Colds are caused by over 100 different viruses and the symptoms can last from 7 to 14 days regardless of any treatment. Not all viruses will cause you to have a temperature however if this does occur and the temperature stays below 102 F (39 C), then the increased temperature will help get rid of the virus a little faster.

Because there is no effective treatment for the virus, the best thing to do is to keep your immune system in top condition and that means avoiding certain foods and giving your immune system the nutrition it needs.

Natural cold remedies includes:

• Vitamin C to bowl tolerance and bioflavenoids, Vitamin A and bioflavenoids.

• Garlic (very good natural antibiotic) and Echinacea (widely use in Europe improves production of immune system proteins).

• Chicken soup! believe it or not, even Harvard and many other Universities have proven this as one of the best natural cold remedies. The protein in the soup helps to replace that which is lost through mucus and contains an amino acid (cysteine) that helps to thin the mucus.

• Reduce your intake of milk and milk products as well as refined carbohydrates such as sugar, biscuits, bread etc. Avoid juices especially orange juice contains fructose sugar and can worsen the condition.

• Drink plenty of water and lots of rest. Caution against over-exercising particularly if you have been taking antibiotics for a secondary infection (such as bronchitis or pneumonia). This can and does regularly lead to cardiac failure in otherwise healthy people including athletes.

• Omega 3 essential fatty acids help boost the immune system. Conversely, fried food and vegetable oils (omega 6) depress the immune system.

• There are many essential oils that can be used as natural cold remedies by inhaling, adding to a bath, and as a rub or massage including lavender, lemon, lemongrass, Roman and German chamomile, marjoram, ginger, tarragon, manuka, cedarwood, peppermint, ravensara, myrrh, orange, pine, oregano, frankincense, thyme, Eucalyptus globulus and E. radiata, rosemary, tea tree and thyme.

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