Keep the flu from visiting your home this winter – a series of tips

TIP #4: Sleep – your body’s best defense. Make sure kids are getting the recommended amount of sleep each night (http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-children) and that parents are too. That means 8 hours for men and 7 for women. Cut down on that extra coffee or switch to decaf to help your sleep schedule during flu season.

TIP #5: Use food to fight illness

• Load your diet with fruits and vegetables. Scientific studies proving immune system protection provided by diet are described by Dr. Fuhrman at the following link (http://www.diseaseproof.com/archives/cold-flu-flu-and-nutrition-dr-fuhrman-responds-to-comments.html)
• Decrease sugar, sugar and sugar substitute foods in your diet. An article on the Dr. Sears website (http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/t042500.asp) describes the effects of overdosing on sugar as follows “The immune-suppressing effect of sugar starts less than thirty minutes after ingestion and may last for five hours. In contrast, the ingestion of complex carbohydrates, or starches, has no effect on the immune system.”  Also, watch for hidden sugars; they can be found on labels as the following ingredients: high fructose corn syrup, beet sugar, brown sugar, cane juice, cane sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, evaporated cane juice, fructose, honey, maltodextrin, maple syrup, molasasses, sucrose, turbinado sugar, and agave nectar. Generally, if an ingredient ends in “ose” or “ol” it is probably a sugar. Remember that juice, unless made fresh at home, is high in sugar and low in fiber. Juice should be considered a “treat” like soda.