If You're Starting to Get Sick

TRY: salt water

WHY: A saline solution (salt and water) helps soothe inflamed tissues in the throat and also loosens mucus, which helps flush out irritants like allergens and bacteria, says Moshe Lewis, MD, a pain management specialist in San Francisco. In fact, one study found that gargling with salt water three times a day reduced respiratory infections up to 40%.

HOW: Dissolve ½ tsp table salt in 8 oz warm water and gargle at least three times a day.