Do you have chronic colds?

Over 200 different viruses cause colds. Although we hear most often about rhino-viruses and their involvement in colds, we are constantly exposed to cold-causing organisms without them actually causing a cold. The health of your immune system is the deciding factor in whether you “catch” a cold or not. Still, without a doubt, it’s hard to work, sleep, and be around other people when you have a cold.

Twelve Steps to Better Cold Care

1) A short walk revs up immune response and gives you some fresh air. A walk puts cleansing oxygen into your lungs, and elevates mood. It works wonders!

2) Take vitamin C or Ester C, 1000mg every hour, preferably in powder form with juice, throughout the day. To fight an irritating, scratchy throat, take zinc lozenges as needed, or propolis throat spray.

3) Don’t smoke or drink alcohol (other than a little brandy and lemon). They suppress immunity. Avoid sugary foods, fried foods and dairy foods. They increase mucous production.

4) Eat lightly but with good nutrition. Nutrient absorption is less efficient during a cold. A vegetarian diet is best at this time so the body won’t have to work so hard at digestion.

5) Drink plenty of liquids; 6-8 glasses daily of fresh fruit and vegetable juices, herb teas and water to help flush toxins out of your system.

6) Keep warm. Don’t worry about a fever unless it is prolonged or high.

7)  Take a long hot bath, spa or sauna. Lots of toxins will pass out though the skin. For prevention, take daily alternating hot and cold showers at the beginning of cold season to stimulate immune response.

8) Go to bed early, get plenty of sleep. Most cell regeneration occurs between midnight and 4 a.m.

9) Use xylitol nasal wash every day to help keep any bacteria that enters your breathing passages from multiplying.  

10) Think positively about becoming well. Optimism is often a self-fulfilling prophecy.

11) Wash hands and clean countertops frequently to prevent virus spread.

12) Rest is important. Light exercise is better than vigorous exercise during a cold.

Today there are almost as many drugstore cold remedies, as there are colds. Most of them have side effects like drowsiness and dry mouth. A cold is really a cleansing condition, so it may be better to just let it run its course, and give your body fresh start, with a stronger immune system.

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