One of the most common health ailments known to mankind is the common cold. In this article we will look at some of the ways to fight the common cold.
If a viral infection of your upper respiratory tract has taken you out, chances are the last thing you feel like doing is eating.
Your appetite is down, your throat is scratchy, and if you have a stuffed up nose, then eating means that the only way you have of breathing is now blocked temporarily.
It’s not a pleasant experience at all. That said, if you want to make a speedy recovery, eating will be a big part of the plan.
Certain foods give your body the fuel it needs to fight off the viral infection, getting you on the road to recovery.
A few foods in particular can help cure a common cold faster than others. Let’s look at the best foods to be eating if you want to beat that infection:
1. Garlic.
While not classed as food, if you add garlic to as many dishes as you do eat, you will be much better off. Garlic is a potent immune booster and can also help kill unwanted infections in your body as well.
Garlic kills unwanted viruses and bacteria thanks to the level of allicin it contains. Allicin is an active component that contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
2. Sweet Potatoes.
To help give you an energizing boost, sweet potatoes should be added to your diet. You do need to eat some carbs while trying to beat a cold even if you aren’t very active right now. It’s these carbs that will give you the energy you need to fight the infection.
Sweet potatoes are great because not only will they help to keep your blood sugar levels stable, but also they are a very rich source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining your mucosal surfaces.
Since these mucosal surfaces are your first defense against infection, they’ll help prevent any further unwanted viruses or bacteria from entering your body.
3. Kale.
Preparing yourself a kale salad is another excellent idea when you are down with the common cold. Kale is very rich in vitamin C content, which plays a crucial role in restoring a healthy immune system.
A high intake of vitamin C while you are suffering from a cold can help you lower the overall duration of your cold, helping you get back to feeling better soon.
4. Chicken Noodle Soup.
Finally, the old saying is true: “chicken noodle soup can cure a cold.”The hot liquid will help soothe your sore throat as well as clear up some of the congestion.
The recovery is thanks to the fact the hot liquid will raise your internal body temperature which helps loosen mucus secretions in your airways. Plus, it’s easier to drink soup with a painful throat.
So there you have the top foods to eat next time you feel under the weather with the common cold. Serve these foods and you’ll be back to your usual healthy self in no time.
Please feel free to add your own comments or experiences.
You know, some people think when one has caugth a cold that they intentionally don’t want to eat anything or are just being a baby about it. It is very difficult to eat during this situation and unless the person is really willing to eat something it becomes difficult to false the person to eat.
Having said that, I would like to say one thing. I have made use of garlic and it is really effective although its taste makes it really difficult to eat directly unless if maybe placed inside the food. I do wonder though if it is best to directly eat it or placing it inside a meal. I do wonder which is more effective.
Thanks Manuel for your interesting observations.
To add to your thoughts on garlic use, I have personally found that garlic oil when taken in the form of a capsule can also be effective in lowering cholesterol levels, and you are spared the taste.
Roland
One of the worst feelings is being sick and barely breathing at night because of your nose. I was always t Of that noodle soups somehow helped, and in fact that’s basically what everyone eats, why is that? I mean, what does noodle soup has exactly that it helps you manage your cold (aside from what you said). I did not know garlic was a good source for that as well. Definitely will have all of this in mind.
Thanks for you contribution here Stephanie. You asked why it is that chicken noodle soup has it’s healing properties.
The best I can discover is that first of all chicken noodle soup is probably one of if not the most popular soups in the whole world, with somewhat different recipes in different countries. However, for the most part it seems that common healthful vegetables such as onions, celery and carrots are often used along with various herbs and spices, which usually contain, among other ingredients, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Roland
Hello Rolandf,
This is a very helpful article for people like me who has a weak immunity system. It really is hard having cold again and again. I personally drink ginger tea and eat lot of vitamin C high fruits when I have a cold. But I didn’t know about sweet potatoes and kale salad. I will try them next time I am suffering from common cold.🙂
Thanks for your input Anjali. I hope the suggestions here can help you. Perhaps after you try them you will come back here and let everyone know how they worked for you. Thanks again.
Roland