In autumn and winter, viruses thrive much more as we start moving around more indoors and close to each other. It's especially easy to catch a cold when our immune system is compromised, we are stressed, tired, or exhausted.
Our immune system is part of a complex system whose job is to defend us against infections and diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
The very best thing is of course that we always support our immune system with everything it needs, year-round.
We can support the body with nutritious food, clean water, proper digestion, exercise, relaxation, and recovery that counteracts stress.
But despite thinking about optimizing our immune system, we sometimes get sick - it's inevitable, but a strong immune system supports the process of shortening, for example, a cold.
Then there are several things we can do as soon as we feel that a cold or flu is coming on. In this article, we share our best hacks!
Our 5 Best Hacks for Shortening a Cold
Drink plenty of water and herbal tea
Drink plenty of fluids like water and herbal tea, preferably with fresh lemon juice, ginger, and raw honey. An extra powerful honey can be Manuka honey. Fluids help with circulation, detoxification, and rehydration of the body's tissues, which is essential for good recovery.
Herbal tea is very beneficial. Herbs should always be available at home in the medicine cabinet for colds or flu, but can of course be enjoyed year-round as well. You can drink them separately or mix them, and possibly sweeten them with honey. Herbal tea is simple to make: 1-2 teaspoons in a cup of hot water, steep for 10 minutes.Strain out.
– Peppermint is good for fever and headaches. Peppermint is also very good for digestion.
– Thyme is often used for coughs. Thyme counteracts bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
– Sage can be good for viruses and sore throats. Sage is very good for the immune system and blood. You can also gargle with herbal tea made from sage for sore throats.
2. Take extra amounts of these 4 supplements
Vitamin C supports the immune system and strengthens white blood cells. Many experts recommend several grams of vitamin C for 5 days or until the cold is over. It's best to spread it out and take, for example, 1-2 grams of vitamin C every second to third hour as a power treatment.
Zinc is a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system. Best taken together with vitamin C as a treatment.
Vitamin D supports the immune system and overall body health. It can be good to supplement a little extra during a cold period, up to 5000 IU per day for 5 days.
Lactic acid bacteria (probiotics). A functioning stomach plays a crucial role in well-being and supports the immune system during illness.
3. Add immune-boosting herbs
Garlic – counteracts viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Oregano oil – the herb oregano is just like thyme very powerful against viruses and bacteria. Take as a treatment, follow the instructions on the product you choose.
Propolis is the bee's own protection against viruses and bacteria. Throat sprays work effectively at the first sign of throat irritation. Nasal sprays with propolis and thyme are 100% natural and effective for nasal congestion.
4. Avoid foods that burden the body
Here are some foods that should be excluded during illness.
White sugar. Reduces immune system activity by up to 30% and simultaneously provides unwelcome bacteria and fungi with a source of nutrition.
Dairy products. Dairy products are quite difficult to digest and often function as mucus-forming in our system. Especially difficult to handle with coughs.
White flour (in bread, pasta, sugary cereals, etc.). Has similar effects to sugar and can be particularly problematic for those with gluten sensitivity – which is more common than many people think. Most of us experience irritation in the intestinal walls from refined flour, which in turn disrupts the immune system.
Heavily fried and deep-fried food. Contributes to free radicals and extra work for the liver and digestion, which takes energy away from the body's real task during ongoing illness: neutralizing invaders in the form of viruses and/or bacteria.
Instead, eat plenty of vegetables, sprouts, fruits, berries, algae, vegetable soups, etc. Clean and easily digestible food. Such food doesn't burden the system unnecessarily but allows the body to handle viruses or bacteria and focus on recovery.
5. Rest plenty
Rest is especially important when you're sick so that both the body and nervous system get a chance to recover properly. The body needs plenty of sleep to have enough energy to kill viruses and bacteria.
Extra tip: if you want to use essential oils to relieve cold symptoms.
