Quick Cold Remedies: Natural Remedies for Cough and Cold

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Looking for quick cold remedies?

When you  feel under the weather, you’ll look to any quick cold remedies to help you to feel better. I know, I’ve been there.

I rarely get sick. So imagine my surprise when I found myself in bed for a few days, followed by a cough that lasted almost three weeks.

Everyone else in my household had a mild cough for a day or two. Therefore, it became clear that my immune system was not in the best shape.

Following are some things I did (and you can do) to get yourself healthy and out of bed.

Quick Cold Remedies

Get More Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your body and immune system. I know this. You know this. However, many of us get a mere 4-6 hours of sleep a night.

Experts suggest an average of 8 hours of sleep. This is only a guideline. The truth is, some individuals need more and some less. I’ve found I’m at my best when I get 9-10 hours of sleep. It’s a lot and I hate sleeping that much, but I do feel so much better.

If you can’t get a full 8-10 hours of a sleep a night, try to find the time to take a nap during the day if possible. Your body will thank you.

Drink More Water

Our bodies are comprised of about 50-65% water. Your organs need water to function. When you are dehydrated you risk your body shutting down. While other beverages like coffee, tea, soda, and juice also have water; it’s important to remember that those beverages also have added sugars and other ingredients that aren’t great for your body. Drink more water regularly and you’ll feel much better.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

You’ve likely noticed that when you eat well you feel well. So why do we constantly eat food that makes us feel unwell? Packaged and processed foods are full of sugar. Sugar can be addictive. Try to eat more fruits and vegetables and ditch the processed food. You’ll find that your palate will change and you’ll start to notice the natural sugars that come from produce. Plus fruits and vegetables are full of fiber and vitamins that your body needs.

Try Probiotics

Did you know that an estimated 80% of your immune system is in your gut? Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health. More importantly, they are good for your digestive system. A healthy diet feeds the bacteria in your gut. An unhealthy diet kills the bacteria. Antibiotics can also kill good bacteria along with the bad bacteria you may be trying to get rid of if you have a bacterial infection.

So how do you build up the good bacteria in your body? Some people take probiotic supplements. My favorite probiotics are Renew Life and Bio-Kult.

While probiotics do help, there are also foods that are great at building up your gut flora.

Fermented Vegetables

Anything fermented (make sure the label says fermented) will aid in building up healthy bacteria in your body. Kimchi, pickles, olives, and numerous other foods will aid in restoring the good bacteria in your gut.

Yogurts

Many yogurts contain live active cultures. Read the label to see if such cultures are listed. You’ll want to look for Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus among others. I also try to buy organic plain yogurt with as little added sugar as possible. Mix fruit in if you need a little extra flavor.

Apple Cider Vinegar

While not a probiotic, apple cider vinegar is a food source for healthy gut bacteria. Make sure it’s organic, raw, and unfiltered. Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is a great choice, that can be found in most grocery stores.

Other Herbs and Vegetables

There are other herbs and vegetables that may aid in building a stronger immune system. Onions and garlic are known to fight infections from bacteria and viruses. Oregano Oil has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. And elderberry is also known to help with the immune system.

You can try these Elderberry Capsules I use, or make your own Elderberry Syrup with my Elderberry Syrup Recipe.

Try some of the above suggestions and not only will you recover from a cold sooner, you may prevent one all together.

Do you have some additional quick cold remedies? Share them with us in the comments section below.