The 4 G's: Germ-Fighting Foods to Add to Your Diet Now

It's that time of year again, when everyone around you seems to be suffering from a case of the sniffles or worse. Wondering what you can do to fend off the army of germs heading your way? Beyond smart flu-fighting methods, which you can find here, there are some superfoods that can help fend off bacteria and viruses as well. These four (the 4 G's) are tops when it comes to staying healthy:

Green tea: Green tea contains an immune-boosting chemical called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk for a variety of illnesses. Make sure to steep it for three or four minutes to get the biggest benefits. If you prefer cold tea, steep it and then pour over ice, add honey and lemon for a delicious, refreshing drink.

Garlic: When my husband had the flu, I felt symptoms coming on (headache, sore throat, fatigue), so I armed myself with this superfood, eating and juicing it daily. I didn't smell great, but I didn't get sick either. Sulfur compounds in garlic have been shown to kill viruses and can reduce your chances of getting sick this season. Raw garlic is best (mixed with other juices high in vitamin C like orange and carrot helps with taste).

Ginger: This powerful herb contains antiviral compounds and has been known to help fight off infection. For a simple ginger tea, peel and slice some fresh ginger, put it in a mug of boiling water, cover and let it steep for about 10 minutes. If you're feeling symptoms, add some honey for a throat-soothing bonus. This is also a good addition to juicing combos.

Guava: One of richest fruits in vitamin-C (much more than oranges) and iron, Guava has been found to help prevent colds and viral infections. Plus, the loads of vitamin C can also help reduce the duration of a cold and the severity of symptoms like a runny nose and cough.