How to Shorten a Cold

You have a cold. How do you get rid of it faster than usual? This article gives a few suggestions on how to shorten a cold.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
   Drink at least 1 liter of water a day

   ENVIRONMENT/WATER
   
   The cold virus thrives on a dry environment, so a moisturizer/vaporizer machine in your room can help in its prevention. Doctors often advice people to breathe in their hot shower' s vapor if they have a cold.
   
   Drink plenty of water. Water helps with congestion and dehydration. You should always drink lots of water even if you are not sick, since it is necessary for good health.

2. 
   Equinacea flowers

   EQUINACEA
   
   Equinacea has traditionally been used to treat colds for a very long time. Recently (2007), a study in The University of Connecticut showed that echinacea shortened the duration of colds by about one and a half days and lowered the odds of getting a cold by almost 60%.
   
   There are plenty of equinacea herbal teas and supplements in the market. If you are going to buy a supplement by sure the equinacea is not too processed and that it is listed on the ingredients in sufficient quatities (grams, not miligrams).

3. 
   Vitamin C is plentiful in citrus fruits and supplements

   NUTRITION
   
   Vitamin C
   
   Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and can help prevent disease. It has been shown in some (but not all) experiments to help prevent a cold, but its real benefit is strenghtening your immune system. Vitamin C is a necessary nutrient for your body's health and for a strong immune system. If your immune system is strong, your body should be better able to fight disease. Studies have found constant (everyday) Vitamin C intake helps shorten colds by about 8%!
   
   Zinc
   
   Studies on whether zinc helps speed up a recovery are mixed. Some show it does, others that it doesn't. Either way zinc is a necessary mineral in every diet simply because our body needs it. Taking zinc won't hurt and it could help you shorten your cold.

4. Also, you can try combining all of the above tips for a quick recovery!
   
   For more health related articles check the resources section at the bottom of the page.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash your hand often ofter touching surfaces and try to never touch your face. This helps prevent colds.
• You could also try homeopathy.
• If symptoms persist remember that most colds are over before 10 days and contact a doctor.

Resources

• How to Get Enough Calcium Without Dairy
• How to Have Stronger Bones
• How to Not Be Tired
• How to Cure Cold Sores
• How to Sterilize Things
• How to IMMEDIATELY cure dry skin
• How to Decrease Cell phone Radiation Exposure
• How to Eat To Maximize Weight Lifting Results
• How to Build Muscle Faster
• How to Get Prescription Medicines Without a Prescription

[Flybyknight]

on 3/25/2009 Good article. I'll have to try the EQUINACEA. Thanks!5*

[Mitestarossa]

on 3/20/2009 Great tips.