Cold and Flu Fighting Volume (3) – (Article 3 of 4)

by Dr. Marli Botha

It’s easy to get dehydrated when suffering from cold or flu. Not only do you eat and drink less and have an overall reduced water intake, but you also lose water with sweat when you have a fever. Not only are fluids important for your body functions in general, but they can also help break up congestion and ward off infections.

Here are 4 fluid suggestions to help you get better faster:

1. When it comes to hydrating beverages, water still ranks number one. It helps lubricate the mucous membranes of the throat and acts as a natural detox for your body. Whilst on the topic of water – Influenza thrives and spreads more easily in dry environments. Increased humidity may also reduce nasal inflammation, making it easier to breathe when your sick.
2. If you aren’t a fan of water or are looking for something with more flavour, you can also drink: broth, ginger tea, herbal teas and 100 % fruit juices.
3. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or vegetable, broth is one of the best things you can eat when you have the flu. You can eat it as soon as your symptoms begin and until you have fully recovered. Broth helps prevent dehydration, and the warm elements can help soothe a sore throat and relieve congestion.
4. Slicing a lemon and boiling it in about 1 cup of water for 8 minutes makes a base for a soothing cough and sore throat remedy. Once the mixture has cooled and you have removed the pulp, add 1 tbsp. honey. Take a sip whenever needed to relieve from coughs or throat pain from a cold or flu. Honey can interfere with the mechanism that triggers coughing, soothing the tickling and itching and suppressing the cough.

It is important to mention that no food is meant to be a cure-all for any condition, though there are certainly health and skin benefits contained within them. The one thing you should always do before using a new skincare product is to do a patch test to look for allergies and sensitivities.