10 simple and easy ways to help cure your Cold

There are simple and effective ways to cure cold, the most popular virus infection disease. Most people get the cold virus 2 to 4 times a year. Children are even more prone candidates to cold, since statistics show that children fall «victims» of virus infection at least 6 to 10 times a year. Cold is also the most common reason for visiting the doctor. The common cold usually lasts for one week, although it may be extended for up to 2 weeks, it can be cured without treatment. If you notice that your cold lasts more than two weeks, then it is something serious and you should visit your doctor. The cold virus comes in about 200 different forms. We can get the cold through breathing, handshaking, kissing or touching. Contrary to what most people think, we do not get the cold because of climate changes, or from poor nutrition or exercise. [See also "30 Medical Myth Busters you must know"]. Statistics also show that people who are suffering from asthma or allergies are more likely to be infected by the cold virus. Stress is also one of the reasons we get the cold. There are things we can do and measures to take in order to cure cold. This article gives an overview of 10 simple actions for a fast treatment from cold. The most common symptoms of cold are: Runny or Blocked nose Cough Sneezing Sore throat Fatigue Diminished sense of taste and smell Congestion Watery eyes Low Fever For more information on this, please click on: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cold-common/Pages/Introduction.aspx http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cold-common/pages/symptoms.aspx Cold prevention techniques To reduce the chances of getting the cold virus you can follow these simple rules: - Wash your hands regularly - and always before meals or before touching your eyes and your mouth. - Disinfect surfaces that can keep germs such as handrails and pomola. - Try to avoid people that have the cold virus - Avoid being indoor with a lot of people, especially during the periods where virus diseases are on the rise. 10 Ways to help cure your cold 1. Drink liquids often As a first cure from cold try to drink a lot of water, juices and drinks (e.g. Tea and herbs in general). Liquids prevent the drying of our throat and nose, they help the mucous membranes glands to remain open and so it is easier to clean. Liquids are also very valuable when you have fever. In this case there is increased risk of loss of liquids with dehydration. In addition, the hydration of the body contributes to the removal of toxins produced from dead cells, which increases the agency fighting the virus. 2. Always avoid coffee and alcohol Always avoid drinks containing caffeine and alcohol because those tend to dehydrate our body and this is not what we want whilst we are or have a cold. 3. Water vapour and hot baths Water vapours and hot baths are the most commonly used home cures for a cold. Some people stand in the bathroom with hot running water. And others inhale the vapours over a pot with boiling water. It is believed that the steam can facilitate congestion. The virus is also susceptible to very high temperatures, so it is possible that the steam can kill the virus via the nasal cavities. 4. Hot Soups Many people consider a warm soup as the best cure the cold (I am unconvinced!). The advantages of such a traditional cure comes from the broth, which keeps the body hydrated and it also helps with the vapours. It is therefore likely that any kind of hot broth will bring the same benefits. Research made for the consumption of chicken soup showed that the ingredients of chicken soup can actually reduce the swelling of the nasal cavities and help in the faster cure from common cold. Also chicken soup can give the protein from chicken, a substance necessary for our body to build antibodies to fight viruses. 5. Use a humidifier These devices are a good method to make the air around you more humid. This may help to keep nasal cavities of liquid and thus avoid the blocking of the nose. When using the humidifier make sure you clean them on a regular basis to block the possibility of transferring mould spores in the air. 6. Rest and Sleep is good One of the most important factors in finding a cure from a cold is a good sleep and generally taking it easy and relaxing. You need to rest in order for your body to resist the cold virus better, faster and more efficient. If you have fever you should always stay at home and relax. Most people tend to try and overcome cold with out resting. Experts say that the best advice is to stay at home and relax for at least 2-3 days in a warm environment. Typical temperature should ideally be 24-25 Celsius. 7. Wash out your mouth with salt water It may sound like the advice you got from your mummy but practice has proved that washing your mouth with salt water is one of the cures for sore throat. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and gargle. With practice your sore throat should then improve. 8. Do not ever, ever smoke You should stop smoking for various reasons, as smoking when you have a cold has many disadvantages. As smoking aggravates the cold symptoms. 9. Keep a careful eye on your diet Although it is not proven it is well believed that your diet can help cure your cold, as eating fruits and vegetables that contain Vitamin C can help you overcome your cold faster. Vitamin C strengthens your immune system and so protects your body from viruses and helps the functioning of our white blood cells which are used to fight viruses. Other foods that can help you recover from cold, includes: Garlic, Honey, Peppermint, Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruit, Parsley, Celery, Cauliflower 10. No Exercise Avoid exercise and all sorts of physical activity, for a good 4-5 days in order to give your body a chance to rejuvenate and fight the virus.