Cold Remedies: Foods and Rest for Relief

Colds happen year-round, taking a 6.73 million dollars toll on the U.S. medical industry. Every year, people seek simple, affordable remedies to ease symptoms and speed recovery. A recent animated reel by the account thebodyscience.health highlights the core truth: when you're under the weather, rest, hydration, and nourishing foods fuel your body's healing process.

Food as medicine

Thebodyscience.health balances these needs with some simple — and affordable — foods designed to deliver both vitamin C and hydration. The featured foods are all easy to find. A most-common cold is a miserable malady — but it’s an opportunity to try some of these practical suggestions: Kiwi, citrus, honey, ginger, and soup are a starting point. Here's what makes these remedies stand out. Generally, they are hydrating, simple, and effective for relieving symptoms. Some, like ginger, are ancient remedies, used for thousands of years. Each ingredient has a role in the recovery process.

Current trends – our health reflex

The reality of most colds is that they resolve in a week, even if no medicine is used. Even the CDC recommends treating symptoms as the best plan. Yet preventative health and wellness trending online, with #wellness already having 167 million posts on Instagram. (The platform is popular for sharing health trends.) Our desire for natural, holistic health can be seen everywhere. In addition, the wellness trend is expanding into food. People are turning to food as a form of medical treatment. From superfoods to herbal remedies, people are finding new ways to prevent and treat common ailments with natural remedies. The use of food for healing is nothing new. Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician, said, "Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food". Eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are all important parts of a healthy lifestyle. Yet, healthy living is often contrary to the demands of life, not to mention a cold. In this context, the right foods and fluids may be even more important. Some core ingredients can fuel your recovery without alarming additional symptoms.

Food supplements: the art of healing

The Powers of Ginger

Ginger is an ancient remedy for colds. Growing in popularity especially in the past few years, ginger is a warming, spicy zest. Its flavors are sharp and bright, and can be added to everything from smoothies to soups. The effect of ginger is soothing and hydrating, even if beauty products containing the ingredient can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Healing soup

Soup is a versatile, hydrating food. Best of all, soup is an easy food to prepare. The most important thing is that it's hydrating and easy to swallow. For a sick person recovering from a cold, nutritious soup can be lifesaving. But the versatility of soup is unmatched. From chicken noodle to tomato, the flavors and spices can be tailored to your tastes and to your symptoms. This is important, as a surprising number of people have lost or damaged taste receptors. Having a flavor you enjoy, and that is easy to prepare, can help you to stay hydrated, even if you aren't feeling well.

Citrus: Vitamin C with gusto

Citrus is a refreshing zing. Though it's a common cold remedy, there are compelling health benefits. Its flavors are bright and tangy, and they can be added to everything from a drink to a meal. The effect of citrus on a cold is soothing and energizing, and can help to fight infections.

Practical advice for your next day off

There's a lot you can do to prevent sickness, to invest in recovery, and to think about what this means for you. It's important to take time off of work when you're sick, in order to get the rest and recovery you need. If you are stuck at home, recovering from a cold, your body needs rest, fluids, and nourishing foods. The foods you choose can be simple and affordable foods designed to deliver nutrients. Your illness is an opportunity to support your body. Eat well, and your body will respond, using that nourishment to power its healing. Ginger, citrus, honey, Kiwi, and soup are just a few suggestions. There's only one way to find out what your body needs. Experiment and find out what makes you feel better. When you're next feeling under the weather, remember the importance of food and hydration. . Being sick with a cold is a reminder of the power of a simple soup. Eat well, and you'll be on the path to a speedy recovery.