It seems to happen every fall. We begin spending more time indoors, the kids are exposed to new germs now that they are in school, and whenever germs are closed up with us they seem to just bounce back and forth between everyone. And then it happens. One family member gets sick. Then another and so forth until everyone is miserable.

A little prevention though can go a long way and fresh fruits and vegetables are chock full of nutrients can help keep your immune system going strong and stay strong when the germs come calling.

Apples contain quercitin, a flavonoid antioxidant which has immune boosting properties. Quercitin reduces the incidence of the common cold, has anti-inflammatory properties, benefits the heart, reduces risk of cancer, and also helps prevent allergies. Since apples are abundant in the fall I always like to include them in my juice recipes.

Carrots are one of the most overlooked vegetables for overall health. They benefit the heart, lungs, skin, eyes, and  immune system. Carrots contain beta carotene which fights infection. Other orange vegetables such as butternut squash, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes also contain beta carotene as well as vitamin C, another immune boosting nutrient.

Ginger is a spice that produces a warming sensation in the body. It stimulates circulation and has anti-inflammatory abilities, both of which are helpful to keep the immune system healthy. Learn more about ginger here.