There is no cure for a cold, but you can take steps to reduce cold symptoms. Some remedies might even help the cold go away sooner!
With more than 200 cold viruses known to cause the common cold, it can be hard to pinpoint which strain is impacting you. Rhinovirus appears to be the most common cause, which makes up around 10 to 40 percent of colds, they can’t be treated by antibiotics, so home remedies are important in providing relief.
With adults getting an average of two to four colds per year and children between 6 and 8 any tips and tricks are worth knowing, here are our top ten.
1. Hydrate
Staying hydrated is one of the most important remedies for fighting off a cold. Drink plenty of water to keep headaches from dehydration at bay.
Drinking fluids can also soothe the throat while breaking up mucus, so that you can cough or blow it out.
2. Get plenty of rest
This will give the immune system the best chance of fighting off the infection.
A 2015 study assessed the association between sleep and susceptibility to the common cold using 164 healthy participants. Each underwent a one-week sleep assessment before receiving a dose of rhinovirus via a nasal dropper.
Those who had fewer than 5 hours of sleep per night had a 4.5 times greater risk of developing the common cold than those who slept for more than 7 hours per night. The researchers conclude there was a link between shorter sleep duration and increased susceptibility to the common cold.
3. Eat your greens
Those dark green leafy veggies that are prevalent at this time of year, are in season for a reason. Containing high levels of carotenoids which have great antioxidant properties and packed with nutrients and vitamins, it's important to make sure you continue to get your fill to stay healthy.
Try: A green smoothie - add one sachet of Britt’s Superfoods wheatgrass juice to a handful of spinach, a cup of organic apple juice and a splash of lemon. It'll keep you full and give you some energy.
4. Add Zinc to your diet
Zinc is essential for wound healing and also aids the immune system. One study suggested that using zinc can potentially stop respiratory infections and shorten the duration of a cold.
Foods with high amounts of zinc include blackberries, apricots, peaches, kiwi, guavas, and avocados. According to the Mayo Clinic, come studies suggest you may be able to reduce the duration of a cold by upping your intake of zinc within 24 hours of the initial symptoms.
5. Sleep
Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Your body is hard at work fighting off infection when you’re asleep, so it’s important that you rest as much as possible so it can fight your cold.
Try to go to sleep earlier than usual and take a nap during the day if you can. The more rest you get, the better your chances will be of a speedy recovery.
6. Reduce stress
When we are stressed, our body produces hormones that promote increased inflammation. Research has linked stress to reduced immune function. If you feel a cold coming on, you may be able to reduce its severity if you avoid stress as much as possible.
7. Gargle
A saltwater gargle — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.
You can also try ice chips, sore throat sprays and warm honey water .
8. Add moisture to the air
A cool-mist vaporiser or humidifier can add moisture to your home, which might help loosen congestion. Change the water daily, and clean the unit.9. Keep your hands clean
Most people touch their face a lot, even if you don't notice it. One study found that the participants touched their face an average 16 times per hour!
Viruses can spread by skin-to-skin contact, such as a handshake, so washing your hands can prevent the germs on your hand being transferred into your mucous membrane and getting you sick.
10. Add a superfood juice to your diet
Our immune systems cope with daily challenges - depleted energy levels, contact with ‘aggressors’ (colds, viruses, infections), less-than-ideal nutrition: without us feeding our bodies correctly we can’t expect our immune systems to protect us. A simple superfood addition to your diet can make such a difference - why not see how it makes you feel. To order yours visit our shop here today.
