Beat your cold in just 24 Hours
Professor Ron Eccles from the Common Cold Center at Cardiff University tells, How to beat the bug in just one day.
7AM – TAKE A HOT SHOWER
When you wake up feeling dreadful,
chances are you won’t feel like staggering to the bathroom straight away. But a
steaming hot shower could be just what the doctor ordered. The hot water can
soothe your throbbing limbs while the steam can help clear bunged up
sinuses.
8AM – BREAKFAST ON PORRIDGE WITH BERRIES
8AM – BREAKFAST ON PORRIDGE WITH BERRIES
Diet is essential in helping you on
the road to recovery. Reach for the orange juice to build up your vitamin C and
throw some antioxidant-packed mixed berries into a large bowl of warm porridge.
Time to take action: Professor
Eccles' step-by-step guide should have you fighting fit by the following
morning
10AM – STEAM
YOUR FACE
During a cold you can end up with a
streaming nose, or even worse you become completely bunged up, which causes
throbbing head pain. Here, a mixture of over-the-counter medicines and home
remedies help.
Tackle the symptoms of colds with
over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, paracetamol, cough syrups and
lozenges. Look for lozenges with a strong taste such as Covonia’s Double Impact
Lozenges.
Strong flavours will promote
salivation to help coat and soothe a sore throat. You can also try putting your
head over a steaming bowl of hot water for five minutes to help soothe and
clear the airways.
MIDDAY – GO FOR A STROLL
You may feel reluctant to brave the
cold outdoors, but a gentle stroll before lunchtime can improve your mood and
boost your immune system. So don't worry that it will make you worse. If you
have a head cold with a runny nose and mild symptoms, you can exercise if you
feel up to it.
1PM – SWAP YOUR SANDWICH FOR CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD
At lunchtime, ditch the usual sarnie
and crisps for some lean chicken and salad. Protein helps build immune cells
and helps to prompt the immune response. People who cut meat out of their diet
will often suffer with more frequent and longer lasting colds.
Winter virus: If you can't afford to
stay in bed, follow Professor Eccles' step-by-step guide. Drinking herbal
teas can help thin mucus and expel it from the body
3PM – PUT THE KETTLE ON
Herbal teas and other hot liquids
help thin mucus and expel it from the body. Meanwhile, glugging a glass
of freshly squeezed orange juice won’t have an immediate effect but it will
increase your Vitamin C levels which is good for recovery and boosting immunity
later in the week.
6PM – EAT A CURRY
At dinner time, turn up the heat
with a spicy curry or a chilli con carne. Ingredients like ginger, garlic and
chilli peppers are renowned for their anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties,
as well as their ability to clear the sinuses. Plus, they might be the
only foods you have a chance of actually tasting. The spices can help get rid
of germs from the system and clear the airways.
8PM – SOAK THOSE ACHING LIMBS
End the day by giving those tired
and aching muscles a soak in a nice hot bath. A final steam can knock the cold
virus on the head by helping to expel it from the body.
10PM – GET EIGHT HOURS SLEEP
It is important for your body to
recharge and a good night’s sleep will help you get your strength back as
quickly as possible. To keep your immune system in tip top shape, try to
establish a regular sleep pattern. Avoid stimulating drinks like coffee and
alcohol late in the evening and don't watch TV or do work in bed.
