over-the-counter treatments can at best bring symptom relief or shorten the duration of those symptoms.
Or you can take the natural approach.
No. 1: Blow Your Nose Often -- and the Right Way
It's important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. But when you blow hard, pressure can cause an earache. The best way to blow your nose: Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other. Wash your hands after blowing your nose.
No. 2: Stay Rested
Resting when you first come down with a cold or the flu helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. This battle taxes the body. So give it a little help by lying down under a blanket.
No. 3: Gargle
Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times daily. To reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle -- such as tea that contains tannin -- to tighten the membranes. Or use a thick, viscous gargle made with honey or a mixture of honey and apple cider vinegar, a popular folk remedy. Steep one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice in two cups of hot water and mix in one teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before gargling. Honey should never be given to children less than 1 year old.
No. 4: Drink Hot Liquids
Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, help prevent dehydration, and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.
No. 5: Take a Steamy Shower
Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and relax you. If you're dizzy from the flu, run a steamy shower while you sit on a chair nearby and take a sponge bath.
No. 6: Apply Hot or Cold Packs Around Your Congested Sinuses
Either temperature may help you feel more comfortable. You can buy reusable hot or cold packs at a drugstore. Or make your own. Take a damp washcloth and heat it for 55 seconds in a microwave (test the temperature first to make sure it's not scalding). Or take a small bag of frozen peas to use as a cold pack.
No. 7: Sleep With an Extra Pillow Under Your Head
This will help with the drainage of nasal passages. If the angle is too awkward, try placing the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.
No. 8: Don't Fly Unless Necessary
There's no point adding stress to your already stressed-out upper respiratory system, and that's what the change in air pressure will do. Flying with cold or flu congestion can hurt your eardrums as a result of pressure changes during takeoff and landing. If you must fly, use a decongestant and carry a nasal spray with you to use just before takeoff and landing. Chewing gum and swallowing frequently can also help relieve pressure.
Remember, serious conditions can masquerade as the common cold and a mild infection can evolve into something more serious. If you have severe symptoms or are feeling sicker with each passing day, see a doctor.
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10 Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu
An icy popsicle can soothe a sore, prickly, swollen, or dry throat.
It can also help keep you hydrated, which is key when battling the flu.
Getting enough fluids can keep mucus thin and help lessen congestion.
Look for popsicles made from 100% fruit juice to make sure you're getting vital nutrients and not sugar water.
Some flavors to try: apple, grape, or strawberry.
Turkey is a good, lean protein, essential to solid nutrition.
And although you may not feel like it,
eating can help give your body energy to fight illness.
Try adding cranberry sauce for a spike of flavor and comfort-food taste.
Making and eating a salad is probably one of the last things
you'll feel up to while recovering from the flu.
Down a glass of low-sodium vegetable juice instead.
You'll load up on immune-boosting antioxidants and keep yourself hydrated.
Craving a sweet taste? Go with 100% fruit juice.
Nourishing and hydrating,
there's also some scientific evidence that chicken soup may
help with healing and have mild anti-inflammatory effects.
Studies have found that hot chicken soup can improve the ability of cilia,
the tiny hair-like parts of the nasal passages,
to protect the body from bacteria and viruses.
If you feel up to it,
garlic can be a good choice to spice up foods like soup.
It appears to have antimicrobial and
immune-stimulating properties and may give you slight relief from congestion.
Stomachache?
Nausea?
Ginger is a home remedy often used to soothe these symptoms.
Some studies suggest it may help fight inflammation.
Try adding it freshly grated or in powdered form to other foods,
or drinking flat ginger ale.
Green,
oolong,
and black tea offer disease-fighting antioxidants.
And breathing in the steam can help relieve congestion.
Add a spoonful of honey and a squeeze of lemon to help soothe a sore throat.
If caffeine bothers you, opt for decaf or herbal versions.
Sliced, mashed, or whole, bananas are easy on the stomach.
They can be a go-to food if you've been hit with symptoms like
nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which often occur in kids with the flu.
Bananas, along with rice, applesauce, and toast, make up
the BRAT diet -- often the first foods doctors encourage people to
try when they’re recovering from stomach flu and ready for solid foods.
Although it brings up the rear of the BRAT diet, toast is nothing to ignore.
If you can manage food, try toast or crackers.
They can be convenient foods when you're fighting illness.
Plus, they pair well with chicken noodle soup and their satisfying
crunch can take the edge off hunger when your stomach can't handle much.
If your appetite has returned,
try one of these to make sure you're getting proper nutrients and calories.
Look for lactose-free drinks with at least 6 grams of protein and that are low in sugar.
Flavors like strawberry and chocolate
may make getting essential vitamins, nutrients, and calories more attractive.
Tag : meal | nausea | nose | flu | running nose | rest | fever | cold | sleep | gargle
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