While a healthy diet and adequate rest are beneficial in building your immune system, a number of natural ingredients can help you prevent or heal a cold should you get one. I learned these ideas in trainings I have taken in healing and health. Here are a few tips:
- Get plenty of zinc in your diet (most often found in whole grains).
- Pack your meals with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (for example, citrus fruits and vegetables).
- Remember that caffeine is dehydrating, so if you are losing body fluids as a result of a cold, choose herbal, caffeine-free teas.
- Drink fresh fruit juices. Grapefruit, orange, and lemon juices are antiseptic and cleansing.
- Eat soups, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.
- Inhaling the smell of eucalyptus can soothe your respiratory system.
- Adding garlic to your diet increases antibacterial action and builds your immune system to fight infection.
- Honey can relieve sore throats and coughs.
- Ginger made into tea is considered both an antiseptic and expectorant.
- Echinacea and olive leaf can strengthen the immune system and shorten the bout of flu or cold.
- Remember if at all possible to reduce your stress and to get enough sleep since it boosts your immune systems and allows you time to heal.
Here’s to your excellent health!