Dr. Oz's, secrets for beating winter bugs.

Every year I dread not only the winter months but also the cold and flu season—not because I get sick, because luckily, I NEVER had the flu (THANK YOU GOD), but my clients all get sick and so do their little munchkins! Here are Dr. Oz's tips on beating this nasty winter and the bugs that come with it!

Have H2O BEFORE and in Flight. Canadian researchers have found that air passengers are over 100 times more likely to get a cold than those who travel by bus, train, or subway. My rule for holiday air travel: Hydrate. The plane's dry air can sap moisture from the lining of your nasal passages, creating tiny cracks that make you susceptible to infection. Water can help moisten those membranes. MOST IMPORTANT, drink water BEFORE You get on  the plane!
** The only downside is that you are using the rest room on the plane the whole time, so hopefully you get an isle seat!


Forget EchinaceaThere's actually no conclusive research proving echinacea to be effective against the common cold. What do I take instead? Vitamin D. Studies have found that D can stimulate the production of a virus-killing protein, and taking D supplements (aim for 2,000 IU a day) can lead to fewer viral infections. I take 1,000 ius per day, usually in the morning with the rest of my vitamins.

Brave the ColdNo matter how low the temperature, I take a brisk walk every day. Exercise boosts the circulation of immune cells throughout the body, and research shows that walking 30 to 45 minutes a day, five days a week in winter can cut your sick days in half.
**I won't brave the cold, but I will take my time walking to my car, and breath in the fresh air.

Warm Up with TeaNew research from the University of Michigan supports the growing body of evidence that the antioxidant quercetin may protect against infection by preventing viruses from replicating. Black and green teas are packed with quercetin, so sip a hot cup once a day.
** I love Harney & Sons Teas. I ususally have 2 cups of Green tea per day

Avoid AntibioticsThese drugs are not only ineffective against the flu—which is caused by a virus, not by bacteria—but can lead to adverse effects like upset stomach, diarrhea, and even yeast infections. If you get the flu, ask your doctor for an antiviral drug such as Tamiflu. But act fast—studies have found that these drugs work best within 48 hours of the first symptoms.

Dodge GermsFlu viruses can survive on surfaces for over two hours, but you can't wash your hands 24-7—so when is it most important to scrub up? Scientists from the University of Virginia recently pinpointed the areas of your home most likely to harbor germs: refrigerator handles, remote controls, and doorknobs.
**You will notice in our fitness centers we have the Purell dispensers! In the winter we are always refilling! Another idea is to keep the mini size antibacterial bottles with you.

Enjoy a Comfort Food.Chicken Soup really can treat a cold. The hot vapor expands your airways, which helps to clear mucus from the nasal cavity. Plus, University of Nebraska researchers found that chicken soup has an anti-inflammatory effect that may soothe a sore throat.

Here is a GREAT CHICKEN SOUP recipe... If you are a VEGAN like me, I make the soup, take my portions and add chicken to the large pot for the rest of my family.

RECIPE FOR TUSCAN STYLE VEGETABLE SOUP

recipe adapted from foodtv.com

Ingredients:
Serves 6

• 1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium cannelloni beans drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 large onion diced
• 2-3 stalks celery diced
• 1 small zucchini diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup cabbage, diced or shredded
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 32 oz homemade chicken broth or you can use store bought or vegetable broth
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 2 cups chopped baby spinach leaves
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan, optional

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, cabbage, garlic, thyme, rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and cook stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender, about 5-10 minutes.
2. Add the broth & tomatoes  and bring it to a boil. Add the cannelloni beans and the spinach leaves and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 3-5 minutes more.

1. Serve topped with good Parmesan cheese & a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

NOTE: To make the homemade chicken broth, in a pressure cooker add 4-5 cups of water, one chicken breast with bone, one medium onion, couple of garlic cloves, some salt & white pepper. Cook for 8 minutes, drain the soup in a sieve for a clear looking broth. You can freeze the broth for a later use.