Despite my best efforts to avoid it, I am fighting a cold this week. It feels more like an annoyance than an illness at this point. Still, I want it to go away! There are some simple steps I can take to feel better faster.
Saltwater gargles can offer relief for sore throats. My sore throat seems worse when I get out of bed in the morning so I should prepare a gargle when starting my day. Warm liquids also soothe sore throats, so I really should switch out my morning coffee for decaffeinated tea so I can have an extra cup if I need it.
Sleep is vital to feeling better. I've had a couple of late nights and it's taken a toll. Not only do I have a cold, I've been low on energy the past couple of days. Getting adequate sleep has a big impact on staying healthy. I should be more disciplined about getting to bed early.
Even though there is no evidence that vitamin C prevents or shortens the duration of colds, it also doesn't hurt. It's better to get your daily dose of vitamin C through foods like oranges, tomatoes, and dark leafy greens since you get other benefits, like fiber. Citrus fruits are not only loaded with vitamin C, but the scent of citrus is energizing. Many varieties of oranges and tangerines are in markets right now so it's another reason to indulge.
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