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A common cold is one of the most popular health issues in humans, caused by viral infections. This virus can spread from person to person. Although it is impossible to stop the spread of colds completely, you can reduce the chance of getting colds and get back to normal quicker by looking out for the signs and taking steps to prevent them. Therefore, in this article, Effective Remedies will show you 9 best ways on how to prevent a cold when you feel it coming.
9 Best Ways On How To Prevent A Cold When You Feel It Coming
I. The Early Signs Of A Cold
The symptoms of a cold are different from the symptoms of flu. For a cold, the symptoms arrive gradually while flu sufferers are hit suddenly and have little time to prepare. If you feel any of the following signs, you are probably to get a cold:
- Sore throat – This is one of the earliest signs of a viral infection.
- A runny nose – Mucus starts to build up in the nose. In the first place, it can be fairly thin and watery. However, it will become thicker. Hence, you should remember to keep a pack of tissues.
- Sneezes and coughs – These symptoms are the ways your body removes things that damage the airways like dust, pollen, and in this case, viruses.
- Headaches – When mucus starts to accumulate, it clogs the sinuses and makes pressure that results in a dull, throbbing headache.
- Tiredness – This is an inevitable symptom of most viruses. As you get a cold, your energy will not good as usual, and you will not want to do anything.
Once you notice these symptoms, the only thing you can do is managing them and relax the body.
II. The Methods You Can Do To Prevent A Cold
1. How To Prevent A Cold – Staying Hydrated
Water helps the immune system prevent any infection; hence it is crucial to stay hydrated whenever you suspect a cold. Consuming lots of water helps you replace fluids lost from sweating or blowing the nose and thin mucus at the back of the throat.
Steam is also a good way to treat this condition. A hot shower helps clear the airways and brings the relaxation and makes you forget the symptoms.
- Firstly, fill a bowl or cup with hot water and then slowly inhale the steam.
Note: This method should not be used with children because they may be burned.
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2. How To Prevent A Cold – Orange Juice
Although it is not quite a magical cure as many people think, a glass of orange juice can improve your condition. When you feel a cold coming, the supply of orange juice will help you boost the immune system. However, most people do not find the significant difference. It is still very essential to get more vitamin C and you should choose natural, fresh juice instead of the high-sugar varieties.
3. How To Prevent A Cold – Garlic
Garlic is a potent antioxidant with antibiotic, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties [1]. For colds, it also has decongestant and expectorant effects. Garlic contains the variety of substances such as vitamin C, minerals including selenium and sulfur, and a slew of enzymes; all play a certain role in preventing a cold. Whether through mincing or crushing fresh garlic or even chomping it with your teeth, they create a chemical reaction releasing allicin. Allicin is the powerful antibacterial agent only present when garlic is crushed and not heated yet. Some experts recommend consuming a clove every 3 hours until the bug is completely knocked out.
View more: Beauty and health of garlic-Its uses & side effects
4. How To Prevent A Cold – Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is an effective affordable treatment against colds. From 2,500 years ago, the Chinese have used ginger to prevent colds as it contains much yang energy, loosens mucus, and warms the lungs. Ginger contains twelve antiviral properties, so it is robust enough to fight all symptoms linked to a cold: sore throat, coughing, inflammation of the mucous membranes, etc. [2]. Although you can buy ginger tea in shops, it is better to make it yourself by rasping the fresh ginger and pouring hot water over it. You can add some lemon juice, then stir well and enjoy it.
5. How To Prevent A Cold – Spicy Food
Spicy food is considered as a cold treatment due to its capsaicin substance. This substance has the ability to loosen phlegm and make you easier to breathe. However, it is just a temporary remedy for the symptoms of colds. Capsaicin provides some short-lived pain and swelling relief by making the body produce more prostaglandin and collagenase. Once these effects disappear, the pain and inflammation linked to your cold will come back. Chili pepper is also full of vitamin C that can reduce cold symptoms to some extent. Cayenne pepper is the most widely suggested spicy for defending against colds. People often mix it with honey and turmeric to get the better benefits.
6. How To Prevent A Cold – Honey And Lemon
If you feel a sore throat the most troublesome symptom, it cannot be more terrific to use honey and lemon. They will not necessarily shorten a cold duration, but you will feel less miserable. You should avoid the packets of lozenges sold in shops because they are full of sugar. Try to make a glass of honey and lemon at home and its steam also helps improve your airways.
7. How To Prevent A Cold – Yogurt
There is not a lot of research that shows yogurt can reduce the symptoms of a cold. However, it is still a good choice for a sore throat or a runny nose because it is smooth and easy to eat. Besides, yogurt helps improve health in general. Yogurt is rich in probiotics that can stimulate the immune system. Plus, connecting yogurt with antioxidant-rich foods like berries will make more cold-fighting nutrients. For example, the mixture of yogurt and blueberries or strawberries will make more antioxidants and an extra dose of vitamin C to prevent a cold.
8. How To Prevent A Cold – Fruits And Vegetables
Vegetables such as beetroot, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes contain much beta-carotene that the body needs to convert to vitamin A. This kind of vitamin keeps the mucosal linings in your nose and lungs strong enough to fight infection. Other foods also bring many benefits including melon, mango, and apricots.
9. How To Prevent A Cold – Rest
Rest is one of the best ways helping the body shake off a cold. Illness is one sign for you to rest. However, people often make it worse by trying to focus on work. In fact, you can spread a contagious virus in the working place when you get a cold. So, it is the best to make your own time at home to rest and relax.
Above are 9 best ways on how to prevent a cold when you feel it coming. We hope that you will try and get the best results. If you want to view more natural remedies to prevent other health conditions, please visit our Prevention page and do not forget to leave your comments in the box below to show us your thoughts. All content provided are for informational & educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.
