There are many home remedies that can be used to treat colds and flu. You can use vitamin C, chicken soup, and Vicks VapoRub, as well as gargling with salt water. These remedies may not work for you. Try the suggestions below. They might work for your situation! Be sure they're effective. Here are some suggestions:
Chicken soup
Chicken soup is a home remedy for the flu and cold. Carnosine is a compound found in chicken soup that helps reduce inflammation and stop the migration of white cells. Chicken soup's beneficial effects last a long time. It can prevent you from getting the flu or cold. It is often forgotten about the many benefits of chicken soup for flu and colds.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a common home remedy for flu and cold symptoms. However, there are many things you can do to ease your child's symptoms at home without resorting to prescription drugs. A World Health Organization survey found that 64% of people believe antibiotics can be used to treat viral infections. It's false. Antibiotics can only be used to fight bacteria so they are not recommended for viral infections.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supplements may help to prevent symptoms of the flu and cold, but they cannot be used as a treatment. Many studies show that vitamin C supplements can reduce flu symptoms by upto a day-and-a-half. Other natural supplements, like zinc and garlic, also have similar effects. Below are links to more information on home remedies. You should also consult your physician if symptoms persist.
Gargling with saltwater
Salt water can be used to soothe sore throats. Saltwater draws out excess fluid from your throat tissues, helping to ease discomfort and speed up the healing process. Salt water is preferred over tap water due to the presence of chlorine which can weaken the immune system. However, gargling can be a great way to ease a sore neck.
Drinking lots of fluids
Drinking lots is one of the best strategies to improve your overall health when you're sick. Fluids can help to loosen mucus from your nose and reduce congestion. When your body is well hydrated, it will be more effective in fighting off the cold virus. But, how do we know which fluids are best for our bodies? Here are some guidelines.
Zinc nasal spray
Research has shown that zinc can help reduce the severity of colds as well as prevent them from developing. Zinc is an important mineral for the immune function. It plays a vital role in tissue repair and protects against infection. Zinc can help reduce the severity of colds by preventing cold viruses from growing on the nose lining. Experts disagree with the effectiveness of the nasal spray containing zinc, which may decrease the severity of colds.
FAQ
Is it possible to have a weak immune system due to being cold?
There are two types of people in the world: those who love winter and those that hate it. You may wonder why you feel so bad when it's cold, regardless of whether you love it or hate it.
The reason is simple: Our bodies are made to function well in warm temperatures. We evolved to thrive in hot environments because of the abundance of food resources.
Now, however, we live in a completely different environment to how our ancestors lived. We spend a lot more time indoors, and are often exposed at extreme temperatures (cold and hot), and we eat processed foods over fresh.
As a result, our bodies aren't used to such extremes anymore. It means that when we do go outdoors, we are often tired, sluggish or even sick.
There are many ways to avoid these side effects. Keep your body hydrated. You can help flush toxins out of your body by drinking plenty of water.
Also, ensure you eat healthy food. Consuming healthy food helps maintain your body's optimal temperature. This is especially helpful for people who spend a lot of time indoors.
You can also meditate for a few minutes every day. Meditation is a great way to relax your body and mind. It makes it easier for you to cope with stress and illness.
Which lifestyle is best for your health?
You can live a healthier lifestyle if you eat healthy food and exercise regularly. You will live a long and happy life if you adhere to these guidelines.
You can start by making small changes in your diet and exercise routine. Try walking for 30 minutes each day to lose weight. If you're looking for a way to increase your activity, consider taking up swimming or dancing. You could also join an online fitness program like Fitbit or Strava that tracks your activity levels.
Exercise: Good for immunity or not?
Exercise is good exercise for your immune system. When you exercise, your body produces white blood cells which fight off infections. You can also eliminate toxins from the body. Exercise can prevent diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Exercise can help reduce stress.
However, overtraining can damage your immune system. Your muscles can become sore if you exercise too much. This causes inflammation, swelling, and can even lead to death. Your body will then produce more antibodies in order to fight infections. The problem is that these extra antibodies can cause allergies and autoimmune disorders.
So, don't overdo it!
How to measure bodyfat?
A Body Fat Analyzer (BFA) is the best method to measure bodyfat. These devices are used to determine the percentage of bodyfat in people who desire to lose weight.
What should I eat?
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. They contain vitamins and minerals which help keep your immune system strong. Vegetables and fruits are high in fiber which helps to digest and fill you up. Include at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day.
Make sure you drink plenty of water too. Water flushes out toxins and helps you feel full between meals. Drink about eight glasses each day.
Choose whole grains over refined grains. Whole grains are rich in nutrients such as iron, zinc and magnesium. Refined grains are stripped of some of their nutritional value.
Avoid sugary drinks. Sugary drinks are high in empty calories and can lead to obesity. Instead, choose water, milk, and unsweetened tea.
Avoid fast food. Fast food lacks nutritional value. It may taste great but it won't give you the energy you need to function properly. Use healthier options, such as soups, sandwiches, salads, and pasta.
Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol can lead to poor nutrition and empty calories. Limit the number of alcoholic beverages you consume per week to no more that two.
Try to cut down on red meat. Red meats are high-in saturated fat and cholesterol. You should choose lean cuts like beef, pork lamb, chicken and fish instead.
Is being cold good for your immune system.
Being cold gives you a weaker immune system because when you are cold, your body produces less white blood cells which fight infections. However, being cold also makes you feel better because your body releases endorphins into your brain which reduce pain.
Statistics
- WHO recommends consuming less than 5% of total energy intake for additional health benefits. (who.int)
- According to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy and whole grains is needed for optimal energy. (mayoclinichealthsystem.org)
- This article received 11 testimonials and 86% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. (wikihow.com)
- Extra virgin olive oil may benefit heart health, as people who consume it have a lower risk for dying from heart attacks and strokes according to some evidence (57Trusted Source (healthline.com)
External Links
How To
Here are 10 tips to live a healthy lifestyle
How to keep a healthy lifestyle
We live in a fast world where we don't get enough sleep, eat too much, drink too much alcohol and smoke cigarettes. We don't pay enough attention to our bodies' health.
If you are working full time, it can be difficult to keep a healthy diet and exercise regimen. It is even more difficult if you feel stressed. Then, your mind tells yourself that it cannot handle this situation any more so we feel guilty about it and give up.
You may feel that something is not right with your body. Seek out a doctor to discuss your current health condition. If nothing is abnormal, it might be stress due to your job.
Some people think they are lucky because their jobs enable them to regularly go to the gym or have good friends who encourage them to stay fit. Those people are lucky. These people don't have any difficulties. They managed everything. I wish all people could do the same. Many of us aren't able to find the right balance between our personal and professional lives. Many people end up with bad habits which eventually lead to diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and many others.
These are some tips to help you improve your life.
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Get enough sleep, minimum 7 hours, maximum 8 hours. This includes proper sleeping positions and avoiding caffeine during the last hour before going to bed. Caffeine blocks melatonin hormones which makes it difficult to fall asleep. Also, ensure your bedroom is darkened and clean. Blackout curtains are a must, especially if you work late at nights.
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Take a balanced breakfast. Avoid sugary foods, fried foods, processed foods, and white breads. For lunch, try to include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It is recommended that afternoon snacks be high in fiber and protein, such as nuts and seeds, beans, fish, and dairy products. Avoid snacking on unhealthy foods like chips, candy, cookies, cakes, and sodas.
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Get plenty of water. Most people don't drink enough. Water helps us to burn more calories, keeps our skin looking young and supple, flushes toxins from our system and improves digestion. You will lose weight faster if you drink six glasses of liquid daily. Your urine color is the best way to determine your hydration levels. Dehydrated is yellow, orange dehydrated slightly; normal pink urine; overhydrated red urine; and clear urine indicates highly-hydrated.
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Exercise - It has been proven that regular physical activity can improve energy levels and reduce depression. Walking is a simple exercise that can improve your mood. Although walking may seem simple, it is not easy. It requires concentration and effort. Your brain needs to keep your eyes on the road and focus on breathing slow and deep. A 30 minute walk at a moderate pace for about 100 calories can burn between 100-150 calories. Slowly build up and start slow. To avoid injuries, stretch after exercising.
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Positive thinking is crucial for mental health. Positive thinking creates a positive environment within ourselves. Negative thoughts can cause anxiety and drain our energy. Focus on what you want and do the things that will keep you motivated. You don't have to take on all of the new tasks at once. Break them down into smaller tasks. Remember that you are bound to fail sometimes but just pick yourself up and start again.
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It is important to learn how to say no. We are often so busy, that we don't realize how much time we spend on unimportant tasks. It is important to learn to say No when you need to. It is not rude to say 'no'. You are simply saying "no" to something. You will always find a way to complete the task later. You should set limits. Ask for help. Delegate the work to someone else.
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Take care of your body - Keep track of your diet. A healthier diet will help boost your metabolism, and you can lose extra weight. Avoid eating anything heavy or oily as they can raise cholesterol levels. A good tip is to have three meals and two snacks daily. Aim to consume 2000-2500 calories each day.
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Meditate - Meditation can reduce stress and anxiety. Sitting still with closed eyes allows your mind to relax. This exercise will allow you to have clarity of thought which can be very useful in making decisions. Meditation regularly can make you happier and more calm.
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Breakfast is the most important meal in the day. Skipping breakfast could cause you to eat too much during lunchtime. You don't have to wait until noon to enjoy a healthy breakfast. A healthy breakfast can boost your energy levels and help you control your hunger.
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Make sure you eat clean food. Food has a greater impact on your mood than you realize. Avoid junk food and food that contains artificial ingredients or preservatives. These products keep your body acidic and trigger cravings. Vegetables and fruits are high in vitamins and minerals, which can lead to better overall health.