Over 1 million Australians catch colds each year and accounts for more school absences and missed work than any other illness. Every year the arrival of winter brings on the cold and flu season. Regularly you see “Flu Shots” and over the counter cold and flu medications over stocked on shelves in obvious locations. However, there are simpler, healthier and much more natural ways to fight the common cold.
Firstly, how do you catch a cold?The most common way in which the cold is spread is through hand-to-hand contact. However, cold viruses can live on the simplest everyday items such as your pen, keyboard, coffee cups and other objects which make it easy to come into contact with these viruses through everyday living.
One important point to remember is that if your immune system is strong and at its peak, it should actually be quite simple to fend off the virus without becoming sick. While, on the other hand, if your immune system is impaired, it is easier for the virus to take over your system. In short, an impaired immune system is mainly why we catch the cold and there are many contributing factors to an impaired immune system including:
• Consuming too much sugar and grains
• Lack of sleep and rest
• Heightened stress
• Vitamin D deficiency
What can you do to recover from a cold quicker naturally? And help prevent one in future?An important factor in preventing an onset of a cold is a strong and healthy immune system which is defined by you and your combined lifestyle habits. There are several primary weapons you should have in your cold fighting collection:
1. Healthy Diet: if you are fighting a cold you want to avoid sugar which includes high sugar fruit juices, soft drinks, artificial sweeteners and grains, junk food and processed foods. These harmful foods are only damaging to your immune system. Focus, instead, on raw fruit and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C, garlic, onions, herbs and spices (turmeric, cinnamon and oregano) and plenty of pure water.
2. Plenty of high quality sleep: your immune system in more operational when you are not sleep-deprived, so pay attention to how you are sleeping, the more revitalized you are the quicker you are likely to recover.
3. Exercise: regular exercise has the ability to increase your resistance to illness by boosting your immune system. Exercise triggers a rise in immune system cells that may ward off potential threats and invaders. If you are feeling ill it is good to keep active, but, there is a limit, over-exercising places more stress on your body which can harm your immune system, which is what you don’t want to do. Tone down your normal exercise routine or take a walk, it’s as simple as that.
4. Manage your emotional stress: stressors can sometimes make your cold symptoms worse, finding ways to reduce daily stress and stressful situations can contribute to a strong immune system.
Supplements and remedies that will have the cold running scared.1. Vitamin C: an important vitamin and antioxidant to maintain a strong and healthy body.
2. Vitamin D: optimal vitamin D levels lower the risk of contracting colds and other respiratory tract infections.
3. Olive Leaf Extract: has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and appears to halt cold infections by actually stopping the viral replication.
4. Herbal Tea: Chamomile, Peppermint, Ginger and Green Tea works wonders.
5. Water, Water and more Water.6. Echinacea and Goldenseal: natural antibiotics that have been discovered to reduce the intensity and duration of the cold.
7. Warm and Steamy Shower: to clear up nasal congestion and relieves coughing by moistening the throat.
8. Oregano Oil: natural and effective broad spectrum antibiotic known to fight off bacteria and viruses and raise your immunity.
9. Fresh Chicken Soup: not only is it delicious, chicken also contains cysteine, a natural amino acid, which helps thin the mucus in your lungs and unclog your nose.
When should you call your Doctor?Bacterial infections such as sinus, ear and lung infections which respond to antibiotics should be paid attention to by your medical professional. Symptoms can include: fever over 102 degrees, pain around your eyes, ear pain, shortness of breath and uncontrollable and consistent coughing.
Generally speaking if you do have a cold, medical attention is not exactly necessary. Quality rest, attention to diet and lifestyle and added benefits of natural vitamins and supplements, as noted above, can lead to a quick recovery and (if you stick to these) can reduce your chances of catching the cold again.