4 natural remedies for cold

Viliyana Filipova — Sat, 15 May 2010 12:40:07 +0000

Sniff and cough? Nose actually “run” neck and “scraping”? Further keyed by that whatever you do, still runs cold for 7 to 10 days? Everyone has some “magical” means of which the most believed and always apply when truly. For some it is vitamin C, others – Echinacea or zinc, others do prefer chicken soup … Actually I think that whatever you choose, it really works? We present the views of several experts, quoted by WebMD:
First the bad news: “You can not cure a cold.” – At least according to Professor David Blandino, dean of the medical faculty at the University of Pennsylvania (University of Pennsylvania). However, can relieve symptoms and reduce the number of days that feel real bad. And a few natural remedies to help you do it:
Zinc – this mineral contained in many cold anti – nutritional supplements or medicines available without prescription really works because it creates an unfavorable environment for viruses and their reproduction.
Despite many skeptical voices from academia, according to Professor Jack Guoltni University of Virginia and a longtime researcher of the cold, there are only 14 studies that attempt to scientifically explore the influence of zinc or colds. Moreover, some of them speak negatively, but others further evidence that this mineral is effective.
Vitamin C – for decades, most people believe that when the first symptoms of a cold take more vitamin C, it will help them cope with the disease still in its infancy. Partly this is due to review the discoverer of Vitamin C Linus Pauling, on the other – several studies show that vitamin E enhances the body’s resistance to viruses. However, these attempts have been made only in animals.
What is human? Again specialists were not unanimous, but were divided into two camps – for and against. The latter argue that even if no evidence of vitamin C to shorten the period of illness. Research from 2007 shows that taken after the onset of symptoms, vitamin C did not decrease during the worst days, but taken regularly as a preventive tool, it really works – at least 8 percent of adults and 14% of children, according to data .
Another study shows that preventive action of this vitamin is particularly pronounced for active people whose lifestyle and habits are linked to many users.
Echinacea – like vitamin C, it divides scientists into two extremes. Proponents of its effects argue that it improves the immune system and thus helping to counteract the virus.
Two recent studies in this direction came up with contradictory conclusions. According to scientists from the University of Connecticut, Echinacea reduces the risk of colds by 58% and shortened its duration by 1.4 days.
Previous research conducted by Professor Guoltni and his colleagues, whose findings were published in 2005 Edition New England Journal of Medicine, either preventively or during the cold Echinacea show any effect.
Chicken soup - it has supporters for decades. Most of them say it helps to reduce inflammation and thereby improves the overall condition of the body.
In this case, opponents of the idea have difficulty – not serious enough basis for comparison as scientific approach necessarily requires a comparison between the effects of a substance to that of another, the second should look (in this case and have a taste and flavor) as the first .
But all experts agree that even simptomit no effect on colds, chicken soup influenced the lack of enough fluids in the body (dehydration), which is typical of colds and flu.
It actually does something?
Regular hand washing has long been considered an appropriate preventive measure during influenza season and colds. Here, however, intervene one more – a new time. Lately more and more specialists advise not so much to wash hands regularly, but be careful what you touch man. Because it still is not certain how much time viruses retain their viability after the fall of a surface. Until recently it was thought that they can not survive more than a few hours, but data from a study in 2007 showed that a fully viable viruses (30-40% of the total) can be found as the electrical switches and remote controls more than 10 hours after entering them there.
“Rhino-viruses cause approximately half of colds,” said Professor Owen Handley from the University of Virginia. “A man comes into contact with the virus most often when he gets on his hands, and thus is transferred to the eyes and nose. Not necessarily the virus is transmissible by air – so one can “become” and other times – such as touch infected surfaces. Therefore, the presence of viruses in the air is not sufficient for infection. Therefore, experts advise, except handwashing, more moisture the air and receiving enough fluids. “There is a natural tool against the cold (or at least against its symptoms), which is as effective as drugs sold without a prescription against it. They contain substances proven effective to reduce fever, allergic reactions, inflammation, fever. Yet the most important thing is to remember – you can not cure a cold – it just has to pass for 7 to 10 days, “summarizes Professor Blandino.

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4 natural remedies for cold