Tweet
- Photo: Stock.Xchng
Flu kills around 600 people a year in the UK. And the common cold, while not lethal, can cause annoying sneezing, stuffy noses and coughs. There’s no cure for colds and flu, unfortunately, but there are things you can do to lessen your symptoms. With lots of rest, plenty of fluids and the help of a few natural remedies, you’re likely to feel better sooner.
Vitamin C
While scientists warn that megadoses of vitamins can do more harm than good, many nutritionists recommend taking large doses of vitamin C as soon as cold and flu symptoms appear. According to Patrick Holford, ‘Vitamin C works but you have to take a lot – ideally 1 gram (that’s 20 oranges worth) an hour.’ He cites a study that gave volunteers eight grams of vitamin C on the first day of a cold and found that 46 per cent of them felt completely better the next day. If you decide to try megadosing on vitamin C, only do so for a short time.
Olive leaf extract
Olive leaves contain a powerful antioxidant called oleuropein that has been found to fight viruses, bacteria and inflammation. Taking olive leaf extract when cold and flu symptoms hit could well help you heal faster. Many herbalists swear by it, and it’s thought to have cancer-fighting properties, too. Olive leaf extract is said to be very safe and suitable for taking in the long term. If you prefer not to take supplements, eating a diet high in olive oil will also help ward off colds and flu.
Vitamin D
More than half of the UK’s population is thought to be deficient in vitamin D. Besides helping your body build strong bones, vitamin D also improves your mood and fights off flu. If you want to supplement your vitamin D intake, buy a good multivitamin. Supplementing vitamin D alone shouldn’t be done without the guidance of a doctor, however, as you can easily overdose on it. Rather spend time in the sun whenever possible and eat plenty of mushrooms and fortified soya products.
If your flu symptoms are serious and just don’t seem to be getting better, a trip to the doctor is a good idea. Symptoms of swine flu include a high temperature (above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), a dry cough and a sore throat. Find out more about the H1N1 virus here.
Leave a Response