6 Ways to Get Rid of a Cold Overnight
We know that moment all too well: Our throat starts to get
scratchy, our nasal cavities tingle, a throbbing pain takes up residence in
between our temples—it's official: A cold is brewing.
Now that we're in the deep throes of fall, we're constantly
reminded of the impending doom of a cold with each sneeze, sniffle, and dreaded
nose-blow that happens around us. And while we do our best to keep our immune
systems strong and on the defense, sometimes a cold wiggles its way in and is
too big for our britches (er, body) to stave off.
No more. We've discovered some expert tips for how to get
rid of a cold virtually overnight so that you can get back to your regularly
scheduled programming symptom-free. Check out these tips below!
Eat Garlic
Taryn Forrelli, ND, Olly's head of innovation and certified
naturopath, says to go heavy on the garlic when you feel a cold coming on.
"Garlic is a powerful antioxidant with antimicrobial, antiviral, and
antibiotic properties. It also helps with decongestion associated with colds
and flus. Aim for eating one small clove every three to four hours. Smear it on
toast with a bit of olive oil or honey if you can't stomach it straight."
Our tip: Just be sure to have breath mints at the ready.
Try Supplements
Olly Ultimate Immunity Gummies ($14)
Forrelli also says to aim for 500 to 1000 mg of vitamin C
per day while fighting off sniffles. "An easy and tasty way to make sure
you're getting enough of this juicy antioxidant is taking a vitamin C–rich
supplement like Olly's Ultimate Immunity gummy, which is a blend of 700 mg of
vitamin C, zinc, and beta glucans for immune system support." While you
may be familiar with vitamin C and zinc as cold-fighting powerhouses, get to
know beta-glucan. In a 2008 study, one group that took a supplement with
beta-glucan had 23% fewer upper respiratory infections than the other group
that took a placebo.
Eat Chicken Soup
Yeah, yeah. We've all been told to have a bowl of chicken
soup when we're sick—it's good for the soul, as they say. But there's actually
science behind why it works. Cysteine is a powerful antioxidant found in
chicken soup (it's released from chicken during cooking) and actually
chemically resembles the bronchitis medication acetylcysteine. The protein and
minerals from the chicken (white meat—dark is a bit too fatty) also help boost
your immune system while the salty broth helps to thin mucus. It's truly a
healing miracle food—no wonder bone broth is so on trend.
Wear Wet Socks (Seriously)
When Forrelli also suggested the "wet sock" method
to cure a cold, I thought A. she was joking, and B. she's clearly never stepped
in a puddle and had her shoe fill up with water (which is my personal
nightmare). However, this method, also known as "warming socks,"
works with your body's natural physiology to heal everything from colds to
headaches to trouble sleeping. Essentially, when you place the wet socks on
your feet, the cool temperature causes blood to flow away from the skin and
back into the feet to warm them up. This form of "microcirculation"
performs exactly what regular blood flow does, bringing nutrients in and toxins
out. However, doing this in a small area in such a quick amount of time rather
than getting your heart rate up pulls blood into the skin and away from areas
of pain and swelling (like stuffed sinuses).
In order to do this, first warm your feet (placing them in a
hot bath works), wring out a pair of cold wet socks in the sink, and
immediately place them on your feet. Put dry socks (or plastic baggies) on over
the wet socks so you can cuddle up in bed, and then wake up in the morning
feeling better.
Hydrate
bobble-water-bottle
Shop
Bobble Water Bottle ($15)
Aside from just fueling your body with water to stay
hydrated, drinking plenty of fluids keeps your throat and passages lubricated,
according to Be Well coach Amanda Carney.
Alex Caspero, Head Nutritionist at HUM Nutrition adds that
hot drinks are a must, too: "Hot liquids, like tea, relieve nasal
congestion and can soothe the inflamed tissue that lines your nose and throat.
If you're feeling queasy, grate in some fresh ginger to help calm an upset
stomach." Inhaling the steam from the drink also stimulates your cilia
(the little hair-like structures in your nose and trachea) to sweep germs out.
Try Some ACV
bragg-apple-cider-vinegar
Shop
Bragg Apple
Cider Vinegar ($9)
In addition to relieving bloating, boosting energy, and
clearing acne, apple cider vinegar also helps get rid of sore throats. Germs
hate acid, so taking a swig of this potent liquid will help ward them off. Take
it from us: Recently, Byrdie's editorial director, Faith, and I were feeling
sick, so we took a shot of ACV and instantly felt the throat-soothing effects.
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