2012-10-16, 11:38 AM
Zinc and citric acid are proven inhibitors of rhinovirus replication (the viral family that causes the common cold), so one of your best bets is to actually up your intake of these. Most drugstores carry specific zinc lozenges for this purpose, while citric acid is best taken by adding lemon juice to tea (my favorite iteration is green tea with lemon juice and honey, as the green tea antioxidants + lemon juice citric acid + honey's antimicrobial properties make for a winning combination).
Note, however, that both are most effective at the absolute onset of symptoms, not, say, a week into a full-blown cold. So if you start to feel something creeping up, start a powerful regimen.
I also take a Stress B-Complex supplement every day, which contains high levels of B-Vitamins, Zinc, and Vitamin C, to help support energy levels and immune system health. This is something you could consider as a daily tool, or something to use while sick (I began taking them during a cold and didn't stop when the cold went away to maintain the health benefits).
Finally, like everyone said, the tried-and-true methods of really clearly a cold are drinking plenty of fluids to keep your lymph system active, sleeping as often as you can, and consuming plenty of healthy fruits, vegetables, soups, etc. You want to avoid high sugar content products, like candy and baked goods, as sugar dampens the immune system, and lower your dairy intake as well, as dairy can produce excess mucus in the body. And, of course, don't go out drinking - alcohol is just all around terrible when you're sick.
Feel better!
Note, however, that both are most effective at the absolute onset of symptoms, not, say, a week into a full-blown cold. So if you start to feel something creeping up, start a powerful regimen.
I also take a Stress B-Complex supplement every day, which contains high levels of B-Vitamins, Zinc, and Vitamin C, to help support energy levels and immune system health. This is something you could consider as a daily tool, or something to use while sick (I began taking them during a cold and didn't stop when the cold went away to maintain the health benefits).
Finally, like everyone said, the tried-and-true methods of really clearly a cold are drinking plenty of fluids to keep your lymph system active, sleeping as often as you can, and consuming plenty of healthy fruits, vegetables, soups, etc. You want to avoid high sugar content products, like candy and baked goods, as sugar dampens the immune system, and lower your dairy intake as well, as dairy can produce excess mucus in the body. And, of course, don't go out drinking - alcohol is just all around terrible when you're sick.
Feel better!