It may not be cold or flu weather just yet but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch one. Colds are a virus just like any other and they can be present at any time of year. If you’ve caught yourself a common cold then here’s the best remedies to cure it fast.
Take the day off
We know you think you can push through the symptoms but that won’t help them disappear fast. If the thought of getting out of bed has you curling deeper into the covers, ask yourself if it’s worth the effort? You’ll be less productive at work anyway and the only sure-fire cold cure is giving your body time to rest and recuperate. A TV binge session on the living room sofa is much more your pace today.
Spice up your diet with some cold fighting cures
Rosa Ghidella, Director of Haberfield Health, knows the secret herbs, spices and flavours that will put you back on the healthy track.
“At the first sign of a cold, it's important to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and nourish your body with warming foods such as bone broth and hearty soups. Add herbs such as ginger, garlic, black pepper and cinnamon to your cooking. Eliminate sugars and processed foods as these offer no nutrients but further tax your body.
Drink a hot tea made with grated ginger, lemon juice and manuka honey throughout the day.
If you're prone to regular colds, chances are your immune system may be weakened. A naturopath can provide an immune-boosting herbal remedy to ensure you stay well throughout winter. Don’t wait until winter to see a naturopath.”
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Chicken soup actually works
It’s the perfect combination of liquid and healthy calories that keeps your body hydrated and full of energy so it can recover. Studies have shown chicken soup can reduce inflammation in your body which will help relieve those aches and stuffy breathing.
Lulu Cook is a holistic health coach who swears by a combination of rest, broths and vitamins to fight off the first signs of a cold.
“When you have a cold, the only thing you may be interested in is taking a nap ~ so go ahead! Give yourself permission to simply rest, which is the first thing your body needs in order to rebound to full health.
Other simple steps to support healing are to include plenty of fluids, such as tea or chicken broth – yes, that time-worn remedy really does work. Include plenty of vegetables in that soup for vitamin C and antioxidants to help fight off infection. Finally, increase zinc from seafood, eggs, and whole grains – or simply from a tablet – at the first sign of the sniffles, and you’ll cut the duration of symptoms by a day or so.”
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Warm your body with a shower or bath
Immersing yourself in nice hot water is not yet proven to cure a cold but it’s certainly a relaxing way to ease the symptoms. The steam will help with your scratchy throat and congestion while the heat is the perfect remedy for aching muscles. Get your bathroom organised with MyDeal home and garden so it’s ready for your next sick day.
The vitamin you may be missing
While Vitamin C is still the top choice when it comes to cold-busting vitamins, University Qualified Nutritionist Tori Blake knows a few others that will work wonders.
“While we commonly think of Vitamin C (found in colourful fruit and veg, such as citrus fruit) as the main nutrient to combat the common cold, other vitamins and minerals aren’t often given the credit they deserve. One of these nutrients is zinc, a trace mineral with a countless number of important roles in the body. Zinc not only supports our immune system in functioning properly, but it aids in wound healing, making it an important nutrient to include in our diet. Research suggests that zinc not only helps prevent colds by keeping our immunity strong, but intake of the nutrient may reduce the duration of a cold. If you feel like you’re coming down with something nasty, focus on increasing your intake of these zinc-rich foods: oysters, mussels, pumpkin seeds, good quality red meat (try kangaroo!), plus beans & legumes.”
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The advice may feel boring but it’s tried and true. A good mix of rest, hearty food and vitamins is all it takes to blast a cold virus out of your life.
