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Rain, rain and more rain. During these times, one of the most common disease each and every human being experience is the common cold. And although, the science of medicine have tremendously achieve large feats on fighting deadly illnesses, still the cold virus doesn’t have a cure.
All we see at medicine counters such as nasal decongestants, flu medicine and cold rubs are just symptoms relief. So, why bother shelling out money if it doesn’t kill the “culprit” anyway?
In the US alone, statistics show that Americans spend US$40 billion in cold medicines alone. WOW! that’s as much as the Philippine’s annual budget! But, did you know that there are cheaper and natural way to fight this virus?
Don’t Spend another peso/dime on that cold tablet anymore, We compiled tips on how you can prevent and fight the common cold virus.
Tip #1. Get Enough Rest – 8-10 hours of sleep/day is what most health experts recommend to individuals. It helps a lot especially on treating cold, flu and other illnesses. It is during these serene hours your body recuperate and repair damage cells. Additional tip: Put extra pillow under your head while having a cold. This will help with the drainage of your nasal passages.
Tip #2. Water intake – drink a lot of water everyday (8-10 glasses) because your body needs it to process steps on your immune system
Tip #3. Food intake – try to eat easy to digest food like banana and other citrus fruits like oranges or dalanghita (Mandarin orange) these contain vit. C which help boost your immune system to fight cold virus. Avoid eating chocolate and similar food containing lots of sugar. A study shows that consuming a lot of sugar will temporarily suspends production of white blood cells – the one responsible fighting diseases your body.
Tip #4. Fluid intake – if you are too fed up drinking lots and lots of nawasa (chlorinated) water everyday, you can substitute herbal tea or citrus juice extracts from lemon or kalamansi (Chinese/Panama orange). You can add natural honey to add flavor and other minerals instead of just plain sugar (Remember Tip #3). Additional Tip: Try taking it hot, this relieves nasal congestation.
Tip #5. Chicken soup for the soul – our grandmas use to make chicken soups when we were youngsters while having a flu/cold. It doesn’t “get rid” of the cold/flu but it’s easy to digest. This is also a good food alternative because most of the times you loose the “taste” for food when having a cold.
Tip #6. Vitamin intake – increase intake of Vitamin C (I personally take (2) 500mg tablets everyday even without cold/flu). It boosts your immune system and help repair damaged cells. Over the counter multi-vitamins are good source of everyday vitamins aside from food and vegetables.
Tip #7. Blow your nose – the right way – it’s important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling the mucus back into your head (just like when you were young… yummy!). Seriously, this is important because when you blow hard, pressure can cause an earache.
The best way to blow your nose: Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other. Wash your hands with soap and water or apply alcohol after blowing your nose.
Tip #8. Gargle – this applies when you suffer a sore throat along with a cold (the 2 usually torments you side by side). Instead of buying expensive (and not effective) strepsils candy, try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times daily. To reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle to tighten the membranes. Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring you relief.
Tip #9. Take a steamy shower – I haven’t tried this one but it said that steamy showers moisturizes your nasal passages and relax you. Try to sit on a chair if you’re feeling dizzy.
Tip #10. Apply Hot or Cold Packs around your sinuses – it is very common to have sinusitis while having a cold/flu because of congestion. Either temperature is good and will make you feel more comfortable.
That’s it! So don’t worry rushing to your nearest drugstore when having another “bad” nose day. It is better to stick with natural ways. They are safer and more practical.
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[...] Cheap tips to treat the common cold | LifeBytes [...]
A medication is a licenced drug taken to cure or reduce symptoms of an illness or medical condition. Medications are generally divided into two groups -over the counter medications, which are available in pharmacies and supermarkets without special restrictions, and Prescription only medications, which must be prescribed by a physician. Most medication is generally considered to be safe enough that most persons will not hurt themselves accidentally by taking it as instructed. Many countries, such as the UK have a third category of pharmacy medications which can only be sold in registered pharmacies, by or under the supervision of a pharmacist. However, the precise distinction between and prescription depends on the legal jurisdiction. Medications are typically produced by pharmaceutical companies and are often patented.