Feeling cold is common. It can sneak up any time of the year. While cold has no cure, don’t let it knock you out. Here are a few ways to get rid of a bad cold fast and bounce back to your healthy self.
Sleep
Sleep is essential. It helps your body to rest and heal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting extra rest can help combat the cold. When sleeping, your body produces cytokines. These are proteins responsible for fighting infection and inflammation. Thus, adjusting your sleeping schedule and getting extra rest is crucial. This can help your body battle the cold virus.
Up Your Vitamin C
Vitamin C is well-known for fighting infections. Therefore, it can help reduce the duration of the cold. To increase your vitamin C intake, eat plenty of citrus fruits, berries, broccoli and papayas. They can keep you protected.
Stock Up Zinc
Zinc, especially lozenges, can help deal with cold faster than you can imagine. Try to incorporate zinc-rich food into your daily diet. These include spinach, pumpkin seeds, cocoa and beef. You can also consider a supplement quality like Zinc Citrate. However, be cautious of the dosage. Experts recommend taking less than 80 milligrams a day. Too much zinc comes with some side effects.
Honey
Consider using honey if you have trouble getting quality sleep to beat the cold. Honey is one of the best home remedies for preventing cold signs. One spoonful of honey before bed can help you sleep better. It can also reduce nightmare coughing.
Drink Warm Liquids
Drinking is great. But drinking warm fluids can make you comfortable when experiencing a bad cold. Hot drinks can relieve your cough by soothing the inflamed membrane lining your nose. Drinks can also keep you lubricated, so they can help reduce the feeling of dryness in your nose. Avoid hot caffeine, as this can leave you dehydrated. Caffeine can also alter the sleep and rest that you need for recovery.
Support Your Immune System
Eat foods that support your immune system. The strong the immune system, the less you are vulnerable to a bad cold. High-strength immune foods include olive leaf, oregano, ginger and more. Even better, most of these immune support foods are antioxidants. That means they can support your immune system without damaging your body cells.
Drink a Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is good for the soul. But did you know it is an excellent remedy for a bad cold? Chicken noodle soup helps with hydration. It can help soothe a sore throat. The warm fluid also contains amino acids called cysteine, which helps to reduce mucus and ease congestion.
Use Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is another remedy used to reduce cold. The syrup is best known for combating colds in people with flu-like symptoms. Take two teaspoons of the syrup thrice a day to reduce the duration of the cold.
Over The Counter Medicines
Got free prescription discount cards? Head to your local pharmacy and get yourself some cold medicines. There are plenty of over-the-counter medications available out there. Drugs like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and antihistamines can help deal with cold symptoms. But ensure you follow instructions for weight and age. Additionally, consult your physician before taking any OTC medicine if you have any other underlying health condition.
Drink Beetroot Juice
Beetroot juice is rich in dietary nitrate. It can accelerate the production of nitric oxide, which helps to protect your body against respiratory infection. Taking beetroot juice during psychological stress can help reduce cold symptoms. This is especially true among those who have asthma. For optimal performance, drink one cup a day.
Step Out
Vitamin D is essential when dealing with a bad cold. During colder months, many people become deficient in vitamin D. Ensure to expose yourself to the sun’s UV rays by going outside-even if it is chilly. Or, opt for vitamin D3 supplements. They can help boost your immune system. Also, take 15-20 minutes to stroll around your building. This can help increase your energy and reduce cold symptoms. Taking a walk can stimulate deep breaths, which opens nasal passages.
Although there is no cure for a bad cold, the above ways can help you get rid of cold. They can alleviate the cold symptoms and help you return to your daily activities soon.
