The last part of the year downward spiral!

So hard to believe that school is back in session and that we have begun the last four month of the year downward spiral. Holiday, flu and cold season and between trying to stay healthy, shopping, and doing the normal daily requirements it is no surprise that we get sick. A few great easy tips that may allow you to get through this season in a healthy manner,no matter what your history has been in the past. Some of these may sound like common sense, but many of the things that are life changing are small, consistent basics that we forget about along the way of life.
1- Drink water. The summer months bring on the visible signs of dehydration with sweating and exhaustion, and visibly being red faced and tired every day. The winter months bring cooler weather, lack of sweating and heat exhaustion is not as common, but dehydration is far from gone. Honestly, water consumption is more important in the winter months and the signs of lack of water reach far beyond exhaustion. Urinary tract and bladder and kidney infections are more common in the winter. Constipation, dry skin, brittle hair and nails, and rises in blood pressure are some more conditions that come about from lack of water.
2-Fiber consumption. Roughage or bulk as many people call it is important not only for digestion, but for keeping the elimination tract moving. Back ups and constipation can make you feel sluggish and leave you open for bacterial infections and can impair your digestive tract. Although we gravitate to sweets during the holiday season, try increasing fruits, vegetables and even adding more legumes, flax and chia seeds.
3- Sleep.- Something that seems so easy, and would be a no brainier, may be the missing part of many peoples healthy puzzle. Sleep not only gives you next day energy, it boosts the immune system, restores balance, helps to rejuvenate the body and helps slow down the aging process by recharging our batteries. Remember, although drug store fixes and prescriptions are available, try the natural remedies for better sleep. They work better, you feel better upon rising, and they are much safer for you.

Although these three things are mostly common sense, you may ask yourself these question, and do not be surprised by your answers.
1-Do you drink your 8-10 glasses of water every day?
2-Do you eat 30 or more grams of fiber every day?
3- Do you get restful 6-9 hours of sleep every night, and are you rested upon rising?

Like I said, simple common sense tasks that most of us do not do like we should. I guess getting back to basics is more important that we think!!