It’s that time of year where a cold can creep up on you without any warning. Your nose starts running, your throat is sore, and your body feels run-down. Usually, a cough pops up a few days after you experience these symptoms. It just isn’t any fun at all! Fortunately, there are many ways to beat the common cold in the comfort of your own home! Here are some natural remedies that will have you back on your feet in no time at all.
- Try taking vitamin C and Zinc lozenges at the first sign of a sore throat or congestion. This can shorten the duration of the cold and may even stop it all together.
- Sip hot liquids such as turkey or chicken broth.
- Remain as active as possible. Not only is staying in bed for ordinary sniffles unnecessary, it will probably make you feel worse! Moving around helps to loosen built-up mucus and fluids. Unless you have a fever, a brisk walk outside should make you feel better.
- A study conducted in 1999-2000 has shown that taking antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, selenium, zinc, fructooligosaccharides, and protein can significantly reduce the chance of getting an upper respiratory tract infection.
- Flush used facial tissues down the toilet. These harbor the virus and could reinfect you or your family.
- Wash your hands often. Cold viruses can live on hands for several hours.
- Avoid eating large amounts of sugar, even natural kinds like honey and maple syrup.
- Try to avoid drinks that contribute to dehydration. Such drinks include coffee, caffeinated tea, and alcohol.
- In 2000, Nebraskan scientists offered up proof that chicken soup actually contains substances that help reduce the inflammation in the upper respiratory tract.
- Ignore the old adage, “Starve a cold, feed the flu.” Your body requires nutrients to strengthen immunity.
- Choose foods that are light, such as steamed veggies. Eat foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges, grapefruits, kiwi, and papaya.
References
Yu, W. (2007). What to Eat for What Ails you. Beverly, MA: Fair Winds Press.
Balch, P. A (2006). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. New York, NY: Penguin Group
