious about getting sick with cold or the flu. But not everyone has to get the flu. What is important is to improve your lifestyle and strengthen your immune system, so you get sick less often and to recover more quickly as well.

Here are some recommendations to help you keep well during the winter months:

• Get a good night sleep in a completely dark room. The melatonin released (from the pineal gland) during darkness is important in the maintenance of your immune system (it is a potent antioxidant).
• Exercise for 1/2 hr a day to increase your circulation and metabolism as well as boost your immune system
• Drink plenty of water and herbal teas, this helps clear toxins from your body and flush them via your kidneys.
• Eat wholesome meals; including lots of fresh vegetables and fruits that are in season. A good guideline is to eat a colorful meal. Eat organic as much as you can.
• Reduce your dairy intake especially when you are sick, since dairy increases mucus production.
• Stay off sugar as much as possible, it diminish your immune system function.
• Reduce your caffeine intake and substitute your coffee with green tea, which is a good source of antioxidant.
• Deep breathing exercises are important in detoxification of your lungs. This is easy and can be done at any time and any where. It is also good for calming the spirit and reenergizing.
• Regular dry brushing of your skin promotes lymphatic drainage and improves your immune system. This can also be done by massaging your lymph nodes around your neck and chest area with regular strokes toward the heart.
• Try turning the water to as cold and as warm as you can stand for as long as you can stand it several times during your daily showers. This form of hydrotherapy is invigorating and boosts your immune system.
• Regular hand washing and use of sanitizing gel is a good way to protect yourself when dealing with public.
• Keep body parts warm and dress appropriately.
• Consider a good multivitamin and mineral supplement to over come any nutritional deficiencies.
• If you feel a cold coming on consider taking vitamin C, Zinc lozenges, Echinacea, fresh garlic and lots of water.
• Regular cleansing and drainage is important to optimal function of your immune system.

Remember balance is the key to health, so practice moderation and keep well. Also don’t forget to smile it will bring joy to you and those around you.