Garlic the Microbe Destroyer

It's almost mid-January, which means that cold/flu/I was so sick I couldn't get out of bed for days season is upon us, and based on horror stories I've heard, it's gonna be a looooong one.  In addition to the standard antibiotics (which are only effective for bacterial infections), there are a lot of over the counter remedies to help what ails you, but why wait until you've been socked with a nasty cold?  Here are a few ways to help prevent or at the very least "shore up" your body before you get sick:

1.  Use lots of GARLIC!  My mom swears by it.  You can take it in the form of caplets (sold at grocery stores or health food stores), or use extra when cooking.  There's a lot of literature showing that garlic has natural antibiotic properties - just make sure you keep some strong mints or gum nearby!

2.  Eat lots of citrus fruits for VITAMIN C.  Studies have shown that regular consumption can lessen severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of illness up to 25%.  Bonus benefit:  Ascorbic Acid is a potent antioxidant that helps protect blood vessels, muscles and bones and aids iron absorption.  

3.  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  Flush the toxins and poisons out of your system by staying hydrated - try to stick with water or even hot tea...you could wind up drinking a whole lot of calories without realizing it.

4.  Eat foods with BETA CAROTENE.  Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, winter squash and kale all contain this immune booster.  Extra bonus:  cancer protection by way of stimulating immune cells to secrete tumor necrosis factor.

Stock up so you can make some great soup during this next winter storm-a-comin'.  If you have a great recipe, please feel free to share!

Here's my suggestion:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Autumn-Minestrone-102609