Winter time is fast approaching and with the weather cooling down the threat of catching a cold is inevitable! The common cold is caused by one of 200 viruses which gives rise to symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and coughing.
Everyone hates a cold! Even the mild ones are unpleasant while more severe colds cause us to take time from work or interfere with our family life. But, there are some practical steps and home remedies that can lessen the symptoms and severity of the common cold.
Chicken soup: Generations of parents have spooned chicken soup into their sick children. Modern proof of the immune-enhancing, cold-relieving benefits of chicken soup first appeared in 1978. Chicken soup may be soothing because the amino acid cysteine released from chicken during cooking chemically resembles the drug acetylcysteine, which doctors can prescribe for respiratory ills. Eating chicken soup exerts an effect on the immune system, making neutrophils (white blood cells released in great numbers to attack viral infections) less likely to congregate in the bronchial tubes, where they trigger swelling and excessive mucus production. This has anti-inflammatory and mucus-thinning effects.
Honey and lemon: This genius combination soothes the mucous membranes of the throat and has an antibacterial effect – raw manuka honey is best. Research shows that people who take a spoonful of honey before bed cough less and sleep better than those who take over-the-counter products for coughs and colds. Adding a little lemon to the honey will increase its anti-microbial effect. Honey and lemon can also be combined with hot water to make a soothing tea. An added benefit of using fresh lemon juice is that it helps to alkalize the body which helps to boost immunity
Echinacea: Whether or not echinacea helps prevent or treat the common cold remains under debate. Several clinical trials have shown that people who take echinacea as soon as they feel sick reduce the severity of their cold and have fewer symptoms than those who do not take the herb. One study of 95 people with early symptoms of cold and flu (such as runny nose, scratchy throat, and fever), found that those who drank several cups of echinacea tea every day for 5 days felt better sooner than those who drank tea without echinacea. Other ways include echinacea in your diet is to take it in supplement form available from your local health food store.
Other Immune Boosting Foods to Stop a Cold in its Tracks
Garlic – thanks to its sulfur containing compounds, this food has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties and should be consumed daily.
Ginger – A hot cup of ginger tea can provide relief from cold and cough within minutes, and also ward off the flu virus. Ginger encourages the body to produce Dermicidin, a substance that helps in fighting off infections.
Mandarines – the high vitamin C content in mandarines are a sure winner for boosting your body’s defenses. Lucky for us they are in season at the perfect time for fighting the common cold.
Oysters – another reason to indulge in oysters is due to their high immune boosting zinc content.
