Don't eat this and stay flu-free this winter!

Today I want to tell you how to stay healthy by simply cutting one ingredient from your diet, rather than stocking up on mounds of vitamins and get-better-quick remedies...

Winter is just around the corner so it’s a perfect time to evaluate your health and make important diet changes to ward off illness and infection this year.

How often did you get sick last winter? Did you have the sniffles or a sore throat here and there? Over autumn and winter, most people do. If you do this you could “catch” fewer viruses and infections.

Cut out that sugar to stay flu-free

Now I know cutting out sugar may sound like a sickness in itself. Truth is, most of us are highly addicted to sugar but I'm afraid it has to go if you want your immune system to fight to its full potential.

Researchers have found that just 1 teaspoon of sugar impairs your immune system by 50% for up to a few hours after consumption. This means that a little bit of sugar now and then, sugar in your tea, throughout the day will result in an impaired immune system ALL DAY. It can take months to wean yourself off sugar completely, but a sugar-free diet is essential.

Researchers have determined that the average, fully functioning white blood cell (the germ eaters) are able to destroy approximately 15 germs per minute. A study was conducted where volunteers ate about 100g of a simple sugar, honey, orange juice or starch. Their blood was drawn at intervals of 30 and 60 minutes over several hours and the white blood cells were separated and their germ-eating abilities were monitored.

According to the results, the number of germs white blood cells are capable of destroying 2 hours after the consumption of any type of sugar, except starch, is generally half the normal level. There's no question: it's time to toss the sugar. I realise that eliminating sugar may be a lengthy process so it’s best to start immediately. Be sure to read your May edition of Personal & Finance Confidential for tips on how to do this.