We'd all like to hear "take this product to cure a cold," but unfortunately the pharmaceutical industry just isn't there yet. However, there are a number of things you can do to take care of your family and treat the symptoms of your cold without having a cold cure.
1. Get rest. Believe it or not, having enough sleep and allowing your body to mend from bed is one of the best things you can do when a cold strikes.
2. Drink fluids, especially water and hot fluids. Yes, mom was right when she made you drink chicken soup and now you're the mom so make your kids drink it. Hot fluids can clear nasal passages, relieve a sore throat, and ease a cough.
3. Let nature work. In other words, don't sniff your mucus back in, and do let yourself cough! These are your body's way of getting rid of the cold.
4. Gargle with salt water. If your throat is sore, a good saltwater gargle can ease the pain. Warm it up a bit and you may even get a decongestant effect.
5. Eat a healthy diet. While the immune system is battling the common cold, it's important to give it the nutrients it needs. Fast food and overly processed foods do not provide the vitamins and minerals that fruit, vegetables, and whole grain foods offer.
6. Take vitamins. Remember that vitamin C is especially effective for strengthening the immune system. Also, zinc, selenium, and vitamin A are good for bringing you back from a cold and keeping colds away after.
7. Take an OTC cold symptom treatment. When you just can't stand it anymore, try using a syrup for relieving cold symptoms. Most
cold and flu syrups will help with congestion, fevers, and sore throats, as well as drying up the runny nose. Beware though, these do not CURE a cold, just relieve the symptoms.
8. Take an immune boosting supplement. There are many supplements on the market that contain herbal, fruit, and lab-created ingredients that are designed to boost your immune system.
9. Eliminate stress. I know this is hard to do as a mother, but it is VITAL. Stress weakens your immune system, and will make your cold last longer. Take a day off or go easy on yourself, or your common cold may last uncommonly long.
10. Exercise. Studies show that regular exercise can cause your body to produce 50 to 300 percent more immune cells. Don't overdo it, but exercise can definitely help.
Practice these great and natural ways to avoid catching a cold because goodness knows mothers don't get to call in sick!
