Boost Your Immunity and Beat Swine Flu

At the time that I'm writing, 103 people have died in Mexico from swine flu and there are 40 cases reported in the United States. All of the cases in the U.S. are mild, but there is a world-wide alert to prevent a possible pandemic.

The U.S. government has declared a public health emergency, and U.S. citizens are being advised to avoid any non-essential travel to Mexico.

Sounds scary, but there's a lot that you can do as an individual to boost your immunity and keep yourself healthy and strong while others are getting sick around you.

Here are six important tips for keeping your immune system functioning at its peak:

1. Put Lemons in Your Water - This simple health tonic benefits your entire system. Although Lemons are acidic, they help boost your body's natural alkalinity. Also, Lemons are rich in flavonoids, nutrients that are essential to your immune system functions.

2. Take Herbs to Boost Your Immunity - My favorite herbal formula during the cold and flu season is Jade Windscreen. More effective immune symptom tonics are elderberry, echinacea, astragalus and raw honey.

3. Don't Skimp on Sleep - Sleep is essential to a healthy immune system.

4. Drink Plenty of Water - Your immune system won't function properly if your body isn't properly hydrated. Drink enough water, and avoid dehydrating substances like caffeine and alcohol.

5. Call in Sick - Staying at home when you're sick is the best thing for you and for your co-workers. If you stay home, you'll get better faster and you won't be exposing everyone else to the contagious pathogen that's got you feeling bad.

6. Take Good Care of Yourself - If you're sick, don't stop doing things that make you happy, because stress and depression have a negative effect on your immune system. Do whatever you can to boost your mood - watch funny movies, read books that you enjoy - while you're at home recovering. You'll bounce back faster than if you lay around stressing about what you're not doing.

Good Luck! Be Well!