Natural Ways To Beat The Bugs

We are quickly approaching the time of year when runny noses, sore throats and coughs are running rampant. Here are some tips and tricks to get you back to full health:

- Hot water mixed with honey and lemon is often a go-to for those suffering from a bug. The drink is composed of two powerful natural ingredients: lemon, which contains high levels of vitamin C and honey, which is been used as a natural remedy for illness and ailments for centuries. The honey that you use for this should be raw and unfiltered to reap the benefits. The vitamin C helps to keep your immune system healthy while honey soothes your throat and in children has been medically proven to the severity and frequency of coughing in children.

- WATER WATER WATER- this one should go without saying but even in the colder months it is still important to make sure you are hydrated this can help your cold fade. When you have a cold or the flu you can become dehydrated in hidden ways such as a runny nose and sweating. Drinking fluids that are carbonated or have high levels of sugar can mean the body produces more mucus or phlegm.

- Garlic has been proven to not only reduce how long you are unwell and the severity of the illness but reduce the risk of becoming unwell in the first place. However, the enzyme which is helpful for these things can easily be denatured by heat. The tips to maximise the health benefits of garlic are to 1. Crush or slice all your garlic before you eat it. 2. Before you cook the garlic, let it stand for 10 minutes and 3. Use a lot of it- more than a clove a meal.

- Apple Cider Vinegar is full of amino acids and antioxidants it is said to be able to ease your sinuses during the colder months there is little medical research into apple cider vinegar and its potential benefits. The methods of consumption can range from just adding a 15ml to a glass of water or even using it in recipes and for salad dressings. It is said to help alkalise the body. Apple cider vinegar has been a big health food in the last two years, so it is obviously doing something

- Sleep is another important factor in recovering from an illness the less sleep you get the more tired your body will be throughout the day. It is important to give your body time to repair and not sleeping enough can have a negative impact on your immune system. It is recommended that you get seven to nine hours of sleep per night to help you get well quicker.