Ten Ways to Cure the Common Cold

It's that time of year again when more people are walking around sniffling and coughing. In Michigan we just got a huge downfall of snow over night and the colder weather is sure to add to the numbers of people that come down with the common cold within the next week or so. However, experts suggest that there are several ways to overcome a cold.

1. The first step is probably one you're already familiar with: start drinking water or juice right as you start to experience symptoms. Staying hydrated helps to alleviate a stuffy nose or sore throat.
2. Gargling with salt water can help to battle a scratchy throat by clearing the throat of mucus, other irritants, and even bacteria and other viruses. Use a ½ teaspoon of salt added to a cup of warm water.
3. Keeping your nose clean using saline nasal spray right after cold symptoms appear may help to alleviate the impact. Also, taking a warm shower will help to clear nasal passages.
4. Use acetaminophen to fight aches and pains and allergy medications to alleviate a runny nose and watery eyes.
5. Skip OTC cold medicines and use honey instead. Honey tastes better and works just as well. Stir a few tablespoons into tea or just simply eat it right off of the spoon. Also, forgot about zinc lozenges or sprays since there is no conclusive evidence that these help.
6. Don’t go into work if you can avoid it. Your body is better able to fight off a cold when you have time to rest, but if you can’t get out of work it’s not the end of the world. Just avoid your co-workers and wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
7. Eat some soup! Believe it or not, there is some proof that chicken noodle soup is good for the soul and for a cold.
8. Work it out; that is, exercise lightly. Don’t work out so hard that your heart rate rises above 100 beats per minute though. That’s too hard on your body when it’s already sick and trying to get better.
9. Eat healthy, including meals with whole grains and lots of fruits and vegetables, and never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.
10. If you go for more than a few days with a cold or start feeling worse, including vomiting, fever, or a increasingly bad headache, then it’s time to go to the doctor. You could have something more serious than a cold and could need antiviral medications or antibiotics.