Did you know that the most common illness the world over is the common cold? It is true. The average adult will catch the common cold two times each year. Kids under the age of 10 can catch it as many as 10 times a year, particularly if they are at an age where they are attending school with other children. You know how things get passed around when you are a kid!
The common cold, of course, has a sophisticated medical name. It is acute viral nasopharyngitis. Common cold seems so much easier, but doctors will be doctors. As you might tell from the name, the common cold is actually a virus. In practical terms, it is a viral infection of the upper respiratory system that causes inflammation and such. When your upper respiratory system is inflamed, your air intake and exhale functions are impacted. This is why you cough, sneeze, hack, get sore throats and generally wish you were dead. The common cold typically lasts from three days to a couple of weeks if you are really unlucky.
It is important to understand that the common cold is not influenza. This is a common mistake made by people, often to their detriment. Influenza is a much more serious viral infection. It presents much like a common cold, but you will also suffer from body aches, rapid increases in body temperatures and severe chills. If you are unfortunate enough to catch influenza, you should get medical treatment to help you get through it safely.
So, how do you catch the common cold? Well, it is not a pretty situation. The virus is spread from person to person through the biological material emitted from an infected person when they sneeze or cough. Now, isn't that a nice way to say it? Every time you sneeze or cough, you emit a viral fog that other people inhale. When they do, the virus is introduced to them. This transportation system explains why everyone in the office or class catches the common cold. Unless you are willing to wear air filtration masks, there isn't much you can do about it.
While the common cold may be the most common illness on the planet, it is rarely anything more than an inconvenience. Simply put, it does not kill you. The only exception to this is if you have a problem with your immune system or pneumonia. If this is the case, you should immediately consult with a doctor.
Did you ever wonder why you're always getting a cold or the flu but your friend never gets one? Well the answer may be in the foods you're eating. It's no secret that the foods that you put into your body have a direct impact on your overall health and your immune system. If you're not feeding your immune system the proper nutrients, then you're not giving it the ammunition it needs to fight off colds and flu. Here are some great foods you should eat, not only during cold and flu season but all the time for overall health as well as some things you can do if you feel cold coming on.
Drinking plenty of water is something that you should get in the habit of doing all the time but especially during cold and flu season because if your bodies dehydrated that makes it easier for germs to take hold. Try to make sure that you drink a good healthy water like distilled water as tap water can be filled with chlorine and fluoride - neither of which are good for you to ingest. Bottled water is a good choice, however, it may not be as "clean" as you are led to believe.
If your gastrointestinal tract isn't functioning properly then intestinal bugs and flu will have an easier time of taking up residence. Try to fortify yourself by eating a cup of yogurt that has active cultures or by taking a probiotic to build up the good bacteria in your digestive system.
Garlic is great eat all the time in as many health benefits but I find it is an excellent way to ward off a cold when you first get that initial feeling of a scratchy throat. Garlic produces a chemical called allicin which has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties and you can get the most benefit out of it by eating it raw because once you cook it these properties diminish. What I like to do is crush up a clove of garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes ( letting it sit is important as this will give the allicin time to activate and you can eat it when it's at it's most powerful), then I make some toast out of my favorite whole wheat bread spread some butter and the crushed garlic and eat up! Usually if I do this right at the very beginning of the cold I'll wake up the next day feeling fine.
Oranges or another potent weapon that you can use to fight colds with due to the high content of vitamin C. Eating just one orange day can give you the entire recommended daily amount of this important vitamin. in addition to these vitamins, or ranges contain flavinoids which help keep your cells strong and healthy and also help out in the regeneration process. It's a good idea to buy a juicer, and then juiced up a few oranges during the day if you feel cold coming on. Of course, organic oranges are best.
Of course, the best way to ward off colds and flu is to keep your body healthy by eating a well-balanced diet that is packed with fresh fruits and vegetable as well as lean meats and whole grains. Not only will this help ward off colds but it can also help your body fight against more serious diseases and give you the energy you need to feel great all day every day.
Both John Grimes & Lee Dobbins 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.
John Grimes has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Common Cold and Types of Cancer. John Grimes is with AllTerrainco.com - makers of a wide variety of natural remedies.. John Grimes's top article generates over 5400 views. Bookmark John Grimes to your Favourites.
Lee Dobbins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Diamonds and Install Flooring. Lee Dobbins writes for Natural Health Buzz where you can learn more about goo. Lee Dobbins's top article generates over 246000 views. Bookmark Lee Dobbins to your Favourites.