6 Surefire Ways to Fight Cold & Flu Symptoms

Sniffles, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, pesky cough, fatigue, and general congestion, are all symptoms of the commonly known ailment better known as a “cold.”  The common cold is a virus that comes by way of many strains. Although there’s is no specific cure for the virus, there are several proven ways to ditch those bothersome symptoms.  Here are some of the expert tips that that are sure to send a cold on its merry way!  They’re also great for fighting  flu symptoms.  *It is highly recommended that you consult with a physician, if you suspect you have the flu.

Rest

“Sleep is necessary for us to function at our best, and if we do not get adequate quantity and quality of sleep, our performance and our functioning is not going to be satisfactory.” says, Dr. William Kohler, medical director of the Florida Sleep Institute. Sleep offers an essential boost to your immune system. Hence, the more we sleep we get when we’re under the weather, the better off we’ll be. More sleep provides more energy for your bodies immune system which also improves recovery time.

Exercise

According to Richard Martin, M.D., family medicine physician at Geisinger Health System, Most cold viruses can survive only in temps around 98.6.  Fevers have been identified as a body’s natural way of eliminating a virus. Research supports that it’s best to exercise before cold symptoms have piked. However, if congestion is significantly impairing your breathing or causing you to feel feverish, it’s best to avoid it due to the fact that a higher temperature might indicate something more serious, such as the flu.

Probiotics

Taking probiotics daily has proven to be effective in regulating your immune system’s inflammatory response and reducing symptoms like wheezing.  A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found probiotics – the Bifidobacterium bifidum strain, may be an effective way to combat a cold.

Suck on Zinc 

By taking at least 80 milligrams of zinc as soon as symptoms strike and continuing until symptoms dissipate, can shorten symptoms by three days, according to documented research in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Try sucking zinc lozenges and watch them work!

Tumeric

This popular spice contains curcumin which is an anti-inflammatory chemical that helps prevent cold infection from worsening. Tumeric tea is a great way to stop a cold in its tracks.

Saline Spray

Try using a saline nasal rinse three times a day.  Saline spray will flush out the cold virus that is making you ill. In recent studies, viral levels dropped more quickly than expected in volunteers treated with oxymetazoline nasal sprays, reported on WebMD by Birgit Winther, MD., PhD, of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

Here are some home brews that can soothe symptoms too! Pop one in your handy coffee maker and send those cold symptoms on their way.

Traditional Medicinals Echinacea Plus Tea/ $10 for 10 cups

Nature’s Jeannie Gargle Way / $13 for 8 cups

CVS Health Day & Night Combo Cold Flu / $8 for 8 cups

Lono Life Chicken Bone Broth/ $10 for 10 cups

We hope you find these tips to be helpful. Make sure to watch the video above from Dr. Axe for more great options!

Updated article published on: February 5, 2018

Do you have a great cold solution? What helps you feel better when you have a cold? Please share below.