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Having a cold can be so uncomfortable. From headaches to a runny nose or even a stuffy nose, it can take its toll on anyone no matter how strong. A common cold is an infection of the nose and throat.
In contrast to the flu, a common cold can be caused by many different types of viruses. The condition is generally harmless and symptoms usually resolve within two weeks.
Some Common cold facts are;
- The common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by many different viruses.
- The common cold is transmitted by virus-infected airborne droplets or by direct contact with infected secretions.
- Symptoms of the common cold include; cough, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.
- Being in cold weather does not cause the common cold, but cold weather promotes close contact.
- Over-the-counter medications may be used for the treatment of the common cold.
- Antibiotics are not necessary for the common cold.
- The common cold is a self-limited disease that can generally be managed at home.
- The common cold has no cure, and there is no available vaccine.
When You’re Fighting a Common Cold, Here are some Home Remedies for Cold to Help You Win;
Stay Hydrated with Warm Liquids
When you’re fighting a cold, staying hydrated is crucial. Warm liquids like tea, warm water with lemon, or broth are particularly beneficial. These beverages not only help keep you hydrated but also soothe a sore throat and ease congestion.
Tea, especially herbal teas like chamomile or ginger, can be very soothing. Warm water with lemon provides a boost of vitamin C, which is essential for your immune system. Broth, whether chicken or vegetable, is comforting and provides necessary nutrients.
Avoid salty foods, alcohol, coffee, and sugary drinks as they can be dehydrating. Ice chips are another simple way to stay hydrated and calm a scratchy throat without the need for additional liquids.
Gargle with Salt Water
A saltwater gargle is an age-old remedy that can help reduce the pain and swelling of a sore throat. To make a saltwater gargle, dissolve about one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
Gargle with this solution several times a day. The salt helps draw out mucus and reduces inflammation, providing temporary relief. This simple remedy is highly effective and can be done easily at home.
Garlic, Ginger, and Lemon Mix: This powerful home remedy combines the anti-inflammatory properties of garlic and ginger with the vitamin C boost from lemon. Crush a clove of garlic, grate a small piece of ginger, and squeeze the juice of one lemon into a cup of warm water. Drink this mixture a few times a day to help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system.
Warm Lemon Water and Honey: Mix warm water with the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of honey. This soothing drink can help ease a sore throat and keep you hydrated. Honey has natural antibacterial properties, and lemon provides vitamin C.
Humidify the Air
Dry air can exacerbate cold symptoms, particularly a sore throat and dry nostrils. Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, making it easier to breathe and soothing dry nasal passages.
If you don’t have a humidifier, you can achieve a similar effect by placing a shallow bowl of water near a heat source. As the water evaporates, it will slowly humidify the room. This is particularly helpful at night when dry air can disrupt your sleep.
Get Plenty of Rest
Rest is one of the best ways to support your body’s immune system. Aim for eight to ten hours of sleep at night. During a cold, your body needs extra energy to fight off the virus. Taking a break from strenuous activities for a few days allows your body to focus on recovery. If you’re feeling particularly tired, don’t hesitate to take naps during the day.
and throat can help open your airways and ease congestion. The menthol in vapor rubs provides a cooling sensation that can make breathing easier.
What Food Should You Eat if You Have a Cold?
It’s true that food can do much more than provide energy. And when you’re sick, eating the right foods is more important than ever. Certain foods have powerful properties that can support your body while it’s fighting an illness. They may relieve certain symptoms and even help you heal more quickly.
Pepper Soup
Making pepper soup for yourself with a common cold is a great idea. It could be chicken, meat or fish pepper soup. It could even be vegetable pepper soup. But whatever pepper soup you choose to make will work.
Pepper soup, like chicken soup, is a good source of fluids, calories, protein, vitamins and minerals. It is also a natural decongestant and may block cells that cause coughing and a stuffy nose.
Garlic
Garlic provides a lot of health benefits. It has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries and has demonstrated antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects. It can also stimulate the immune system, helping you to avoid illness and recover faster.
Few high-quality human studies have explored the effects of garlic on the common cold or flu, but some have found promising results. Adding garlic to chicken soup or broth can add flavor and make them even more effective at fighting cold or flu symptoms.
Hot Tea
Hot Tea is a favorite remedy for many cold and flu symptoms. Just like pepper soup, hot tea acts as a natural decongestant, helping clear the sinuses of mucus. Note that tea needs to be hot to act as a decongestant, but it shouldn’t be so hot that it further irritates your throat.
Sipping on tea is a great way to help you stay hydrated while relieving congestion at the same time. Black tea can decrease the growth of bacteria in the throat, and echinacea tea may shorten the length of the cold or flu.
Fruits
Many fruits contain flavonoids called anthocyanins that can fight viruses and bacteria and stimulate the immune system. Flavonoid supplements can also be beneficial. Like oranges and other fruits high in vitamin C.
What Not to Do When You Have a Cold
When dealing with a cold, certain actions can worsen your symptoms or prolong your recovery. Here’s what to avoid:
Skipping Hydration
Dehydration can worsen your symptoms. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they can dehydrate you further. Stick to water, herbal teas, and clear broths.
Overusing Decongestants
While decongestants can provide relief, overusing them can lead to rebound congestion, making you feel worse. Use them as directed and not for extended periods.
Ignoring Rest
Pushing through your daily activities without adequate rest can prolong your illness. Your body needs extra energy to fight off the virus, so prioritize sleep and take it easy.
Skipping Meals
Even if you don’t feel hungry, your body needs nutrients to recover. Eat balanced meals and consider easy-to-digest foods like soups and fruits.
Smoking or Exposure to Smoke
Smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate your respiratory system and exacerbate your symptoms. Avoid smoke to help your body heal faster.
Neglecting Hand Hygiene
Poor hand hygiene can spread the virus to others. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to prevent spreading the cold.
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