- HubPages»
- Health»
- Alternative & Natural Medicine»
- Home Remedies
How to Get Over a Cold Fast Real Home Remedies
How Sick Are You?
Depending on your level of sickness, you may or may not need to see a doctor. If you are suffering from a typical head-cold or similar symptoms, just follow my guide and you can cut your cold into as little as two to four days! However, if you are experiencing severe symptoms that are beyond a cold, you may want to consult a doctor. I am not offering medical advice in this article, I am only stating what has worked for me; I am a business owner who must work without "time off" while raising two children, which led me to seeking ways to knock out my illness asap! You will find my solutions below in this article:
STEP 1: LOAD UP ON VITAMINS
I will be the first to admit that with my insane schedule I do not take vitamins on a regular basis - however, it does greatly help my system when a cold infects me because my system is not used to being loaded full of vitamins.
I recommend any kind of all-inclusive vitamin, I personally use Germ Aids like AirBorne. Although none of these pills will PREVENT a cold, the boost of vitamins can help your system recover much quicker. A Germ Aid can contain numerous vitamins, whereas a traditional vitamin, such as Vitamin C tablets are limited to only one vitamin.
You can buy Germ Defense pills at any CVS, Rite Aid, Meijer, Kroger or similar. I suggest ordering online because you KNOW you will eventually need them (FACT: the average adult gets at least 4 head-colds a year!).
STEP 2: CHICKEN BROTH
The debate still continues as to if Chicken SOUP is genuinely an effective cold remedy. I, personally, HATE almost all soup, but I will drink Chicken Broth at first signs of illness. I put mine right into a coffee mug.
Chicken Broth is high in protein, low in sugar and also VERY high in Niacin. Niacin is a water-soluble B vitamin, essential for energy metabolism in the cells, the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal and nervous systems, healthy skin, and the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and protein.
It is also high in Phosphorus. Phosphorous is a critical component of every cell. It works with the B vitamins to generate energy. Phosphorus is necessary for growth of bones and teeth; bones and teeth are 85% phosphorous. It works with sodium and potassium to maintain acid-base balance, and assist in muscle contraction, kidney function, heartbeat regulation, and in nerve conduction. In addition to containing a large amount of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is involved in many body functions, including metabolic reactions, making red blood cells, and maintaining health nerve tissue. Along with Vitamin B6 and folic acid, Vitamin B12 promotes normal homocysteine levels.
* Keep in mind I am referring to CHICKEN BROTH; not Chicken Noodle Soups that can be high in fat due to ingredients like noodles, cream, etc.
In addition, Chicken BROTH is very soothing for your throat and will almost instant relieve a "sore throat" temporarily.
STEP 3: HYDRATE AND SWEAT IT OUT
This can sound like the most miserable option ever, but layer up (or if you're daring like me, cut a hole in the bottom and sides of a trash bag and turn it into a "shirt" - you're basically making a "sauna" - this is a mock "sweat suit" which us who have trained in fitness / martial arts / MMA use to cut weight.)
A sweat suit works well for detoxing your body. BUT YOU MUST HYDRATE. Water, water, water!!!! If you hate drinking water, add flavor to it!
Or Buy Flavored Waters
STEP 4: SLEEP IT OFF
In combination with you loading your body full of vitamins, having a mug or two of chicken broth and hydrating (and sweating out toxins!) you need to ensure you SLEEP. In the field of body building / working-out / training, we all know that your body actually grows when you REST and RECOVER. So even if you aren't sick and you're looking to build muscle, you MUST take time off. This is why people who do strictly cardio (such as 2 hours of treadmill) workouts 7-days-a-week for hours a day may remain thin but rarely build muscle.
In order to sleep-off your cold without feeling more ill, you may want to pass on Nyquil and similar products, as these can cause stomach issues when combined with vitamins and other pills. Instead opt for a NATURAL SLEEP AID.
STEP 5: GET GOOD IMMUNE SUPPORT TEA
Besides "Green Tea" you can find teas that contains beneficial ingredients. For example, Yogi Teas makes an Echinacea Root Immune Support Organic tea. Echinacea Root Tea is a tea that is a Defense for your Body. Echinacea Immune Support tea is a superior blend of several species of Organic Echinacea Root (Echinacea angustifolia, purpurea, pallida) designed to boost your immune system.