As the weather begins to cool down the chance of getting sick heightens. Cold and Flu season is upon us and it may seem like there’s no way of getting around catching something. You shouldn’t have to stress out about getting sick though. Sure, it feels incredibly bad and forces you to take some time off school and/or work. However, there are a few ways you can beat the cold faster or possibly even prevent it from causing you symptoms at all. The best thing is, you won’t have to spend a fortune on relief products, nor will you have to pump your body full of unhealthy chemicals. Rather, these health aids are easy accessible in the home and many will come from your very own pantry! So, take a deep breath in without worrying about whose germs you may be inhaling!
1. Water
Every time you go to the doctor you’re probably told to drink lots of fluids, right? There’s one fluid you should always drink in abundance though. Water. This amazing beverage is the key to our existence for a reason, so next time your sick forget the sugary fruit juices, sports drinks and sodas and go straight to the source for a little relief. As you continue to hydrate your body with pure water it will actually help remove the toxins from your system. This flush can help you get better faster while relieving you of many of your symptoms. Water will also reduce any cramping problems you may be having as it hydrates the muscles so they can relax. Drinking water can help regulate a stuffy nose because it eases the sinuses. If you’re suffering from a runny nose though you may want to try adding a drop of salt water into each nostril. You can even get a fever to drop by soaking your feet in hot water. Once you remove your feet from the heat simply place socks that have been soaking in cold water on. Add another pair of thick and dry socks onto these and you’ll be set for a soothing nap and fever relief.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
You may have read a few articles about apple cider vinegar in your time. This product has become one of the go-to products that many doctors and nutritionist are promoting this year, but it’s actually no gimmick. Sure, you may think of it as an easy cleaner when you’re on a tight budget or a cooking aid for some of your more intricate meals, but there’s a lot to apple cider vinegar. This powerful product is a master at getting rid of bad bacteria, so of course it’s going to come in handy when you’re feeling under the weather. Apple cider vinegar also works to restore pH levels in the body so if you’re suffering from an infection it can help get you sorted out. It can also help bring the body back to normal if you’ve had to take antibiotics. When you start to feel a hint of sore throat coming on, or other symptoms you may want to knock out in a hurry then drink a shot glass of apple cider vinegar and you’ll be on your way. If you can’t handle the taste then add it to water, it’s less potent and will hydrate you too.
3. Citrus
One common thing people do when they’re sick is gravitate to comfort food, which usually means they eat a lot more junk food. This bogs down your system even more and can prevent you from getting well fast. Rather than make up a huge batch of mashed potatoes try to grab a piece of citrus fruit. These fruits usually have a lot of vitamin C which will give your immune system the boost it needs to get your body back on track. One of the best fruits to have is a grapefruit, which is perfect for breakfast when you can’t take the day off work. You might also want to make freshly squeezed orange juice. It’s important to make this on your own as store bought juiced is filled with ingredients that aren’t good for you. If you’re suffering from a sore throat then cut lemon slices and place them in hot water. It will calm the pain and provide you with vitamin C. You may also want to consider cutting a lemon in half and adding salt and pepper. This has been said to ease a cough if you suck on it.
4. Honey
Honey taste so good it may be hard to believe it’s good for you. However, honey has a special bacteria that can help your body thrive especially when you’re feeling under the weather. The best thing you can do is find honey that is made locally. This is going to help ease an allergy problems you have because it is made with the allergens that are nearest to you. This can be a big deal for easing sinus pains as well as other symptoms of allergies. Honey also adds a thick layer to the throat which can help reduce coughing. It can also reduce the pain in the vocal cords while making speaking easier when you’re feeling a little hoarse. Add honey to some hot lemon water or tea and you’ll be able to enjoy a nice treat that is helpful to your immune system. You should never give honey to babies though, so think twice before using this method on your little ones.
5. Ginger
If there’s one super food you should always have in the house when you’re feeling sick it’s definitely ginger. Ginger has a lot of uses when you’re ill, but its most common is for nausea. It’s perfect if you’re having trouble keeping down food or just feel too terrible to even try to eat. If you’re not feeling hungry then you should try to drink something with ginger in it. It will restore your appetite so you can get the calories you need to feel better faster. Ginger is great for all sorts of stomach problems too; such as, cramping, gas and diarrhea. Of course, if you’re suffering from bronchitis it could help get you on the mend while reducing pain from the illness. There’s an abundance of food and drink you can make with ginger, so be prepared with a special recipe before you get sick.
6. Herbal Tea
There’s a variety of herbal teas on the market so you’ll have a lot to choose from. You can even base your tea on the symptoms you’re having, which will give you a totally custom treat while you’re ill. If you’re not sure what to buy then do a little research to see what herbs will help you with your particular symptom. There’s tea for just about anything so you may want to buy more than one type. One of the best things about herbal tea when you’re sick is can help soothe your body so you’ll be able to get some sleep. This is a better alternative to medications that force you to sleep and will make it easier for your body to heal. Apart from its healing abilities, herbal tea can help ease a sore throat with its warmth which is always a comfort.
7. Almonds
Headaches are a pretty common thing when you’re not feeling good, especially if you’ve managed to catch the flu. One way to fight these off without overloading on anti-inflammatory medications is to eat almonds! This is probably one of the tastiest ways to eat yourself better and may have you feeling a little more pep in your step. Almonds are filled with magnesium which is great for reducing headaches without the aid of medication. Almonds are also a very alkaline food which means they will help regulate your body and get your pH level back to normal. This in itself will boost your immune system and get you feeling better faster than you’d think possible. Other nuts will offer some of the same healing powers, but almonds should be your go to nut when in crisis.
8. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a very homey flavor which in itself can make you feel great. However, this common spice can really pack a powerful punch when it comes to getting you better in a hurry. If you start to feel sluggish and know a cold is going around then add some cinnamon to your coffee or tea to give you an extra edge from getting sick. If you catch the cold or virus early enough the cinnamon can boost your immune system enough to have you kicking the problem before it even had a chance to inconvenience you. Cinnamon is a strong anti-fungal spice and can really get viruses out of your system in no time, which can mean you may not even have to book an appointment with your general practitioner. Cinnamon is also a lot of help if you’re battling a stomach ache and is easy to incorporate into drinks and meals.
9. Garlic & Onion
Garlic and onion are already great for you, but when you’re feeling sick they can get you on the mend. Add both of these items to your favorite sick soup and you’ll be feeling better in no time. They both work hard to fight against bacteria which will help out your immune system. Consuming these foods aren’t your only option though. In fact, if you cut a purple onion in half and place in the room with someone that is sick the onion will absorb the toxins in the air which could prevent the illness from spreading. You can also place onion on the bottom of your foot with a sock holding it in place. Sleep this way and the onion will absorb toxins over night, thus allowing you to be on the mend faster.
10. Exercise
One way to keep yourself healthy is to get to moving, especially when your symptoms are above the neckline. A little exercise during this time can help get any fluids or bacteria out of the lungs so you won’t have to cough as much throughout the illness. It also helps clear the sinuses so you can say goodbye to your stuffy nose for good. Sweat also helps send the toxins straight out of your body, so you can get rid of whatever is bothering you in a more timely manner. You should always follow your instinct when it comes to working out while sick though. If you’re really feeling too weak then its time for your body to get some rest. Also, if you have a high temperature then you shouldn’t push it too hard either. However, in the early days of the cold you should feel free to keep your routine up as usual. You may even notice your symptoms stop while you’re working out. Although getting moving is healthy, you shouldn’t do it if you’re having aches and pains in your abdomen, this could make the problem feel even worse.
No one likes being sick, so why waste so much time fighting off symptoms? With these ten items you’ll be able to kick anything that comes your way which means less time feeling gross and more time taking on the world. The best thing is, these items can usually be found in your home so you won’t have to spend a lot of money on them. Even if you don’t have them they’re pretty cheap to come by, so you won’t have to add them to your weekly budget!
