- Gargle with warm water — or better yet, warm salt water. Why? Because gargling can help flush out mucus that drains from the sinuses down your throat. And the water will help hydrate the cells at the back of your throat. If the cells there are dry, they will be less effective at keeping germs out of your respiratory tract.
- Drink hot tea. Researchers from Harvard University found that tea drinkers have immune system responses that are FIVE TIMES faster than coffee drinkers’. Why? Tea contains catechins, which may help your immune system spring into action against viruses. Another study from Pace University found that white tea was the best of all — but really any tea is better than no tea.
- Quit smoking! Smoking can destroy the hair-like fibers in your lungs — called cilia — that help keep germs out of your body. Even secondhand smoke can hurt your cilia.
- Eat breakfast. Why? Because most breakfast foods are fortified with vitamins and minerals — the hip new term is “micronutrients” — that can help reduce your risk of infection.
- Rest up. The more you rest at night, the stronger your body will be when it comes to fighting off germs. A person who sleeps seven hours or more has a stronger immune system than someone who only grabs four hours’ worth of Zzzs.
- Add zinc to your medicine cabinet. Zinc may help prevent cold viruses from replicating. Try lozenges or nasal sprays that include zinc — both are available over the counter.
- Eat that chicken soup. Why? Lots of reasons. The salty broth will help soothe your sore throat. The warmth will help break up mucus. And research from the Nebraska Medical Center says that chicken soup can help reduce inflammation and inhibit mucus production.
- Treat your symptoms. Suffering isn’t going to make you feel better any faster. Look for an antihistamine and decongestant together, and make sure to add a painkiller if the body ache is keeping you from resting at night. Talk to your doctor first if you have high blood pressure — some over the counter cold medicines can raise your blood pressure even higher.
More cold care advice: don’t see the doctor. How to stay healthy this winter. Don’t forget winter beauty tips!