The head throbs, the nose runs, the throat is inflamed. Who does not know them, the symptoms of a cold. To prevent it from getting that far in the first place, you should train your immune system and fall back on some proven measures. We have compiled the best tips for you, with which you can prevent a cold. In addition, however, you will also find suggestions on what you can do if the common cold has caught you after all.
Prevent colds: 12 tips
The most pleasant cold is the one that does not break out in the first place. Because colds are usually unpleasant: the body is weakened by the pathogens and you feel listless and tired. With a few simple tips, however, you can prevent a cold. It is particularly important to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, so that the body has all the vitamins and minerals it needs in sufficient quantities. In addition, there are many other tips with which you can protect yourself from a cold:
- Drink tea: especially suitable are teas such as ginger, elderberry or lime blossom tea, which stimulate the immune system. Basically make sure to drink enough to moisten the mucous membranes.
- Sufficient vitamin C strengthens the immune system. Generally pay attention to a balanced diet rich in vitamins.
- Daily go out into the fresh air, so the body can better adjust to the cold temperatures. But: Do not go outdoors with wet hair.
- In public, if possible, keep your distance to avoid infection and wash your hands regularly.
- Warm-cold alternating showers invigorate and activate the immune system.
- Wear clothing appropriate to the temperatures: warming, but breathable – best according to the onion principle.
- Sport boosts the immune system, particularly well suited is endurance sports, for example walking, jogging or cycling.
- Sufficient sleep, avoid stress.
- Avoid dry heating air.
- Ventilate sufficiently, but avoid drafts.
- Regular visits to the sauna and hot foot baths strengthen the immune system.
- Daily substitute 15 to 30 milligrams of zinc.
8 tips for a cold
If the common cold has caught you then, the following tips can help you relieve the symptoms of the common cold and get rid of the annoying cold or the unpleasant sore throat as quickly as possible:
- Drink plenty of fluids to loosen the stubborn mucus. This is best suited still water or herbal teas sweetened with honey, such as thyme or sage tea.
- Ginger tea strengthens the immune system: a few slices of fresh ginger root with boiling water pour over, infuse to taste and sweeten with honey.
- Eat enough and balanced, so that the body is supplied with all essential vitamins, minerals and proteins.
- Zinc is involved in many metabolic processes of the human body and is essential for optimal functioning of the immune system. Among other things, zinc protects the mucous membranes and can thus impede the penetration of viruses. However, zinc not only arms the immune system against a possible cold, it also helps when the first symptoms are already noticeable.
- A hot bath with essential oils helps to relax and frees the airways.
- Avoid dry heating air, otherwise the mucous membranes dry out and the viruses can do their work all the easier. Simply put a bowl of water on the heater, put a drop of essential oil, which replaces any room perfume. In addition, ventilate several times a day (best suited is shock ventilation), so that the room air is not too stuffy and the virus-laden air is exchanged for fresh air.
- Even with a cold (not with fever) go out into the fresh air and take walks, but keep warm.
- Avoid stress, so the body has the necessary strength to fight the viruses.
5 home remedies for colds
When you have a cold, you do not have to go directly to a doctor, but can first treat a cold, cough or sore throat yourself. However, if the cold lasts longer than a week or the temperature climbs into the fever range, you should go to the doctor. These home remedies can help you get rid of the common cold as quickly as possible:
- Rinse the nose with salt water to moisten dried mucous membranes.
- Honey has an antibacterial effect and can therefore effectively fight bacteria in the mouth and throat.
- For colds, inhale with salt water or essential oils to loosen mucus.
- If you have a cough, an onion syrup will help ease the discomfort: Dice an onion and sprinkle with sugar. After an hour, take the juice that has formed.
- Gargling with chamomile tea has a positive effect on sore throats: Because chamomile tea disinfects the throat and helps heal the inflamed areas.
Here you can find more home remedies for colds. The best tips against a cold
Recipe for an anti-cold drink.
With the following recipe, you can mix yourself a healthy anti-cold potion. The cold drink will provide you with important vitamins and minerals, thus strengthening your immune system:
- 100 ml carrot juice
- 100 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp sea buckthorn juice
The drink should be drunk room-warm before bedtime. This is also a good time to take a zinc supplement. In addition, a cup of elderberry or lime blossom tea sweetened with honey should be drunk daily.
