Whether you have a cold or flu, symptoms can be unpleasant. Common symptoms of a cold include a sore throat, runny nose, coughs and sneezes, headaches and tiredness. Symptoms won’t make you very ill and will usually pass within a week or two, but they can leave you feeling weak and run down. Most people will be hit with a cold at some stage this winter, and with the weather turning colder, viruses and infections will be rife. If you are struck down a cold, you can relieve symptoms by including certain foods into your diet. Dr Prudence Knight, online GP at Push Doctor, recommends the following five foods and drinks.
Orange juice
If you get a good supply of orange juice as soon as you feel a cold coming on, it can boost your immune system. It’s always good to get more vitamin C, and if you find it helps you, make sure you opt for natural, freshly squeezed juice as opposed to the high-sugar varieties sold in shops.
“While it’s not the magical cure that some would have you believe, a glass of orange juice can provide some comfort for cold sufferers,” said Dr Knight.
Garlic
A 2001 study tested 146 volunteers, half of whom were given a daily garlic supplement and half of whom received a placebo.
The garlic group suffered just 24 colds over a 12-week period and endured 11 days of ill health due to viruses. On the other hand, the placebo group reported 65 colds and a significantly higher 366 days where a virus prevented them from carrying out their usual activities.
“It’s thought raw garlic is the most effective here, as cooking it too much will rob you of any potential positive effects. There are capsules available if you (understandably) don’t fancy chewing on a clove straight from the cupboard,” said Dr Knight.
Soup
While chicken soup is the most commonly-prescribed, any broth-based soup will help you feel a little better. It’ll warm you up and the water and steam will help to clear your airways and replace any lost fluids.
Avoid creamy soups as these are higher in fat, which hampers your immune system, and consider including some vegetables to get even more nutrients.
Spicy food
The chemical that gives chilli peppers their spice is called capsaicin, which contains lots of vitamin C.
If you’re coming down with a cold, chilli peppers can ease congestion and reduce swelling around your nose and throat. They will also help make your mucus thin enough for your body to cough or sneeze it away.
Honey and lemon
Honey and lemon is a good way to treat a sore throat. Avoid the packets of lozenges sold in shops, as these are packed full of sugar.
Instead, try a homemade honey, lemon and ginger tea which is packed full of natural ingredients and an added dose of steam to help clear your airways.