When you’re sick with the flu, nasal congestion can make you feel miserable. Congested nasal passageways make it difficult to breath and can also contribute to facial pain in the jaw, cheekbones and along the bridge of your nose.

The key to dealing with nasal congestion isn’t to stop your body’s production of mucus completely, as mucus plays an important role in eliminating the flu virus from your body. Unfortunately, this is the goal of many over the counter cough syrups and decongestants, meaning that they not only do little to actually make you better, they can actually inhibit your body’s ability to recover! The nasal dryness that accompanies these products also makes many individuals prone to sinus infections, which is the last thing you need when you’re fighting off the flu.

Additional nasty side effects of these over the counter treatments include dizziness, nervousness, trouble sleeping and heart palpitations.

Natural Congestion Relief

Nasal irrigation using a neti pot is a natural method of relieving congestion. A neti pot is a small pot made of glass, plastic, metal or ceramic that resembles a genie’s lamp. The pot is used to rinse the nasal passageways with a saline solution for the purpose of thinning mucus, removing excess mucus and relieving nasal dryness. When a higher concentration of salt is use (hypertonic solution), the saline may also help reduce swollen nasal tissues so air can pass through more easily.

To use a neti pot, all you need is the pot and some salinated water. Many neti pots come with small packages of pre-measured saline solution, though regular table salt and water works just fine. If using regular table salt, however, just make sure the salt is non-iodized, as the added iodine can cause nasal irritation. Typically, the standard measurement is 1 teaspoon of salt to 16 ounces of distilled or previously boiled water. This concentration, known as an isotonic solution, has the same pH as your body and is ideal for clearing the nostrils and relieving dryness. If your congestion is thick, however, you may need to double the amount of salt to create a hypertonic solution for drawing out excess mucus.

Once you’ve mixed your saline solution in the neti pot using comfortably warm water, you’re ready to flush your sinuses. To do so, tilt your head at a 45 degree angle (over a sink, preferably) and place the spout of the neti pot into the highest nostril. Pour the water slowly into the nostril, allowing it to circulate through your nasal passageways and empty out the other side. Repeat the process on the other side and then blow your nose gently to eliminate excess moisture.

You may find the sensation of water in your nasal passageways slightly uncomfortable the first few times you use a neti pot, but most people accustom to it very quickly. Nasal irrigation isn’t painful, but will feel similar to getting water inside your nose when swimming, for example. The temperature of the water you use will play a large role in how comfortable the process is. For your highest comfort level, use water that is just slightly warmer than room temperature. Water that is too hot or too cold can cause discomfort when poured into your nostrils.

The flu, or influenza virus, is a potentially serious illness that affects the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms of the flu may mimic a cold, but are often much more serious and may include a fever, chills and body aches.

Although there is no surefire way to ensure that you won’t ever catch the flu, there are some important steps you can take to lessen your chances. By far, the most important thing you can do to stay healthy is to make sure your immune system is as strong as possible. The better your immune system is at fighting off germs, the better able you’ll be to prevent the flu altogether.

6 Immune-Boosting Strategies

1. Vitamin C. Extensive research has shown Vitamin C to be effective in boosting the immune system. By taking at least 200 milligrams of Vitamin C each day, you’ll help your body increase production of disease-fighting white blood cells and antibodies. One such antibody is interferon, which plays a critical role in preventing disease-causing viruses from adhering to the outer surfaces of cells. To get the recommended 200 milligrams of Vitamin C each day, consume at least six servings of fruits and vegetables or take a supplement. If opting for supplementation, try to split up the dose over the course of a day to increase the vitamin’s absorption rate.
2. Vitamin E. Taking 100-400 milligrams of Vitamin E each day will help stimulate the production of natural “killer” cells – that is, those cells that find and destroy the flu virus in your body. To get this high dosage of Vitamin E, you will need to take a daily supplement. Healthy, active individuals can take a lower dosage of Vitamin E, while a higher dosage is recommended for those who smoke or are not physically active.
3. Fruits and Vegetables. In addition to helping you get the recommended amount of Vitamin C each day, consuming at least six servings of fruits and vegetables will increase the amount of beta carotene and bioflavonoids you consume – important nutrients for protecting the body’s cells and preventing viruses from attaching to cell walls.
4. Garlic. When garlic is crushed, it releases a compound called allicin which is beneficial for increasing the body’s white blood cells, boosting cell activity and increasing the efficiency of the body’s antibodies. To get the immune-boosting benefits of garlic, aim to consume a few cloves every week – either by adding them to pasta sauce, creating a cup of garlic tea or roasting them to spread on crackers or bread.
5. Exercise. Multiple studies have found moderate amounts of exercise to be extremely beneficial in boosting the body’s immune function. What’s interesting however is that immune function has actually been shown to decrease with high intensity exercise – making you more prone to viral infections. This means that you may want to opt for a lower intensity exercise regimen during the cold and flu season when the chance of contracting the virus is highest.
6. Meditation. You probably know that a regular meditation practice will help reduce stress. But did you also know that it has been shown to increase flu-fighting antibodies, as well? This increase in immune function is thought to be related to the increase in frontal brain function that occurs during meditation.

Each year, approximately 5 to 20 percent of the worldwide population contracts influenza – a potentially serious virus that causes fever, chills, sore throat, coughing, congestion and muscle aches. In most individuals, the disease causes mild to severe discomfort for about a week, while in others, the disease can cause hospitalization or even death.

The flu virus is an airborne illness that is spread from person to person through sneezing, coughing or talking. Infected individuals are contagious for approximately 8 days, beginning one day before their symptoms begin and lasting an additional 5 to 7 days.

Although it’s not always possible to prevent the flu, there are lifestyle habits you can adopt that will lessen your chances of contracting the illness. By following the tips outlined below, you’ll not only help to keep yourself healthy, but you’ll help keep others healthy, as well. In fact, if everyone adopted the following habits, we’d be able to lessen the instances of the flu dramatically.

7 Tips to Prevent the Flu

Tip #1: Cover Your Nose and Mouth. When sneezing or coughing, make sure to cover your mouth to prevent the transmission of germs into the air. If possible, use a clean tissue to “catch” your cough or sneeze. If a tissue isn’t available, sneeze or cough directly into the crook of your arm.

Tip #2: Wash Your Hands.  Washing your hands with soap and hot water is one of the best things you can do to keep yourself healthy. Make it a point to wash hands after using a public restroom, shaking hands or touching public surfaces such as handrails, shopping carts and doorknobs. When you’re unable to wash, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs on contact. Keep in mind…the flu virus can live on surfaces for hours –even weeks! This means that disease-causing germs may be lurking anywhere.

Tip #3: Keep Your Hands Away From Your Face. When a virus enters your body, it enters through one of three points: your mouth, nose or eyes. To make sure you don’t “infect yourself” by inviting germs into your body, keep your hands away from your face as much as possible. If you need to touch your face, make sure you wash your hands first.

Tip #4: Avoid Contact with Sick People. Although this is easier said than done, the less time you spend around sick people, the less likely you’ll be to get sick yourself. Help protect yourself by avoiding crowded areas, carrying hand sanitizer with you and avoiding direct contact with people you don’t know – especially during flu season.

Tip #5: Disinfect Frequently. As mentioned above, the flu virus can live for hours on surfaces – even weeks if the conditions are right. You can limit your exposure to disease-causing pathogens by disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces regularly. Surfaces that harbor germs include desks, keyboards, computer mice, telephones, countertops and doorknobs.

Tip #6: Stay Healthy. Even if the flu virus makes its way into your body, you’ll have a better chance of fighting it off if your immune system is strong. Make sure your immune system is at its best by eating a diet full of disease-fighting fruits and vegetables, getting plenty of sleep and exercising regularly.  The healthier you are, the less likely you are to get sick.

Tip #7: Don’t Smoke. In addition to being an addictive, unhealthy habit that poses multiple health risks, smoking can also make you more susceptible to contracting diseases. The reason for this is because inhaling smoke into your body makes structural changes to your respiratory tract that increases your risk of developing infections.

Every year, millions of people get a seasonal flu vaccine to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening influenza virus. And while these vaccines do offer some protection, they are not 100 percent effective or safe. The fact is that the seasonal influenza vaccine only offers protection against the three most common strains of the flu virus – not against them all. Additionally, those who opt for the flu vaccine do so at the risk of developing negative side effects such as headache, fever, muscle aches and pain at the injection site.

Rather than take your chances with this often unsuccessful vaccine, why not opt for a safer, more natural remedy? Elderberry syrup, also referred to as Sambucus Nigra, is a well-known herbal remedy that has been clinically proven to both prevent the flu and significantly reduce the duration of the illness. In addition to being a “time-tested” remedy for the flu, multiple studies have proven its safety and effectiveness in adults and children.

Proven Effectiveness

In 1992, Israeli researchers tested the effectiveness of elderberry syrup on a group of flu patients in a hospital setting. Half of the patients were given elderberry syrup upon the onset of their symptoms, while the remaining patients were given a placebo. Among the group of patients who took the elderberry syrup, 20 percent noticed a significant improvement in their symptoms within the first 24 hours. That number increased dramatically over the next few days, with 75 percent of patients reporting a significant improvement in symptoms after 48 hours and 90 percent of patients reporting significant improvements within 72 hours! For those on the placebo, it took a full six days before 90 percent of patients were feeling better. Of that group, only 8 percent showed any signs of improvement within the first day.

A similar study was conducted in Oslo, Norway during the 1999-2000 winter season with similar results. In this study, patients who took 15 ml of elderberry syrup 4 times a day for 5 days recovered an average of 4 days sooner than those who took a placebo.

How it Works

There are several reasons why elderberry syrup is an effective treatment for the influenza virus. First, it activates the immune system and makes it more difficult for viruses to overwhelm the body. Secondly, it inhibits the flu virus from attaching to cell walls by disarming the hemagglutinin “spikes” it uses to latch onto the cells. It also inhibits the virus’ enzyme, neuraminidase, which it uses to break down the cell wall.

Where to Find Elderberry Syrup

You can purchase commercial varieties of elderberry syrup in natural food stores and in some pharmacies. Formulas are available for both adults and children.

Alternatively, you can easily make elderberry syrup at home with dried or fresh elderberries. This is a much more cost-effective way to obtain elderberry syrup, as it is very inexpensive to make and requires only a few basic ingredients. Formulas vary depending on where you find your recipe, but generally include distilled water, ginger root, ground cinnamon, ground cloves and raw honey. If you’re making the formula for children under the age of 2 years old, make sure you omit the honey, as it can cause botulism.

Fresh elderberry syrup can be stored in a clean glass jar and stored in the refrigerator for up to two months.

Dosage Requirements

To take elderberry syrup as a preventative measure, adults should take 1 tablespoon daily. When ill, increase the dosage to 1 tablespoon, taken 4 times a day, for up to 5 days.

Children may take 1 teaspoon of elderberry syrup a day as a preventative measure. When sick, increase the dosage to 1 teaspoon, taken 4 times a day for up to 5 days.

Contraindications

Although elderberry syrup is considered safe for most people, you should avoid it if you have an autoimmune disease such as muscular sclerosis, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. An effect of elderberry syrup is that it stimulates the immune system, which may enhance the symptoms of individuals with these diseases.

White teeth are synonymous with having a nice smile. It is believed that people who have a nice smile radiate warmth that attracts other people to them. White teeth are, therefore, imperative to make a positive first impression.

While all those conventional methods of using whitening toothpastes, trays and bleaching agents can get you there, they have their menacing side effects, resulting in tooth sensitivity and pain. For those who discourage the use of chemicals and wish to stay clear of them, there are techniques that can help you get that nice smile naturally.

Nothing fancy, the following simple tips are an effort at achieving beauty without compromising on health. So the Do’s and Don’ts of having a nice smile naturally in an effective manner are as follows.

Do’s: HOW TO HAVE A NICE SMILE NATURALLY

Eat Crunchy Fruits And Vegetables

Crispy fruits and vegetables are like nature’s toothbrush. Not only they have the abrasiveness to lift stains, they are very healthy to eat as well. They help your teeth appear whiter. Those who have been found the most useful in this regard are apples, pears, carrots, celery etc.

Flossing Favors

Do your teeth a little favor by flossing them. People underestimate how devastating stains in between the teeth can look. Through flossing you get rid of so many stains that your teeth look whiter, thus giving you the desired smile naturally. It is because of this reason that dentists recommend brushing twice on top of flossing.

Say Cheese

Saying the word does not only get you that picture-perfect smile, but eating a small quantity of it after every meal can help you prevent tooth decay. In addition, it also promotes enamel re-mineralization. Milk can also help as both milk and cheese contain calcium and phosphorus, promising to keep your teeth cavity-free.

DON’Ts : HOW TO HAVE A NICE SMILE NATURALLY

Skip Soda

Baking soda does have all those properties to remove surface stains but believing that it can help whiten your teeth is nothing but a myth. It may make your teeth appear whiter for some time but in the long run, not only is it too abrasive on teeth, it can damage the enamel as well so it is far better to stick to whitening toothpastes.

Leave Lemons And Avoid Vinegar

No matter how many people use it, the disturbing truth is that lemons and vinegar damage your enamel and one should not compromise on the health of teeth just for the sake of making them white.

Following these few simple tips, you can be well on your way to have that nice smile naturally.

It is a widely believed that vegetarians need more iron as compared to non vegetarians because plants naturally do not have the tendency to absorb irons as efficiently as meat. However, it is a myth that vegetarian diets are not rich in iron.

When the question arises ‘where vegetarians get iron from?’ the sources are endless. Despite all the debate, the surprising truth is that vegetarians tend to get more iron in their diets. A well balanced and smartly planned diet has enough iron to fulfill every individual’s need.

Vegetarians get more iron as compared to non-vegetarians as they are heavily relying on fruits that have plenty of iron. As far as the question of vegetarians getting enough iron is concerned, the plant world is enriched with iron. Available In breads, cereals, legumes, nuts, leafy vegetables, seeds, dried fruits etc, vegetarians actually never face any trouble getting sufficient quantity of iron.

Why sufficient quantity of iron is so important? Because iron deficiency is synonymous to anemia.  Anemia is a condition of the body in which it suffers from the scarcity of red blood cells. Initial symptoms of anemia include fatigue, irregular and rapid heartbeat, dizziness etc.

How to Get Vegetarians Adequate Amounts of Iron?

Since the iron supplied to the body by vegetables is not as well absorbed as that provided by meat, this problem can easily be remedied by taking a few simple measures.

• Vitamin C plays a significant role in increasing iron absorption. Therefore, vegetarians should make food rich in vitamin C an essential part of their diet.
• Dairy products decrease iron absorption so vegetarians should go easy when consuming dairy products.
• Calcium also prevents the body from absorbing iron from meals so vegetarians should prefer taking calcium between meals rather than taking them along with meals.

Vegetarians have a higher intake of iron, but in spite of this it is not stored as effectively in their bodies, making them prone to iron deficiency. Vegetarians can easily get the desired supply of iron by using the huge variety of plant foods that are available.

It is important to note that consuming foods in large quantities that discourage iron absorption in the body can lead to drastic consequences. While there are a lot of myths about vegetarians getting inadequate amounts of iron, with the above mentioned simple steps, anyone can ensure a constant supply of it.

Remember that iron is vital for a number of vital body functions and by eating smart, vegetarians can easily get iron and store it effortlessly.

A 3 days juice Detox is a safe and enlightening fast that promises to rejuvenate your body from all kinds of health problems. A conventional method used by thousands of civilizations, 3 days juice Detox is an endeavor at purifying your body from all the harmful toxins.

3 days juice Detox is an effective means of facilitating self healing with an aim at improving one’s fitness. Helping the body to stimulate the digestion process, 3 days juice Detox is recommended by many for the treatment of many diseases especially colon disorders, allergies or respiratory problems.

3 days juice Detox is all about consuming raw vegetables, fruit juices and water only for a particular amount of time. Juice Detox is an intense form of detoxification that usually lasts three days. For longer fasts, medical supervision is strongly recommended to ensure that you do not experience any nutrient deficiencies as a consequence.

With all the toxins we unknowingly consume in our daily life, they are deposited in our body. The body is unable to release all these toxins naturally and this is where the 3 days juice Detox comes into the picture. A great alternative for the water fast that is relatively more difficult and only suggested for healthier people, anyone can try the 3 days juice Detox.

A comprehensive strategy for all those seeking a healthy lifestyle, the 3 days juice Detox is now vital for each one of us given all the junk, fatty foods and other toxins we devour every day. Not only is the juice used for the fast very nutritious, it also has some miraculous healing and cleansing properties as well.

3 days juice Detox cleanses your body and promises a dramatic increase in the supply of a multitude of enzymes, minerals and vitamins. The two-fold advantage associated with the 3 days juice Detox is that it enriches your body with all the desired nutrients and provides enzymes that clean up your body.

Boosting the calorie burn rate, the 3 days juice Detox is very effective for stimulating weight loss. This juice fast helps the liver function properly and aids it in its ability to burn fat. A great way of recovering the body, the 3 days juice Detox fixes a number of ailments and does a lot of positive things for your body.

With all the health benefits that the 3 days juice Detox has to offer, you can eliminate all your internal waste to experience optimal health.

Wheatgrass drink, synonymous to a miracle super food, is believed to be a natural healer. A much talked about beverage among nutritionists and fitness instructors, it is claimed to have worked wonders for thousands. Wheatgrass drink guarantees a number of unique health benefits.

Essentially a plant, wheatgrass is taking the world by storm for the huge assortment of health benefits that it has to offer. Your elixir to a number of illnesses, wheatgrass drink is the rage today as it is deemed the nectar of revitalization, blood and youth. An easy way to ensure long term health, one cannot deny the plant’s ability to ensure health and nutritional perks.

Choice of fitness fanatics and health buffs, the virtues of the wheatgrass drink are remarkable. The preference of health mavens, wheatgrass drink has antibiotic properties that not only help stimulate our immune system but also flushes out all the undesired toxins from our body.

Reasons You Should Try Wheatgrass Juice

From all the advantages one can expect from wheatgrass drink, the most promising one is its magical ability to treat cancer. It does so by being rich in oxygen, thus, killing cancer cells. Although, the reasons one should regularly use wheatgrass drink are virtually endless, some of the most significant ones in this regard are stated as follows:

• One of the best sources of chlorophyll, wheatgrass drink is a very effective blood builder. Moreover, those with low hemoglobin can use it to overcome their deficiency.
• Wheatgrass drink has the ability to decelerate the aging process as it has plenty of enzymes that super oxidize the radicals found in the body.
• The human body contains many toxins that the body cannot get rid of naturally. Wheatgrass drink helps your body to neutralize the toxins, hence, flushing them out.
• Since wheatgrass drink is rich in oxygen, it helps brain and other body functions render optimal performance.
• Making wheatgrass drink a part of your diet also protects your teeth against decay. In addition, keeping the juice in your mouth for a few minutes completely eliminate toothaches.
• Nutritionally rich, wheatgrass drink is not only low in calories, it contains around 13 vitamins and many minerals.
• It not only helps improve digestion but purifies the liver as well.
• Wheatgrass drink has been found very effective for reducing blood pressure.
• It helps prevent the hair from premature graying.
• Serving as a detergent for the body, wheatgrass drink is also used as a body deodorant.

With such outstanding benefits, wheatgrass drink is truly your pathway to health and fitness.

Metabolism, a concept imperative to stay in shape, needs to be understood in order to transform your chunky silhouette into the figure of your dreams. Metabolism rate is the amount of energy or calories your body essentially useseveryday to carry out vital processes.

A lot of people debate that losing weight is a bigger feat for them because they have slower metabolic rate. This is true. That is why everyone is in a constant pursuit of strategies that can help increase their metabolic rate.

Coming towards the question ‘How to increase metabolic rate’, the one word answer is ‘Diet’. A lot of factors contribute to an increase the metabolic rate but diet is the easiest, not to forget, the most effective one. While one may find it hard to believe, foods are your biggest allies when it comes to revving up your metabolic rate and accelerating your fat loss.

It is time you stoke your metabolic fire and boost your calorie burning with diet-friendly foods and beverages. Some of the most useful foods that actually help to increase the metabolic rate are as follows.

Foods and Beverages to Increase Your Metabolic Rate

Water

A recent research has shown the effectiveness of water to increase metabolic rate, hence speeding up weight loss. It was found that drinking 17 ounces of water daily can help increase your metabolic rate to an astonishing 30 percent. Moreover, water is also a natural hunger suppressant and helps detox your body as well.

Green tea

A mood enhancer, green tea is emerging as celebrities’ most favorite beverage that has shown dramatic results for weight conscious people. In addition, green tea is claimed to have anti-cancer properties and helps prevent heart disease too.

Grapefruit

Those who think that grapefruit diet is a myth are in for a big surprise. Grapefruit is not only vitamin-C packed, it effectively reduces insulin levels that increases metabolic rate and stimulates calorie burning.

Apples and pears

If you have a sweet tooth, satisfy and soothe all your cravings with apples and pears. Not only are these low-calorie fruits, they are also rich in fiber. Also, those who eat more fruits consume lesser calories.

Broccoli

Rich in calcium, broccoli is also rich in vitamin C. Broccoli is considered very effective for weight loss because it has plenty of fiber, folate and vitamin A. Potentially loaded with phytochemicals, it not only increases your metabolic rate but helps fight fats as well.

For once, through eating, you do not only increase your metabolic rate but get that perfect body that inspires envious glances.

An endeavor to stay healthy, three day juice cleansing is an ideal choice for giving your body a break from all unhealthy binges. Not only does it help you detoxify but with a three day juice cleansing, you can also lose weight effortlessly.

A common observation is that in today’s world, most individuals have sedentary jobs where they do not find a lot of time to move around and exercise. Most of us are inclined towards obesity just because we are not properly digesting our food.

Toxins are there in everything around us, they are in the air we breathe in and even in the food we consume. Sadly, our body is not capable of eliminating these toxins all by itself and this is where three day juice cleansing comes into the picture.

The idea behind three day juice cleansing is that for three days you comsume nothing but juices. This relieves you body from the work of digesting all the food you had been eating all along. Apart from it, three day juice cleansing also helps you mend your metabolism by getting rid of all the toxins.

While there are countless reasons you should go for a three day juice cleansing, the most promising ones are as follows:

Detox:

Toxins sabotage our bodies. Not only do they wreck our immune system but they can also intensify our cravings for the more fatty and greasy foods. Our bodies are assets and they have been starved for all those wholesome nutritious food for years. It is time you facilitate your body in its attempt of getting rid of all the toxins with the three day juice cleansing.

Let your body heal!

There have been endless toxic substances and calories bundled up in your body and a three day juice cleansing can be your key to get them out of your system. Since you are allowing your body to heal the natural way, not only are you doing your body a world of good but will also be observing positive changes sooner than you expected.

Weight loss:

Most of us are well aware of the alarming rate at which we all are gaining weight. People experience dramatic weight losses after three day juice cleansing as it accelerates metabolism rate. Because of this, any exercises you take up after a three day juice cleansing will positively yield more results as the calories burn.

In short, a three day juice cleansing can spell success for you in more than one way, promising that you stay in the best of your health.