Despite our best efforts to stay healthy during the winter, we can’t always get through the cold and flu season without a nasty bout of runny nose, ceaseless coughing, fever, and a pounding headache.
If you suffer from some of these symptoms, it’s quite possible a nasty bug snuck past your best defenses. Here are some simple suggestions to minimize all the aches and pains and get you back to feeling healthy sooner:
Saline nasal drops and sprays
Over-the-counter saline nasal drops and sprays combat stuffiness and congestion.
Chicken soup
Chicken soup might help relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an antiinflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils — immune system cells that participate in the body’s inflammatory response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus, possibly helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining.
Vitamin C
This nutrient, readily available in many foods, helps to prevent immune deficiencies so getting enough throughout the year is an effective preventative measure. Consuming plenty of vitamin C-rich foods like bell peppers, dark leafy greens and citrus fruits is an important way to get your daily recommended dose. Higher concentrations of vitamin C, found in natural supplements, can also help to minimize the duration of a cold that has already afflicted you.
Echinacea
This helpful herb comes in many forms, including teas, juices, tinctures, and a wide variety of solid tablets. Time is of the essence however. It is important to begin using echinacea as soon as cold or flu symptoms appear.
There are many natural ways to stay healthy and happy throughout the winter and all year long. Additional tips about natural health are available online or speak to your health care provider about the products and dosages that are right for you.
