It’s that time of year again, the dreaded cold and flu season. I had a cold about a month ago, and since then all kinds of colds have been going around my office. I’ve been feeling a bit run-down the past few days, and since I’ve already been sick I really don’t want to get sick again. I’ve been trying to do everything I can to ward off any and all infections, because I am sick and tired of being sick and tired! Obviously you should consult your doctor for medical advice before trying any new methods or medications, but here are some things I’m trying that may help ward off colds:
Zinc. I’ve been taking Zicam, hoping that if I do have a cold it will help it pass faster. The effectiveness of Zinc has been debated (which you can read more about here), but there does seem to be some evidence that it can shorten the length of a cold depending on when it’s taken.
Getting plenty of fluids. It’s important to stay hydrated to keep your body functioning properly in general, so I’ve been drinking plenty of water. I’ve also been drinking hot tea, which can offer temporary relief of a sore throat and relieve congestion by increasing mucus flow. I really like having ginger tea in particular, because (and this is just my personal experience, not a proven benefit) it makes me feel a bit more energized when I’m feeling fatigued.
Eating citrus. Unfortunately Vitamin C is a classic home remedy for colds that may not be as effective as we think (see this article from Harvard). I’ve been eating a few citrus fruits a day for a boost in Vitamin C just in case. You can also try using a supplement. I once had a job where I would frequently have to work while sick, and I found that taking Emergen-C would give me a temporary energy boost that I could use to get through the toughest part of my shift (again, this is just my personal experience, not a proven benefit).
Rest. Make sure your body is giving as much power to your immune system as possible by not over-exerting yourself. Try to reduce stress and physical strain (so light workouts only), but also make sure that you are getting enough sleep.
Echinecha. This is another method that may not be effective, but some studies have shown it can help. In the past I’ve taken Echinacea supplements, but now I mostly take it through tea. If I’m going to be drinking tea anyway, I may as well drink one that may help ward off a cold! Despite being an herbal supplement, Echinecha can interfere with other medications, so please talk to your doctor before starting Echinecha.
Eucalyptus Oil Inhalations. I like to put a few drops on a washcloth and keep in the bottom of the shower, and breathe it in from the steam in the shower. You can also use it in a diffuser. Eucalyptus oil can help relieve nasal congestion, but it also may have antiviral properties according to this study.
These are just a few methods I use to ward off a cold. How do you stop a cold in it’s tracks? Let me know in the comments!
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