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5 ways to ease a cold
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Unfortunately, there is no effective medicine that can quickly cure a cold, so if you are unlucky enough to have already caught a cold, feel that your throat is starting to hurt, you have a runny nose and body aches, try to ease the course of the disease.
Medicines
There are now many medications available to relieve cold symptoms: cough syrups and tablets, expectorants, all kinds of mixtures and hot teas. They are not aimed at treating the disease, but only at alleviating its course. Remember that antibiotics will not help you fight a cold, because they are only effective against bacterial infections. When buying over-the-counter medications from the group of antihistamines and decongestants, you should choose those that are most suitable for eliminating your symptoms. Such over-the-counter medications contain ingredients for treating various manifestations of diseases. If you do not feel relief after seven to ten days, it is better to seek help from a doctor.
Nutrition
Chicken soup for colds is not just a myth that came out of nowhere. A team of American scientists conducted research and found that chicken soup is a great remedy for fighting colds. One of the components of chicken soup prevents the movement of cells - neutrophils, which cause inflammation. Neutrophils are part of our immune system - a type of white blood cell that can cause inflammatory reactions in our body.
Vitamin and mineral complex
Most healthy people can count on the well-coordinated work of their body's immune system, but it needs nourishment. In the autumn-winter period, it is very important for our body to receive vitamins and microelements from food, but it is a good idea to supplement this support with vitamin and mineral supplements. The optimal complex of supplements should include vitamin C, B vitamins and carotenoids, and from minerals - iron, calcium, selenium, zinc and magnesium. In addition to this, eat more foods rich in antioxidants.
A good night's rest
Although sleep needs may vary slightly depending on the characteristics of the human body, seven to nine hours of sleep are essential. Many people, due to busyness or other reasons, do not sleep the amount of time necessary for the body to recover. This is worth thinking about, because resting for less than seven hours increases the risk of catching a cold three times compared to those people who get enough sleep. If you have already caught a cold, then rest more and give your body the opportunity to focus on recovery.
Dehydration
When you have a cold, it is very important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Water, juices, tea with lemon and honey, and light broths will help prevent dehydration and relieve nasal congestion. Another good option is to install a humidifier in your home, which will also help ease cold symptoms.
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