Boosting your immune system

I found this cool information on my MSN today, check it out it just might help you beet the winter downs.

Eat right this winter and you might just reduce your chances of falling victim to the common cold.
For your health: Five immune system boosting foods to add to your weekly grocery list.

Garlic
Garlic may be stinky but it just may help stave off the winter sniffles. A 2001 study found that people who took a daily garlic supplement that contained the compound allicin (allicin is produced when raw garlic is crushed or chopped) decreased their risk of cold by fifty percent. That’s not all. Those in the study who did have cold symptoms: sore throat, sniffles, etc sped up their recovery time significantly faster than those who took a placebo. Get allicin from the real deal: raw chopped or crushed garlic, anywhere from one to three cloves daily.

Shellfish & Beef
Oysters, crab, beef, even poultry and pork provide the body with the much needed mineral zinc, which in addition to its potent antioxidant power, also plays a significant role in cell growth and development and healthy immune response. Women should aim to get 9 mgs of zinc daily, men 11 mgs. Other zinc-rich foods: red meat, eggs, nuts and seeds, and wheat germ. For vegetarians, legumes, whole grains and nuts are good plant sources of the mineral.

Oranges
Oranges like many other fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of vitamin C. A number of studies have illustrated vitamin C’s beneficial effects on health. Though there’s no conclusive evidence to indicate that it can prevent a cold, vitamin C can support a healthy immune system and aid in your body’s ability to recover better if and when you do get sick. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C further enhances health by taking on cell-damaging free radicals. Aim to eat 7 to 10 fruits and vegetables daily, or take a daily vitamin C supplement (500 mgs). Vitamin C-rich foods include: red pepper, cantaloupe, kiwi, orange juice, broccoli, kale and spinach.

Yogurt
Bacteria are good for you, or the active bacteria in yogurt and kefir appear to be anyway. A great source of calcium and protein, yogurt also contains healthy bacteria that some researchers believe contribute to a healthy digestive tract. These gut-friendly bacteria are believed to bolster the immune system’s response to unhealthy bacteria and increase resistance to immune-related diseases and infections. A yogurt a day or a daily probiotic may indeed keep you in cold fighting shape.

Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A, specifically a group of compounds known as provitamin-A carotenoids. In addition to keeping bones and eyes healthy, vitamin A supports the immune system’s ability to fight bacteria and infection. Vitamin A-rich foods include carrots, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, and dark green leafy vegetables like spinach. Aim to get five to ten servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

No reason at all

I opened my eyes this morning,
blinded by the images of you,
your beauty took my breath away
you were lying there like an angel,
it was impossible for me to look away
what were you dreaming of while you lay there.
I just wanted to take you in my arms
And feel your heartbeat against my chest,
or to lye against you, your smooth warm skin
You have no idea how soothing it is to just hold you.
Hold on, it's so re-assuring at the end of the day.
Do you ever think of me, the way I do you?

Get lost in my arms and turn to me
Whisper the words, "I just love you" to me
For no reason at all but to make me smile
You could have whatever you wanted from me with just the slightest hint
I want your body, mind and soul, loving every inch.
Wait just a moment, your kiss is so entrancing.
The taste still on my mind.
I need you like a heart needs a beat,
come now Darling, make another memory with me.
Your touch on me makes me love you more,
You've made my dreams a reality, I love you so.
I know now that the best days are still ahead.
My love for you grows more every day

All I know

It's right behind your eyes
just take the time to look and you'll see
hold me now, so simply
I love you and that's all I really know
All my plans they count on you,
depend on you to see them through,
I love you and that's all I really know
through the darkest days all my way
you are the key to my everything
take the time and you will see
touch me now, so simply
I can love you more and more,
When I think about tomorrow I can't wait to see you,
It's a brand new day with endless possibilities
Laying beside you at night fighting off sleep
I'd beg or borrow to see you just a minute more.
lay here with me and hold me as if you love me.
Just take a moment, to let yourself go,
turn to me without hesitation and
just spend forever with me