My cold is at its best now and I am expelling mucus like it’s going out of fashion! Ha ha! That said my chest isn’t causing me any issues and I have been feeling pretty good. We put it down to the good night’s sleep and putting Vicks on the soles of my feet! I know weird right but I am game for anything when it comes to getting better! I have been working today and to avoid spreading germs I have been wearing a mask. I look weird but at least my clients won’t get my lurgy.
I believe natural remedies are the best way to overcome colds so I regularly use ginger and lemon as a way to really get the system going.
It is a common misnomer that people are deficient in vitamin c when it comes to getting a cold. This can be true but for most that eat a healthy diet this is not true. Here is an article from Mind Body Green that explains what will help you whilst having a cold;
‘Contrary to popular belief, mega-doses of vitamin C are not the best way to get over a cold. While vitamin C supplementation does support the immune system in some people, once you have a cold, it will not help you get over it faster.
According to a review by Cochrane of 30 randomized trials involving more than 11,000 adults, for the general population, supplementation with vitamin C doesn’t reduce the incidence of colds or upper respiratory tract infections in most adults.
However, for people under extreme stress, or who don’t consume an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables, supplementation does appear to offer some protective benefits, and lower their risk of colds.
Regardless, the review found that once cold symptoms show up, taking a therapeutic dose of vitamin C will not affect the duration or severity of the common cold. (Note that companies like Airborne, which sell therapeutic doses of vitamin C, have been successfully sued for false advertising, and no longer use claims that they can prevent or cure common colds.)
Since colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics, which fight bacteria, won’t help either.
Instead, turn to these natural remedies to shorten the length or severity of colds and flu:
1. Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays an important role in immunity. Those who avoid meat, in particular, can be at risk for a zinc deficiency. The recommended daily intake (RDI) is 15 mg/day.
Studies show that adequate zinc consumption, or supplementation, not only prevents the onset of colds and flu, but also decrease the duration of them by a day or more, if taken at the onset of symptoms. Zinc is presently believed to be the most effective remedy against the common cold.
Some foods that contain zinc are oysters, crab, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, cashews, black beans, and shiitake mushrooms.
2. Elderberry Extract
Black elderberry juice can inhibit the growth of influenza viruses and shorten the duration of symptoms, while enhancing antibody levels against the virus. It helps reduce swelling in the sinuses and reduce congestion.
Elderberry can be taken as a liquid, syrup or tincture, as well as a lozenge and in capsule form.
3. Ginger
Studies have found that fresh ginger effectively fights respiratory viruses. The same results were not found in powdered form, so use ginger in cooking or teas.
If you’re looking for a good way to boost your nutrient intake this winter, try this Almond Ginger Monkey Smoothie. You can also prepare a simple tea by pouring boiling water over a few slices of fresh ginger and allowing to steep for at least 10 minutes’
Don’t forget to ensure you use natural cleaning products to avoid the spread of germs. Stay healthy and happy!
P.S I received a lovely message form a facebook follower. Here is what she said;
Hi Claire,
I came across your Facebook and Blog while researching different groups dedicated to increasing awareness about triple negative. I hope you are feeling okay, your treatments are going well, and I am sending positive thoughts your way.
I am writing to you because my sister and I have been working on raising awareness for triple negative breast cancer to honor our mom. Last year we organized a charity event in NYC which raised almost $30,000 for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation and this year we are in the process of becoming our own nonprofit. Our goal is to educate others about triple negative and fund research to find targeted treatment options.
Kind Snacks is currently running a competition where the project that wins the most votes this month gets 10k. If we win we will use the money to further our mission by identifying organizations and researchers who can use the funds and organizing educational programming. We would really appreciate if you could help us spread the word on voting. More information can be found here: http://projects.kindsnacks.
Warm regards,
Lexi Klebanow
Thanks for the message and anything we can do to support you and I hope we can help you and your cause! I have already voted so go on vote!
Light and Love.
Claire X