Introduction
The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. Among the symptoms associated with the common cold are nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose and sneezing, coughing, and mild body aches. The common cold is prevalent in the fall and winter seasons. However, no one enjoys the discomfort associated with a cold. Therefore, this article aims to provide information on how to get rid of a cold in 24 hours using natural remedies, self-care, medical options, exercise, and mindfulness.
The Natural Remedies Approach
One of the best ways to get rid of a cold is to support the immune system. Natural remedies boost the immune system and offer support to the body while it fights off the virus. Here are some natural remedies to consider:
Drinking herbal teas
Herbal teas contain antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that can help break up congestion, prevent dehydration, and soothe a sore throat. Some effective teas to drink during a cold include ginger, chamomile, peppermint, and lemon. Ginger tea is ideal for calming coughs and sore throats, chamomile tea is suitable for relieving anxiety and restlessness, peppermint tea is excellent for unclogging congested nasal passages, and lemon tea helps to cure common cold symptoms.
Eating nutrient-rich foods
Focus on nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetable, and lean protein. Foods that are high in antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system. Examples of such foods are leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and arugula, Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, and other antioxidant-rich fruits such as berries, cherries, and plums.
Taking Vitamin C supplements
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps prevent damage from the common cold. It also reduces the severity of cold symptoms by boosting the immune system. Consider taking vitamin C supplements or consuming foods that are high in the nutrient such as oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, and kiwifruit.
The Self-Care Approach
Self-care is essential during a cold. The following tips can help reduce symptoms and help the body fight off the virus:
Getting extra rest
Take time to rest, especially during the first few hours of a cold. Avoid activities that require a lot of energy or trigger symptoms. Treat yourself to more sleep too; this helps improve your body’s immune system by restoring energy
Staying hydrated
Drinking fluids, particularly water, helps to remain hydrated and keeps the throat moist. It’s also advisable to avoid taking caffeine, alcohol, or those containing sugar, as they tend to dehydrate the body. Drinking plenty of fluids also helps to flush out harmful toxins in the body.
Using a humidifier
A humidifier can help keep the nasal passages moist, making it easier to breathe. Adding some eucalyptus oil to the humidifier can also help unclog blocked nasal passages.
The Medical Approach
Medical options for reducing the severity of a cold and its duration include:
Using over-the-counter medication
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers can ease cold symptoms such as congestion and coughs. However, individuals should check with their doctor or a pharmacist to ensure that these medications do not interfere with any preexisting medical conditions or medication being taken.
Visiting a doctor to get a prescription
If symptoms do not get better within 24 hours, it may be necessary to visit a doctor to receive a prescription to help control symptoms such as a cough, inflammation, or fever, depending on the severity of the cold. Antibiotics may not be prescribed as the common cold is usually caused by a virus, hence it doesn’t improve with antibiotics.
The Exercise Approach
Contrary to what some people would assume, exercises such as yoga and walking can help reduce the symptoms of a cold by raising the heart rate and increasing blood circulation. Here are some gentle exercises that can be done at home during a cold:
Yoga
Yoga is an excellent exercise for stretching and promoting relaxation and stress reduction. Some yoga poses such as the triangle and the downward dog can promote blood circulation and clearing of nasal pathways.
Walking
Walking is an easy exercise that can help improve circulation and ease cold symptoms. Walking outdoors is also good because fresh air can help clear nasal passages. It is advisable to wear a scarf to keep warm and protect the nose and mouth from cold air.
The Mindfulness Approach
Stress and anxiety weaken the immune system, increasing the likelihood of prolonged cold symptoms. Mindfulness techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting the immune system’s strength.
Meditation
Meditation helps create a calmer and relaxed state of mind, which helps in reducing stress. Focus on breathing meditation to alleviate congestion and breathe better.
Deep breathing exercises
Deep breathing helps to slow down breathing and promote relaxation. It also helps to alleviate symptoms of the common cold by reducing feelings of anxiety and stress and promoting circulation.
Conclusion
The common cold can be annoying and can interfere with daily life. By using a blend of natural remedies, self-care, medical options, exercise, and mindfulness, it is possible to get rid of a cold in 24 hours. Try incorporating some of the approaches highlighted in this article to ensure a speedy recovery from the common cold. Remember to always check with a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
