8 Secrets To Beating A Cold Naturally

Think twice about opening the medicine cabinet this winter if you are feeling a little run down or have a cold. Discover 8 great tips to beating a cold naturally!

A runny nose, the sneezes, a cough, a stuffy head are all things we would like to avoid this winter or at any stage throughout the year. Here are eight great tips to beating a cold naturally.

1. Drink Up
For your body to heal and flush out toxins it needs water to do this. If your body is dehydrated, the waste becomes stagnant in the body and can't move anywhere. Drink at least 2-3 litres of water each day to ensure your body is getting all that it needs. If you prefer warmer drinks during the winter, have herbal teas, or try adding slices of fresh lemon and ginger to a cup of hot water for a nice change.

2. Fresh Is Best
It is no secret that what we put in us, we become. The fresher the food you eat the healthier your cells and immune system. Fresh fruits and vegetables are high in fibre, vitamins, minerals, water and natural goodness. The more packaged and processed your diet is, the harder it is on your system to stay healthy. Go to your local farmers market to get local and in season produce.

3. Air Your Home
Fresh air is critical to good health. Many of us in the winter months, close the windows, turn up the heaters and create a stuffy environment. Even if it is a little cold. For at least 10 to 15 minutes each day, open your windows, step outside and breathe in the fresh air. You will feel great for it.

4. Try Herbals first instead of Drugs
Herbs are incredibly powerful at boosting your immune system and assisting your body to fight infection. Before you reach for a cough medicine or flu tablet, look at some of the natural remedies out there. We have found that Olive Leaf Extract and Flu Plex are excellent at boosting the immune system and aid in the bodys recovery and defense of a cold or lowered immunity.

5. Get Adjusted
Did you know that studies have shown that people under regular Chiropractic Care have up to 400% stronger immune systems than those who don't. Subluxations, a misalignment in your spine can effect the function of your immune system. Many of our patients report that after receiving their adjustments they don't get as sick as easily, and notice an improvement in their energy and sleeping habits. If you haven't had your spine checked for subluxation, be sure to contact a Family Wellness Chiropractor to arrange a check up today!

6. Go The Chillies & Garlic
Garlic has many healing properties and is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal which is great for fighting infections and boosting your immune system. Any spicy foods will also help clear the sinus passages and help your body clear out more toxins from your body.

7. Drink Fresh Vitamin C Rich Juice
Orange, Tomato, grapefruit or pineapple juice can help you get over a cold. Studies show that by drinking at least 5 glasses of any of these fresh juices (not from a bottle) you can reduce your coughing and sneezes.

8. Let It Be
Remember, if you do have a cold, it isn't always a bad thing. It is often your bodies way of cleansing out all sorts of gunk and toxins that have built up in your body over time. It is also a sign that you need to rest your body - not try to push through it.

It is the phlegm that carries old cells, toxins and waste out of the body - so it is a good thing. The worst thing you could do would be to take a cold or flu tablet, as this stops the cleansing action of the body and pushes all the gunk back into your system. You might feel a little better sooner, but it will have negative effects on your health in the long term.