Tackling the winter cold

It’s a Monday afternoon and working in a newsroom means you have to be on your feet, writing articles and rushing to breaking news stories, but today the office so quiet that you can hear a needle drop. The sounds made by journalists typing stories and making calls to their sources are all gone. This certainly does not feel like a newsroom anymore because everyone is off sick.

So, what can we do to bolster our defences against the dreaded bugs and viruses that do the rounds at this time of year? The key is to strengthen your immune system and then, at the first sign of feeling under the weather, take measures to fight off infection.

Here are a few tips:

Vitamin C

The original and still the best, the body needs Vitamin C to stay healthy and to fight off bugs. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruit and tomatoes and can also be taken as a supplement. It helps strengthen cells and the immune system and is also believed to reduce the symptoms of a cold. A well balanced diet will probably give you all the Vitamin C you need, so make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruit and juice.

Water

Drinking water can help to ward off flu. Yes it can be difficult to drink water in this cold weather but water can spare you a lot of pain and discomfort that can be caused by flu related sicknesses.

Eight small glasses a day are recommended, and those who drink less massively increase their chances of getting flu, a stuffy nose or a sore throat. Water is crucial because it is required for every function of the body. It is important to keep hydrated so the lining of the nose is moist. The first line of defence is the mucous membrane in the nose. This acts like a sticky flypaper to trap things like dust, dirt and bacteria and prevent them getting to the lungs. If you are dehydrated, the mucous membrane will dry out. When this happens, it is half as effective.

Ginger

Ginger can be helpful in treating common cold and its symptoms due to its antiviral, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Eat raw ginger or drink ginger tea several times a day. You can also drink ginger tea, add a lemon juice and honey to it.

You can also make a paste of ginger, cloves and salt and eat one-half teaspoon of it two times a day.

Steam baths

Inhaling steam is often the best way of easing congestion and opening up nasal passages that have become blocked. Either run a steaming hot bath or lean over a basin of steaming water. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil can also help clear mucus.

Chicken Soup

Chicken soup has many essential nutrients and vitamins that help treat common cold symptoms. The high antioxidant properties in chicken soup speed up the healing process.

In addition, it will boost immunity and restore strength in your weary body. For best results, make homemade chicken soup using organic vegetables and chicken.