Getting Through The Cold Season This Winter

It is hard to avoid the common cold during the winter months, however it is possible to increase your body’s immune system to help reduce your chances of getting a cold or to help speed up the recovery time if you have been infected.

The common cold is an infection which occurs in the nose and throat and can be caused by any one of 300 constantly mutating viruses. Your immune system is your best weapon against the common cold. These viruses that cause the common cold are spread via the hands or through the air when you talk, sneeze, cough or breathe.
The symptoms of the common cold commence one to four days after the virus has infected you body. A dry or sore throat is usually the first symptom of the common cold and this may occur a day or so before other symptoms appear. The other symptoms of the common cold usually include a runny nose (which at first is clear and watery but soon thickens), nasal congestion, headache, sneezing, coughing, fever and a sore throat.

When carrying the common cold the most important thing to do is rest and to drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. It is also important to continue eating a well balanced diet even though you might not feel that hungry, those nutrients are going to give your body the energy and tools it needs to help remove the infection from your body.

Some natural ways of reducing you risk of infection would be to have adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals in your diet, especially Vitamin C which can be obtained through citrus fruits or through supplementation. Garlic is another natural food which has great antibacterial and antiviral properties to help assist your immune system. It is important to avoid foods which are high in processed sugars and fats as these foods reduce the function of your immune system which can make you more susceptible to infections which are going around.