Immune Defense Cold Remedy

The common cold is caused by a virus that affects your nose and throat. Common symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, coughing and itchy eyes. Symptoms can vary because, according to the Mayo Clinic, more than 200 different viruses can cause a cold. While most people will get better in less than two weeks, there are things you can cut down the duration of your sickness by boosting your immune system.

Fluids

• Perhaps the most important thing you can do to boost your immunity during a cold is increase your intake of fluids. When drink water, juice or tea, these fluids help replace those you lost as your body produces mucus. It is important to avoid things that can contribute to dehydration such as smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol and caffeine. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating chicken soup is actually helpful in building up your defenses against a cold. It works by suppressing neutrophils, which your immune system produces in reaction to inflammation. Chicken soup also helps speed up the production of mucus, which cuts down the amount of time mucus is in your nostrils.

At Home

• Another important aspect of immune defense building for fighting colds is making sure you get plenty of rest. If you have a bad cough or a fever, you should stay home. Getting extra sleep can speed up the reaction and strength of your immune system and you are also preventing the spread of your germs to others. At home, keep the temperature in your house warm but make sure it's not too hot. If you have a cough, the use of a humidifier can help make the air less dry.

Supplements

• According to the Mayo Clinic, taking echinacea can help cut down the duration of a cold and ease some of the symptoms. However, there is no evidence that the herb can stop a cold completely. Also, echinacea works best if used right at the onset of the symptoms. Also, large quantities of vitamin C also has little effect on whether you catch a cold, but it may cut down the duration as well. While there may some evidence that zinc can help ease symptoms, it also needs to be taken at the onset of the sickness. Though zinc nasal sprays can be helpful, there is a risk of permanent loss of smell from use.