Beat the Bugs
Better Nutrition|January 2020
10 ways to conquer colds, fight flu, and stay healthy this winter
By Lisa Turner
Beat the Bugs

Fever, body aches, sore throats, and coughs that last till spring—it’s that time of year again. But you don’t have to be miserable. Herbs, supplements, foods, and lifestyle practices can help you kick that sickness to the curb. Just try these science-based remedies that really work.

1 Suck on some zinc.

It can significantly reduce the duration of colds and severity of symptoms. Taken within 24 hours after symptoms start, zinc lozenges can shorten the length of colds by up to three days and cut the duration of some symptoms, such as stuffy nose, by as much as 58 percent. While lozenges have the best immediate effect, zinc supplements may also support immunity and lower your risk of getting sick. To stop a cold in its tracks, take zinc lozenges as soon as symptoms appear. For longer-term protection, take zinc capsules or tablets. But avoid zinc nasal sprays and swabs—they’ve been linked with an irreversible loss of the sense of smell.

2 Get more sunshine. When skin is exposed to sunlight, the body produces vitamin D, critical for healthy immune function. In cold, cloudy winter months, when you’re not out as much, you may need supplements, since low levels of vitamin D can make you more susceptible to colds and flu. Epidemiologic studies show that high vitamin D levels are linked with a reduced risk of upper respiratory tract infections, and supplementing with vitamin D significantly lowers risk of infection. In one study, vitamin D cut the risk of respiratory infection in half, especially in people who were deficient. Look for vitamin D 3 in gel caps or liquids for best absorption.

Esta historia es de la edición January 2020 de Better Nutrition.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición January 2020 de Better Nutrition.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE BETTER NUTRITIONVer todo
Strike A Healing Chord
Better Nutrition

Strike A Healing Chord

Soothe your mind, body, and spirit with three simple sound therapy techniques for self-care.

time-read
7 minutos  |
January 2022
Laura's Gourmet Granola
Better Nutrition

Laura's Gourmet Granola

If you’re tired of granola that’s more candy than health food, chef and entrepreneur Laura Briscoe’s offerings are just what you’ve been looking for.

time-read
4 minutos  |
January 2022
News Bites
Better Nutrition

News Bites

Caffeine, Peanuts, CoQ10, and Iron Deficiency.

time-read
4 minutos  |
January 2022
The Overlooked Keys to a Healthy Gallbladder
Better Nutrition

The Overlooked Keys to a Healthy Gallbladder

Keep your bile thin and free-flowing by focusing on supportive foods, supplements, and physical activity.

time-read
6 minutos  |
January 2022
Go Nutty This Year
Better Nutrition

Go Nutty This Year

This über-healthy alternative to traditional lattes features homemadewalnut “mylk,” along with antioxidant-rich green tea and berries.

time-read
5 minutos  |
January 2022
The Three Stages of Infection
Better Nutrition

The Three Stages of Infection

What you need before, during and after an illness, and why you need different fixes for each stage.

time-read
6 minutos  |
January 2022
Better Nutrition

Taming the Flames

How to beat back chronic inflammation and protect yourself from related disease.

time-read
6 minutos  |
January 2022
Deconstructing the Flexitarian Diet
Better Nutrition

Deconstructing the Flexitarian Diet

How being a part-time vegan can make you healthier.

time-read
4 minutos  |
January 2022
Brain Regain
Better Nutrition

Brain Regain

How one senior used a leptin-focused diet (high-fat, no carbs) to recover from a cognitive injury, reconnect with his family, and reclaim his health.

time-read
4 minutos  |
January 2022
Healthy Aging— Head To Toe
Better Nutrition

Healthy Aging— Head To Toe

Science-backed supplements to protect all your parts.

time-read
5 minutos  |
December 2021