The common cold which typically includes a sore throat, a runny nose, coughing, sneezing and a general depletion of energy is a viral problem that can be associated with more than a hundred different viruses. Most adults get colds about two to four times a year, while in children, that number can be easily doubled.
Colds are quite contagious and we can get them easily from being in places where other people have them. You can pick them up by making contact with a contaminated surface that an infected person has coughed on and you can also get them from the air when people cough or sneeze. Being that the most transmutable stage is often slightly before the worst of the symptoms set in, it is often hard to tell who might be infected with the common cold.
It is difficult to avoid contact with the cold virus altogether, but there is a good chance that simply by taking a few measures, you can prevent getting infected, or if you do get infected, you can make sure that it is not something that will linger on for very long. Many people know a few methods for taking care of a cold, but you'll find that there are many things that you can do to make sure that your cold is taken care of fast.
First, you'll find that too much stress is often a signal that you'll end up getting sick. Stress will compromise your immune system, so take some steps to make sure that you can relax, whether that means taking the time to take a walk or to simply stopping to read a good book. You will soon be adding cold symptoms to the things that you need to worry about if you find that you are constantly keyed up and aggravated!
Be careful of high-risk areas and objects; be very careful with money, pens, pencils and work stations. Be careful when you are in public places because the cold virus is often transferred by touch. Also, remember to make sure that you never put your hands to your nose or your mouth before you wash them off; this can be an extremely important cold prevention tip.
Make sure when you feel a cold coming on to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water and take Vitamin C. As you can see, there are many things that you can do to lessen the grip a cold has on you, so take action today!
Cure To The Common Cold
Did you know there are 200 respiratory viruses? That's a lot of virus! With all the viruses floating out there, what can we do to ward off, or at least minimize, the effects of the common cold?
How can I avoid or minimize the common cold?
The best way to beat the cold is to wash your hands frequently and use disinfectants on surfaces such as doorknobs, drawer pulls, telephones, and counter tops. Giving yourself an immune system boost by following a nutrient filled diet can also greatly enhance your
body's ability to attack the cold, thus minimizing the effects of the cold or avoiding it all together.
What kinds of foods should I eat?
Including fruits and vegetables in abundance will help to improve your immune system and its ability to attack invading viruses. Take a look at the list below and try to include as much of these options as possible.
Fruits and Vegetables Rich in Vitamin C & E: These will help keep the immune system strong. Try citrus fruits, strawberries, red peppers, and broccoli. To get a good amount of vitamin E, try sprinkling wheat germ on your cereal, salad, or yogurt.
Fruits and Vegetables Rich in Beta-Carotene: Try dark leafy vegetables like spinach and bright orange fruits and veggies such as sweet potatoes and cantaloupe.
Water: In a dry environment, germs multiply. Make sure to drink at least eight - 8 oz. of water a day to hydrate your body and make it hostile to invading viruses.
OK - So I have a cold. What should I eat?
Below is a list of some food items you can add to your diet to help you get through a cold as painlessly as possible.
Chicken Soup: Research suggests that chicken soup contains compounds that reduce respiratory inflammation, as well as providing hydration for the body. Who knew that the soup our mother gave us as a child actually does a lot to heal the common cold!
Herbs: Echinacea, which boosts the immune system, Goldenseal, and Sage are all fantastic herbs to use when battling a cold.
Zinc: Taking zinc lozenges can help to cut a fever, cough, and mucus build-up especially when taken at the first sign of a cold. The downside is that they taste awful!
Vitamin C Supplements: The daily value for vitamin C is 60mg. Those who recommend mega dosing vitamin C when a cold arises suggest 1000 mg.
Now before you decide to prescribe different supplements for your symptoms, always check with your doctor first. They will be able to give you a thorough check up and recommend certain remedies that are special to your needs.
So, the next time you get a cold or feel one coming on, practice the above dietary recommendations and minimize the effects of the common cold.
Both Scott Becker & Colleen Palat are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Scott Becker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Common Cold and Health. Scott Becker is an expert author mostly writing on sports health and nutrition.His expertise however does not come the usual way, it comes from his own experiences and out of need to conquer his own challenges. If you found this article helpful, you can. Scott Becker's top article generates over 33100 views. Bookmark Scott Becker to your Favourites.
Colleen Palat has sinced written about articles on various topics from Brain, Common Cold and Dieting. Colleen is a health and fitness enthusiast who loves to pass on the latest information on health and wellness. Sign up for your free e-newsletter filled with cutting-edge information on health, nutrition, weight loss, and fitness. For your free e-newslett. Colleen Palat's top article generates over 2900 views. Bookmark Colleen Palat to your Favourites.
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