“Natural Cold and Flu Remedies”

 

NATURAL COLD AND FLU REMEDIES: It's no wonder these kinds of treatments are popular -- we still have no cure for colds or the flu. While the flu vaccine may prevent the flu, and some prescription medications may shorten its symptoms, most conventional medications just ease symptoms. Many natural remedies can give you short-term relief as well, and a few may help you get better. See which ones show the most promise.

ECHINACEA: This herbal supplement may boost your immune system and help fight infections. But it’s unclear whether that helps you fight off colds. Most evidence shows echinacea doesn’t help prevent a cold, but some research found it shortens symptoms by a day or two. Other studies say it has no effect. To try it, take it when you start to feel bad and continue for 7 to 10 days.

ZINC: Some studies show it may help prevent and fight viruses, like the cold. For treatment, it may help shorten their length and lessen the severity if you take it within 24 hours of the first symptoms. You should continue to take zinc for five days. For cold prevention, some studies have used zinc for up to 4 months. The FDA says not to use zinc nasal products for colds – they carry the risk of permanent loss of smell.  

VITAMIN C: Its cold-fighting powers remain uncertain. Some research suggests it can cut cold symptoms short by about a day, but an analysis of multiple studies showed that only people on daily vitamin C at minimum doses of 200 mg each day who were under extreme physical stress were significantly less likely to get a cold. Taking vitamin C only after the start of symptoms has not been shown to be helpful. 

CHICKEN SOUP: Grandma was onto something. Chicken soup may help cold symptoms in more than one way. Inhaling the steam can ease a stuffy nose. Sipping spoonful’s of it can help replace the fluids you lose. The warm, salty broth can alleviate sore throats. 

HOT TEA: It offers some of the same perks as chicken soup. Breathing in the steam relieves congestion, while swallowing the fluid soothes your throat and keeps you hydrated. Black and green teas have the added bonus of being loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants, which may help stave off colds, as well.

HOT TODDY: This adult drink is an age-old nighttime cold remedy. Since you won't want to drink black tea and all that caffeine before bed, make a cup of hot herbal tea. Add a teaspoon of honey, a small shot of whiskey or bourbon, and a squeeze of lemon. This mixture may ease congestion, soothe your throat, alleviate your cough, and help you sleep. Don’t drink alcohol if you take any medications without clearing it with your doctor first.  And limit yourself to one -- too much alcohol can interfere with your sleep.

GARLIC: It's long been known as a germ fighter. And one study showed garlic supplements may help prevent colds when taken daily. But more research needs to be done to figure out its real effects. It does have nutrients, and in food form it can also help spice up your meals when a stuffy nose makes everything taste bland.

STEAM/HUMIDIFIER: Breathing in steam can break up congestion in your nose, offering relief when it’s stuffy or runny. You can get a heavy dose from a room humidifier, fill a bowl with hot water and lean over it with a towel over your head, or simply sit in the bathroom with the door shut and a hot shower running.

SALINE IRRIGATION: Dripping or spraying saltwater into your nose can thin out the gunk and help you get rid of it. That makes you less stuffy. You can try over-the-counter nasal saline washes or make your own. If you make your own, use water that's contaminant-free. It could be distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled.  Mix 3 teaspoons of iodide-free salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and store in a zip lock bag or other small airtight container. Add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 8 ounces (1 cup) of lukewarm distilled or boiled water.  Use a bulb syringe to squirt the liquid into one nostril while you hold the other one closed. Repeat 2-3 times and then do the other side. After you're done, be sure to rinse the irrigation device after each use with contaminant-free water, and let it air-dry.

NETI POT: You can use the same DIY saline solution in this gadget. It lets you flush out your nasal passages with a saltwater solution. The result is thinner mucus that drains more easily. Research suggests Neti pots can ease symptoms like congestion, pressure, and facial pain, particularly in people with ongoing (chronic) sinus troubles. The Neti solution also comes in a bottle with a nozzle that goes in your nose and generates a gentle force to flush your sinuses.

MENTHOL OINTMENT: Days of stuffy nose and congestion can leave you feeling miserable.  A simple remedy may be to dab a menthol-infused ointment under (but not in) your nose, or on your chest or throat. The menthol vapors may help relieve a cough and open clogged passages, which may help with congestion. But don’t use it on raw skin and don’t give it to children under age 2.

SALTWATER GARGLE: This may help your sore throat by decreasing throat swelling and rinsing out irritants and germs. Gargle 8 ounces of warm water with about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt four times daily to keep a scratchy throat moist.

NASAL STRIPS: You wear these strips of tape on the bridge of your nose to open the nasal passages. While they can't get rid of the stuffiness, they do create more space for airflow. That can help relieve nighttime congestion.

LET YOUR FEVER WORK: It's the original natural remedy. The rise in temperature fights colds and the flu by making your body too hot for germs to live. But if it makes you uncomfortable, it’s fine to take something to treat it. Drink plenty of liquids, too. Call your doctor right away if your temp is over 104 F or one accompanied by worrisome symptoms. For an infant who’s 3 months or younger, call your doctor for any fever of 100.4 or higher. Children with a fever of less than 102 usually don’t require treatment unless they're uncomfortable or it persists.

BED REST: Who has time to spend a day or two under the covers? But when you get plenty of rest, your body can direct more energy to fighting off germs. Staying warm is also important, so tuck yourself in and give your immune system a leg up.

MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY: Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on February 18, 2021

SOURCES:

American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: "Saline Sinus Rinse Recipe."
Eccles, R. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, September 1990.
Fruits & Veggies More Matters: "Vegetable of the Month: Garlic."
Joslin, P. Advances in Therapy, July/August 2001.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: "Echinacea" and "In the News: Zinc and the Common Cold."
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.
Oregon State University, The Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center: "Vitamin C."
Rennard, B. Chest, October 2000.

UpToDate.com.

Shopneilmed.com.

Mayoclinic.org.

Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University: Micronutrient Information Center. 

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

“Surprising Things That Raise Your Blood Pressure”

The Bigger Picture: You've probably heard to watch the amount of salt you eat, especially if you're concerned about your blood pressure. That's because it makes your body hold on to water, putting extra stress on your heart and blood vessels. Salt -- and worry, and anger -- aren't the only things that can raise your blood pressure. Although temporary "spikes" aren't necessarily a problem, numbers that remain high over time can cause serious damage.

Added Sugar: It may be even more important than salt in raising your blood pressure, especially in a processed form like high-fructose corn syrup. People with more added sugars in their diet see a significant rise in both their upper and lower numbers. Just one 24-ounce soft drink causes an average 15-point bump in systolic pressure (the top number, or the pressure during a heartbeat) and 9 in diastolic (the bottom number, or the pressure between beats).

Loneliness: This isn't just about the number of friends you have -- it's about feeling connected. And being stressed or depressed doesn't fully explain the effect. It also gets worse with time: Over 4 years, the upper blood pressure of the loneliest people in a study went up more than 14 points. The researchers think an ongoing fear of rejection and disappointment and feeling more alert about your safety and security may change how your body works.

Sleep Apnea: People with sleep apnea have higher odds of getting high blood pressure and other heart problems. When your breathing is repeatedly interrupted while you're sleeping, your nervous system releases chemicals that raise your blood pressure. Plus, you're getting less oxygen, which could damage blood vessel walls and make it harder for your body to regulate your blood pressure down the road.

Not Enough Potassium: Your kidneys need a balance of sodium and potassium to keep the right amount of fluid in your blood. So even if you're eating a low-salt diet, you could still have higher blood pressure if you're not also eating enough fruits, veggies, beans, low-fat dairy, or fish. While you may think of bananas as the go-to source, broccoli, water chestnuts, spinach, and other leafy greens are better to get potassium if you're watching your weight.

Pain: Sudden, or acute, pain ramps up your nervous system and raises your blood pressure. You can see this effect when you put one hand in ice water, press on your cheek or fingernail, or get an electric shock to your finger.

Herbal Supplements: Do you take ginkgo, ginseng, guarana, ephedra, bitter orange, or St. John's wort? These and others can raise your blood pressure or change how medications work, including drugs to control high blood pressure.

Thyroid Problems: When this gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone, your heart rate slows, and your arteries get less stretchy. Low hormone levels also might raise your LDL "bad" cholesterol, another thing that can stiffen arteries. Blood moves through hard vessels faster, pushing on the walls and raising the pressure. Though not as common, too much thyroid hormone can make your heart beat harder and faster, which will also bump up your numbers.

You Have to Pee: Systolic pressure went up an average of about 4 points, and diastolic, 3 points, in a study of middle-aged women who hadn't gone to the bathroom for at least 3 hours. Men and women of different ages saw similar effects. High blood pressure becomes more likely as you age, so you need to get accurate readings. An empty bladder could be one way to help do that.

NSAIDs: All nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can raise your numbers -- whether you're healthy or you already have high blood pressure. Though the average rise is only a few points, there's a wide range, which means it could affect some people much more than others.

Your Doctor's Office: You might see a difference if you compare readings during an appointment to the numbers you get at home. Named for the traditional garb of medical professionals, the "white coat effect" is the rise in blood pressure -- up to 10 points higher for systolic (the upper number) and 5 for diastolic (the lower number) -- that can happen simply because of where you are. The bump is likely due to nerves or anxiety.

Decongestants: Ingredients like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can narrow your blood vessels. That means the same amount of blood has to squeeze through a smaller space, like a crowd pushing through a hallway. These drugs can also make blood pressure medications less effective. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you choose over-the-counter products for sinus problems and colds that are safer if you have high blood pressure.

Dehydration: When your body’s cells don't have enough water, your blood vessels tighten up. This happens because your brain sends a signal to your pituitary gland to release a chemical that shrinks them. And your kidneys make less pee, to hang on to the fluid you do have, which also triggers tiny blood vessels in your heart and brain to squeeze more.

Hormonal Birth Control: Pills, injections, and other birth control devices use hormones that narrow blood vessels, so it's possible your blood pressure will go up. It's more likely to be a problem for women who are older than 35, overweight, or smokers. You may want to keep an eye on your blood pressure, checking every 6-12 months. A lower dose of estrogen may keep your numbers closer to normal.

Talking: It happens whether you're young or old and no matter where you are. The higher your resting blood pressure, the higher the numbers go when you start speaking. And the effect lasts for a few minutes. It seems the subject and emotional content of what you're saying matters more than the fact that you're moving your mouth.

Antidepressants: Medicines that target brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin -- including venlafaxine (Effexor), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) -- can change not only your mood but also your blood pressure. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) might raise it if you're also taking lithium or other drugs that affect serotonin.

Reviewed by James Beckerman, MD, FACC on August 30, 2018

Blood Pressure UK: "Salt's effects on your body," "Why potassium helps to lower blood pressure," "White coat hypertension (and white coat effect)."
Mayo Clinic: "High blood pressure (hypertension)," "Sleep apnea," "Medications and supplements that can raise your blood pressure."
Open Heart: "The wrong white crystals: not salt but sugar as aetiological in hypertension and cardiometabolic disease."
Psychology and Aging: "Loneliness is a unique predictor of age-related differences in systolic blood pressure," "Loneliness predicts increased blood pressure: 5-year cross-lagged analyses in middle-aged and older adults."
UChicago News: "Feeling lonely adds to rate of blood pressure increase in people 50 years old and older."
National Sleep Foundation: "Sleep Apnea."
Harvard Health Publishing: "Potassium lowers blood pressure," "Thyroid hormone: How it affects your heart," "What are the real risks of antidepressants?"
American Heart Association: "How Potassium Can Help Control High Blood Pressure."
Medscape: "Pain and Blood Pressure."
UVA Today: "The Mechanics of Hypertension: How Does Stress Contribute to Stiff Arteries?"
The Permanente Journal: "The Importance of Accurate Blood Pressure Measurement."
Korean Journal of Family Medicine: "The Impact of Bladder Distension on Blood Pressure in Middle Aged Women."
UpToDate: "NSAIDs and acetaminophen: Effects on blood pressure and hypertension."
Medical West: "The Dangers of Dehydration."
Behavioral Medicine: "Talking effect and 'white coat' effect in hypertensive patients: physical effort or emotional content?"

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2Live

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.