The Best Way to Stop a Cold

At any time of year, the common cold can strike and cause minor to major discomfort. Cold symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, fever and overall body aches. While there is no surefire way to completely stop a cold once it begins, you can drastically reduce the time it takes for your body to beat a cold. With a few simple remedies, you will be on your way to feeling better in no time.

Instructions

• 1

  If you don't take Vitamin C regularly, start with 500mg every 8 hours.

  Take your vitamins and supplements at the first sign of a cold. Vitamin C, zinc and echinacea are the major supplements that rid the body of cold symptoms. However, even a daily multivitamin will boost your immune system and help fight the sickness. Vitamins and supplements come in lozenges or pill form, which makes them easy to take.

• 2

  Chicken soup is known to help colds - it hydrates and warms up the body.

  Eat lightly. This helps your body concentrate on fighting your sickness rather than digestion. Stick to soups, vegetables, fruits and other light and easy foods. Avoid sugars, which can negatively effect your immune system. You should also avoid dairy products. Do not forget to drink a lot fluids, including 100 percent pure fruit juices, water and broths.

• 3

  Use salt water in multiple ways to help you get over your cold. Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to help relieve a sore throat and clear out any mucus that gathers in the throat. You can also purchase over-the-counter saline drops or spray for your nose. Salt water in the nose will keep the passages moist and loosen up mucus.

• 4

  Even if you are not accustomed to napping, you should let yourself doze if you feel tired.

  Get a lot of rest whenever you are sick, and even when you have a mild cold. Sometimes, colds are way your body is telling you you need to take it easy. If you can, take a day off from work or school and sleep in. Nap during the day, lay around and read or just watch television -- whatever it takes to not exert yourself.

• 5

  Put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ear to cure a cold. Let it fizz for a few minutes and then drain it out onto a tissue. Repeat with your second ear. This method kills the cold virus in the ear drum. In 1928, Dr. Richard Simmons argued that cold viruses enter our bodies through our ear drums, Healing Daily reports. While this is controversial, it may be worth trying, and some people report that it can help you feel better quickly. Avoid this method, however, if you have perforated ear drums, and always check with your doctor first.