Kick a Cold in Less Than 5 Days

The average cold lasts 7-10 days. You can't go to the doctor and get an antibiotic, because a cold will not respond to it. You can self medicate with over the counter products, as helpful as they are, they only mask the symptoms.

Cold Symptoms may include:

• stuffy or runny nose
• sore throat
• headaches
• muscle aches
• fever (if lasts more than 48 hours, see a doc)
• fatigue
• loss of appetite

OTC medicines that help me include Extra Strength Tylenol, which relieved my headache and sore throat, and Tylenol PM which helped me get to sleep.

Other than self medicating, here are some simple things that I do, which always helps me get over my cold in 5 days or less.

Chicken (noodle) Soup There is nothing like a hot bowl of soup, to warm up your body. It's an old favorite, and it really works. I make sure to eat a bowl at least twice a day when I am under the weather.

My Recommendations: Campbell's Select Harvest Chicken with Egg Noodles

Home made, I use Pacific Organic Free Range Chicken Broth, and you can add what you'd like, I like onions and carrots, pepper, and garlic powder.

Hot Tea Boil some water, and drink as much as you can. The heat will warm up your body, and if you have swollen glands (throat) it will reduce them. Hot tea can also break up any mucous, thus loosen up the congestion.

My Recommendations: Organic Green Tea (Celestial Seasonings)

Echinacea Immune Support (Yogi Tea)

Cranberry Juice Get 100% pure cranberry, and mix it with water. It can be bitter, but it's loaded with Vitamin C. It has natural antibacterial properties, and kills viruses. Cranberry juice is also highly effective in the treatment of urinary tract, bladder and kidney infections.

Water Make sure to get plenty of H2O to avoid dehydration. Even though it may hurt to swallow, you're better off keeping it wet.

Sleep Getting adequate sleep is vital to a healthy mind and body. Especially when your sick. With proper rest your body will be able to heal it self faster.

Remember

Wash your hands, don't spread germs to your friends and loved ones.

What to Avoid:

• Alcohol
• Sweets (bacteria loves junk food)
• Smoking

Where can you get the Soups, teas and juice? (Long Island)

Sherry's Healthy Gourmet(Babylon,NY)

Whole Foods(http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/)

Stop and Shop has a Natural/Organic section, but their products vary

Disclaimer. Results may vary. These tips may not work for everyone. Consult with your doctor if you have any medical concerns.