Everyone comes down with the cold or flu every once in a while.
Sore throat, stuffed or runny nose, fatigue, and body aches – we’ve all been there and know what catching a cold is like.
Unfortunately, as you may already know, there’s no way to get rid of the cold immediately. Your body takes its time to fight the cold and recover.
However, did you know that you can take measures to feel better and speed up the recovery process?
Scroll down to learn how to fight a cold and guarantee a speedy recovery!
1. Take It Easy
One of the biggest mistakes that most people make when they catch a cold is that they don’t take the time to rest.
It is important to understand that your body needs lots of energy to battle a cold and recover fully.
When you don’t get enough rest, the energy levels in the body deplete, making it hard for it to fight a cold.
So, even if curling on the couch in front of the TV or going out for a cup of coffee seems tempting, it is best to stay in bed and rest as much as you can.
Also, make sure that you don’t skimp on sleep as sleep deprivation can affect your immune system, hindering a speedy recovery.
Therefore, if you have caught a cold, it’s time to lay back and relax. Go to bed on time, conserve your energy, and give your body the time to recover.
2. Stay Hydrated
Catching a cold can affect your appetite. Most people don’t feel like eating or drinking when they are down with a cold.
However, as we discussed above, your body needs energy to fight off the cold, which is why it is essential that you not only eat healthy foods but also stay hydrated.
Drink up a lot of water, juices, and clear broth. It will prevent dehydration and will also help relieve congestion.
You can also add a spoonful of honey and a few drops of lemon juice in warm water for added benefits and speedy recovery.
Make sure you steer clear of tea, coffee, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks as such beverages can lead to dehydration.
It is also advisable to avoid chilled beverages as that can irritate the throat and cause inflammation.
3. Soothe Your Throat
Cough and a scratchy throat are two of the most common symptoms of a cold.
A sore throat is not only annoying but, with constant coughing, it can also get painful and cause difficulty in consuming foods and drinks.
Therefore, one of the best ways to feel better when you have caught a cold is to reduce inflammation in the throat to soothe it.
Here are a few ways that you can try to soothe your sore and throbbing throat.
Gargle With Salt Water
This is a tried and tested way to reduce swelling in the throat, diminish pain and throbbing, and loosen mucus to clear nasal airways and eliminate any difficulty in breathing.
All you need to do is prepare a saline solution and gargle with it. You can prepare the solution at home by adding about a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water.
Use a spoon to mix the solution until the salt dissolves completely. Now, gargle with this solution to immediately soothe your throat.
For effective results, gargle multiple times a day with salt
Have A Spoon Of Honey
Having a spoonful of sweet and delicious honey is another way of soothing a sore throat since honey is an effective cough suppressant.
It is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. So, if you are trying to relive cough, honey is your best bet.
It is also believed that owing to its viscous nature, honey coats the throat to cause a soothing effect and relieve the scratchy feeling in the throat.
You can eat a spoonful of honey or mix it in a glass of water.
Enjoy Hot Beverages
You can soothe your throat by enjoying a hot beverage of your choice. However, it is important to avoid caffeinated drinks.
Sipping on hot beverages will not only make your throat feel better, but it will also reduce fatigue.
Some of the best options to try when you have caught a cold include non-caffeinated herbal tea, hot soup or broth, and warm lemon and honey water.
4. Try Over-the-Counter Medicines
If you are still wondering how to fight a cold, you can opt for over-the-counter medicines to relieve the symptoms of a cold.
Cold medications are easily available in the market. Here’s a quick guideline to pick the right medicines for treating your cold symptoms.
- Pain relievers: Opt for over-the-counter pain relievers for eliminating headaches and body aches. These medicines can also be used for fever. However, make sure you don’t take it in high dosage. It is best to ask the pharmacist regarding the dosage.
- Decongestants: Decongestants are used for fighting stuffiness. They work by shrinking the blood vessels in the nose to clear airways and make it easier for you to breathe. These medicines come as spray or tablets. You can choose whatever works better for you. However, it is advisable to limit the use of decongestants to not more than three times a day.
- Lozenges: Lozenges works well for treating a sore throat. They contain various herbs that reduce inflammation in the throat and soothe the stinging.
- Antihistamines: These medicines are used to dry up a runny nose. It works by blocking the chemicals in the body that cause you to sneeze. As a result, you will notice a visible difference in sneezing and sniffing.
It is best to consult your doctor before starting on any medicine, especially if you have an underlying medical condition.
Also, make sure you use them as directed by the doctor or the manufacturer.
Now that you know how to fight a cold, don’t let it ruin your day. Follow these tips today to feel better in no time!
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