Tips for Kicking Colds: Remedies and Prevention

LongIsland.com

Stave off a cold this winter with some tea, spice, and more with these great remedies.

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The common cold may not seem like too much of a big deal, but it is the major reason why adults miss work and children miss school, and if they are not treated properly, they can easily cause greater, longer-lasting problems.  This winter, be prepared and stock up on lemon juice, ginger, tea, Vicks, and soup so that colds won’t catch you or your family off guard! There is no one single cure for a cold, so what is always most important is to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest, but these remedies will help with hydration and comfort to make your cold less uncomfortable.  If your symptoms last 10 days or longer or are more severe than usual, be sure to see your doctor.  Here are some great remedies to help you or your family members get through their cold this winter season, and for you to prevent the spread of colds for a happier holiday season.

Remedies:
If you’re already sick and just can’t shake it off, try some of these methods to boost your immune system and quell your symptoms.

  • Drink hot beverages: Studies have shown no matter what you drink, as long as it is served hot, the drinker with a cold has reported feeling lessened symptoms.  Of course, some beverages are better than others.  Drink black tea or green tea for immune support, and for extra germ-killing power, try a ginger tea. If tea isn’t your thing, try hot water with lemon and honey to ease a sore throat.
  • Broth-based soups:  It isn’t just an old wives tale – thin broth-based soups like chicken noodle soup do help a cold by keeping nasal passages moist, hydrating the body, and fighting inflammation in the throat. 
  • For a head cold, try something spicy:  Spicy foods will help loosen any congestion you may have from your cold, so go ahead and dive into some chili, wasabi peas, and horseradish, and keep the tissues at the ready!
  • For stomach issues, go bland: Just like mom said, keep it simple and bland for any stomach issues, so nimble on some crackers or toast, nosh on bananas, and sip ginger tea or ginger ale.
  • Shower soothers: Knock out congestion with a long shower and a shower soother such as a homemade Vicks shower tablet, using just corn starch, Vicks, baking soda, and water.


Prevention:

  • Compared to in the summer, your Vitamin D levels may take a plunge in the winter.  Restore them by taking supplements.
  • Keep your hands away from your face, as germs can enter the body through the eyes or nose.
  • Your nose cannot filter out germs if your nasal passages are dry, so if your home is dry, use a humidifier to bring back the moisture.
  • Meditation has been recommended by doctors to stay healthy, but it can also help fight colds.  If you are feeling overly stressed out, be sure to plan time to try to calm your body and mind so that your immune system remains strong.
  • Wash your hands well, which researchers say means washing for a full 20 seconds and then thoroughly drying your hands.
  • Get a good night’s sleep each and every night – a lack of sleep can actually alter how your genes function and cause inflammation in the body.