I can't tell you how many people, either in my life or on Facebook, have already been struck down this year with a cold; not just a sneeze, but really ill. So here we go again; what do we do, is there anything?
I have heard like many of you all of the sayings "feed a cold, starve a fever" or is it the other way around? We all really don't know. What about "chicken soup cures a cold" or worse "there isn't a cure for the common cold". Well I know none of the times I have had a bad cold, did it feel common at all! Since I have an auto immune thing going on, I have to try to find every prevention I can, so I thought I'd share a few tips with you and wish you luck to this being the year you don't get sick.
I take supplements anyway so I just increase my vitamin C this time of the year. If you get enough in your diet, you may only want to increase your vitamin C intake when you feel a cold coming on or have one. The earlier the better, is what my doctor says.
Because of my auto immune weakness, I have researched some unconventional ways to help fight off unwanted germs; one being a neti pot. I got mine at an antique store on a half price table (they thought it was part of a tea set), so I was blessed with a real porcelain one. I looked, you can get them at Walmart or online. Most are made of plastic.
Neti pots are used for sinus infections, prevention, and multiple other things. I use mine a couple times a week for clearing out my nostrils of all germs. You can as I did before use a bottle, or bulb syringe. With the neti pot you just tilt your head, so you can get a even flow of clean (boiled, sterile) water in each side of your nose.
I use only a small amount of salt in mine with it filled up 2/3 way with water. So if you were using a bulb, make a glass of salt water and put a 1/2 teaspoon of salt in it. Too much salt makes your nasal passages dry. If you do this, not only will you help prevent getting a cold, you'll notice your sense of smell is many times better. My doctor mentioned some people have nose bleeds for different reasons (usually from dryness). It helps prevent those also.
I know some of you may think this is uncomfortable; it isn't. It helps you not get a cold or if you have one, clears it up a lot faster. I read it was started in India many centuries ago.
Washing your hands is the most important thing you can do to prevent the whole house from getting sick and keeping yourself well. I take hand sanitizer everywhere. Put a little lotion in the bottle to prevent drying out your hands, or get the cream kind, not just plain alcohol. You need to wash your hands 20 full seconds, as many times a day as needed.
If you come down with a cold, I believe my grandma was right. Chicken soup helps, but it's because of all of the vitamins in it. If you take the time, make sure you get soup without additives or make your own. It does help. Tastes great too!
For sore throats, I do not think some cough drops are worth a dime. I only use the ones without sugar. Building back your immune system is what you need. Keep that in mind with cough drops, tea and what you eat.
So grab a box of tissue, a cup of tea, vitamin C drops, use a Neti pot (bottle or bulb), and have some chicken soup ready. Hopefully this year you will not be out of commission for long. Don't forget to change you sheets and pillow cases, I change my pillow cases 2 times a week always. If you get sick, make sure you wash them right away.
God bless and have a healthy fall and winter.
Source: I saw a Neti Pot on a TV show a few years ago and asked my doctor about if, it would help with my lupus. I always try to keep up on feeling better, taking supplements and what I put into my body.
By Luana M. from San Diego, CA
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I hope this helps you,but forgot one important thing; make sure you get a new tooth brush if you have been ill. Need to keep you mouth clean but the germs will still be on the brush you were using.
Great ideas and information. Most of it is common knowledge, but you sound like you have lots of experience and have done your research! My son started using a neti pot last year when his doctor told him to try it (he and I have both had "cold" symptoms that last up to 6 months and Drs can't find a cause and meds didn't seem to help).
The neti pot helped a lot with clearing out all the excess phlegm, but it does sound like a good idea to use one like you do as a preventative measure all winter. Question for you - did you have to buy then entire "tea set"?
A couple more preventive helps: Acidophilus capsules. Especially if one is taking antibiotics. The acidophilus capsules are full of the "good" bacteria that antibiotics (and some other meds) wipe out. Some people go for yogurt, but there are times you have to eat a lot of yogurt to get the benefits you need. And the capsules don't have calories in 'em. Get the capsules, not the tablets that have other stuff to make it all stick together.
Also, I don't know how much it helps prevent colds. I only know I haven't had any for many years! An old Swedish "health" thing I've done for decades is drink a glass of hot lemon juice first thing in the morning (or whenever you wake up, if you happen to work a night job!). Fresh lemon in hot water is great, but some time ago my financial situation made that too costly. Bottled lemon juice (even from a dollar store) and hot water is just as good. In fact, I start each day with the lemon juice and an acidophilus capsule together (lately adding an msm capsule as well to help with aching muscles!).
Good luck and God Bless to all in the great fight against the uncommon Common Cold!
Just a couple additional preventive thoughts: Acidophilus capsules--great for the immune system. With antibiotics (and many other meds) the "good" bacteria is wiped out as well as the "bad." Many people eat yogurt for "good" bacteria replacement. All well and good, but cost can add up, not only in dollars but in calories as well. And you'd have to eat a lot of yogurt to get the benefit of one acidophilus capsule.
Also, an old Swedish "health" routine I've had for what seems like forever: A glass of hot lemon juice first thing in the morning. Fresh lemon in hot water is great; but when minimal finances reared that ugly head I had to change to bottled lemon juice with hot water (and the dollar store versions are every bit as good!). If you don't have quick hot water from the tap, just nuke it in the microwave.
A few years ago I sorta combined these two, taking an acidophilus cap (not the pressed tablets that have more added than just acidophilus) with my lemon juice. Lately I've added an MSM cap as well (helps with some aches I've had lately - creeping arthritis, maybe?).
All I can add is, I've not had a cold or flu-bug or other illness in so many years I can't remember when I ever had one. Perhaps it's my own body makeup that keeps me so healthy (and I'd hate to tell you all the germ-avoidance I don't do!), but these can't hurt and just may help.
Oh, an added comment to your vitamin C. It can't hurt, because you can't take too much. Any "excess" just flushes through the system.
And God bless you, LuanaM & bryteyes44, and any and all who may be looking forward to a happy and healthy fall, winter, spring & summer!
AuntieBim from Tehachapi, CA
Great tips! Plus I do another thing, I get rid of the germs! I raised three children and when one got sick, they passed it around. I stripped the beds to keep them from reinfecting themselves. I aired the house out, yes, even in the winter. Wiped down door knobs, made sure no dirty glasses were left sitting around, or used tissues.
Thanks for all of your information. I didn't have to "buy" haha! My Neti pot would have cost a lot more money if they had known what it was. It really helps me in prevention. I am like you, it's very hard once I come down with anything. Stay well.
I'd like to add something. Having to deal with a lingering vitamin D deficiency myself, & doing a lot of reading & research about it - I've learned that vitamin D actually does more to keep you healthy so you don't catch colds & flu, than vitamin C does! This was interesting to me, as I didn't know it before & it answers some questions I had about why I was catching everything around! You can take up to 1000 IU/day if your D level is normal. Some recommend 2000 I/day. I'm taking 3000 IU.day myself.
And I love my neti pot! I'm allergic to dust & end up with a sinus infection whenever I'm in or have to clean a really dusty area. I've learned that using the neti pot that evening usually prevents it.
If you have trouble timing the hand washing thing. Try humming "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" or the birthday song to yourself as you lather up. That's actually about 30 seconds. I prefer the Jeopardy "think music" though, lol!
My Doctor (MD) told me to use a Dark Honey for coughs and congestion. I bought Buckwheat honey. Put in a tea it's not too bad and it works.
I searched it online and a study was done at the Mayo clinic, parents and children both got a better night's sleep. The study showed honey worked better than over the counter or prescription med. Not costly and maybe worth a try! I want to try the Blueberry Honey to see if that works this season.
Also you can do as my husband did and put boiling water in a bowl with salt added and with a towel as a tent breathe in the hot moisture. Worked for him.
Main thing get your rest and as you said Vit. "C" plus zinc. One thing when in the bed sleep on your side, if you sleep on your back all that junk drains down into your nasal passages and you end up with a big time sore throat. If you got a cough make some tea and mix in some cinnamon and ginger it will calm the cough.
A NetiPot may work fine, but even better is a Navage, While it costs some money, it is vastly superior to the Neti. It uses distilled water & its own salt pods & is battery powered. I use it year round, every day & I have not had a cold since I started with it.
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