what to feed a head cold

Healthline.com

1. Chicken soup...effective for reducing the symptoms of upper respiratory infections in particular...

2. Ginger...may help soothe a cough or sore throat...

3. Honey...has a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties...

4. Garlic...

5. Echinacea...

6. Vitamin C...

7. Probiotics...

8. Salt water...

Learn More...

Mayoclinic.org

1. Stay hydrated...water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration...

2. Rest...your body needs to heal...

3. Soothe a sore throat...

4. Combat stuffiness...

5. Relieve pain...

6. Sip warm liquids...

7. Add moisture to the air...

Learn More...

Medicalnewstoday.com

1. Zinc...prevents rhinovirus...

2. Honey...allow it to fight some bacteria and viruses...

3. Echinacea...help prevent colds and relieve nasal symptoms...

4. Garlic...it has antibacterial and antiviral properties...

5. Menthol...

6. Vitamin D...

7. Oregano oil...

8. Reducing stress and sleeping well...

Learn More...

What are the best remedies for a head cold?

These remedies might help you feel better:

• Stay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. ...
• Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.
• Soothe a sore throat. ...
• Combat stuffiness. ...
• Relieve pain. ...
• Sip warm liquids. ...
• Try honey. ...
• Add moisture to the air. ...
• Try over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications. ...

What foods should eat if I am sick with a cold?

Chicken soup has been recommended as a remedy for the common cold for hundreds of years - and for good reason (1). It's an easy-to-eat source of vitamins, minerals, calories and protein, which are nutrients your body needs in larger quantities while you're sick (2).

Should I eat spicy food when I have a cold?

While spicy foods can make your sinuses feel clearer, they can't cure the common cold. In fact, spicy foods are known to increase nausea and stomach pain. Be cautious when consuming spicy foods while under the weather. They may temporarily help relieve some symptoms, but the spice cannot cure your cold.

What to eat and drink when you have a cold?

Here we look at 9 of those items:

1. Candy - Sugar can cause inflammation, which in turn can compromise your body's immune system, making it harder to fight infection. ...
2. Strawberries - Strawberries are touted as a superfood so how could they be bad for colds and flu? ...
3. Milk - When you have a cold, the last thing you want to do is stimulate the production of mucus, which dairy does. ...

More items...

What should you not eat when you have a cold?

What to avoidAlcohol. This lowers your immune system and causes dehydration.Caffeinated beverages. Items such as coffee, black tea, and soda can make you more dehydrated. ... Hard or jagged foods. Crunchy crackers, chips, and foods with similar textures can aggravate a cough and sore throat.Processed foods.

What can I eat or drink to cure a head cold?

Cold remedies that work These remedies might help you feel better: Stay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which can make dehydration worse.

What helps clear a head cold?

TreatmentTake it easy. Rest as much as you can to give your body time to recover.Drink lots of fluids, preferably water and fruit juices. ... Soothe your sore throat. ... Open up clogged nasal passages. ... Use a vaporizer or humidifier in your room while you sleep to ease congestion.Take a pain reliever.

How do you get rid of a cold in 24 hours?

While the duration of your symptoms may vary, many people wonder how to cure a cold in 24 hours or even overnight. The best way to tame a cold fast is to stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids, gargle with salt water, take an OTC medication, and humidify the air.

Is banana good for cold?

Eating bananas when you are suffering from cough, cold and other problems like nausea or vomiting helps in getting rid of the diseases easier. Banana is a part of BRAT (Banana, Rice, Applesauce and Toast), a diet type recommended for people suffering from cough, cold and stomach ailments.

Does orange juice help with a cold?

It's a myth! Because oranges are rich in vitamin C, we believe – falsely – that eating them can help cure a cold. Let us be clear: after the onset of cold symptoms, eating oranges or drinking orange juice is not an effective treatment.

How do you know if you have COVID-19 or a cold?

Both COVID-19 and the common cold are caused by viruses....Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or a cold?Symptom or signCOVID-19ColdTirednessUsuallySometimesSneezingRarelySometimesSore throatUsuallyUsuallyRunny or stuffy noseUsuallyUsually6 more rows

Can Covid start with a runny nose?

Nasal congestion and a runny nose are common symptoms of COVID-19, especially in the omicron era.

What are the stages of a head cold?

The stages of a cold include the incubation period, appearance of symptoms, remission, and recovery. The common cold is a mild upper respiratory infection caused by viruses.

Does vitamin C help with colds?

Can Vitamin C Prevent or Treat Cold Symptoms? Vitamin C has been studied for many years as a possible treatment for colds, or as a way to help prevent colds. But findings have been inconsistent. Overall, experts have found little to no benefit from vitamin C for preventing or treating the common cold.

How do I get rid of a cold in 5 minutes at home?

Here are 12 things you can do to relieve cold symptoms and feel better.Drink plenty of fluids. ... Get enough sleep. ... Use saline drops. ... Gargle salt water. ... Take pain relievers. ... Take a spoonful of honey. ... Use a humidifier. ... Sip warm liquids.More items...•

What is the best tea to drink if you have a cold?

The best teas for a cold include peppermint teas, chamomile teas, ginger teas, lemongrass teas, and hibiscus teas. Depending on what kind of tea you're drinking, you'll also reap plenty of other benefits including an immune system boost, antioxidants, vitamin C, and antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

What is the best medicine for a cold?

Medication. Taking an acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) will help reduce your fever and relieve muscle aches. Many medical professionals suggest that you don’t use aspirin to relieve head cold symptoms. Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines will help reduce cough and congestion.

How much sleep do you need to recover from a head cold?

Your body needs plenty of rest to recover from a head cold. Make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of a head cold.

How to help a child with a sore throat?

Run a warm bath or have them lie on a heating pad. Put a dab of petroleum jelly under the nose to soothe raw skin. Run a humidifier in their room to increase moisture. For children over 6, hard candy or cough drops relieve sore throat. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and fluids.

What is the common cold in children?

Remedies for Children. A head cold, also known as the common cold or head congestion, is a viral nose and throat infection. It’s often a mild sickness that can be treated at home. The most common symptoms of a head cold include: ●A fever of 100 degrees F or higher. ●Chills (feeling cold without a cause)

What to do if your child has a cold?

Once you’ve identified the cause, you can start treating them for a head cold. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and fluids. Chicken soup is a comforting way to give your child fluids.

Why is it so hard to see a child with a head cold?

Head cold symptoms can last long in children, and it may be difficult to see their symptoms because they may not be able to describe what they’re feeling.

Can a head cold be treated with antibiotics?

Remedies and Treatments for a Head Cold. These remedies won’t make your cold go away, but they will ease your symptoms. Because it’s a virus, a head cold can’t be treated by antibiotics. Here are some remedies that you can use to relieve your head cold symptoms:

How to get rid of a cold?

Use your own glasses, utensils, towels, and other personal items. Boost your immunity. You’ll be less likely to catch a cold if your immune system is working at peak capacity. Eat a well-rounded diet, get seven to nine hours of sleep nightly, exercise, and manage stress to stay healthy.

What is the common cold?

The head cold , also known as the common cold, is usually a mild illness, but it can impact your daily life. In addition to sneezes, sniffles, coughs, and a sore throat, a head cold can leave you feeling tired, rundown, and generally unwell for several days.

What is the difference between a head cold and a chest cold?

The difference in terms usually refers to the location of your symptoms. A “head cold” involves symptoms in your head, like a stuffed, runny nose and watery eyes. With a “chest cold,” you’ll have chest congestion and a cough. Viral bronchitis is sometimes called a “chest cold.”. Like colds, viruses also cause viral bronchitis.

How long does it take for a cold to clear up?

Usually colds clear up within a week to 10 days. Less often, a cold can develop into a more serious infection, like pneumonia or bronchitis. If your symptoms continue for more than 10 days, or if they are getting worse, see your doctor.

How to get rid of germs in your hands?

After you shake hands or touch common surfaces, wash your hands with warm water and soap. Or, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs. Keep your hands away from your face. Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, which are areas where germs can easily enter your body.

How long does it take for a cold to show up in your body?

sore throat. cough. low-grade fever. general ill feeling. mild body aches or headache. Head cold symptoms usually appear one to three days after you’ve been exposed to the virus. Your symptoms should last for seven to 10 days.

Do you need to see a doctor for a cold?

Colds are usually mild illnesses. You shouldn’t need to see a doctor for general cold symptoms like a stuffed nose, sneezing, and coughing. Do see a doctor if you have these more serious symptoms: trouble breathing or wheezing. a fever higher than 101.3°F (38.5°C) a severe sore throat.

How to get rid of a cold?

Don’t share your glasses, utensils, towels and other personal items with other people. Eat a well-balanced diet, get seven to nine hours of sleep nightly, exercise and manage stress to boost your immunity. It’s important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold.

What is the best medicine for a cold?

Garlic. To deal with the symptoms of a head cold, garlic is very effective. It contains the compound allicin, which has antiviral properties that will fight the rhinovirus and certain other viruses. This means it can help kill the virus responsible for your head cold.

How to get rid of congestion in nasal passages?

Humidifier. A humidifier helps add moisture to the air, which may ease nasal congestion. Once the congestion is gone, your headache will automatically get better. On the other hand, breathing dry air can irritate the inflamed nasal passages even more and cause a more severe headache.

How to reduce nasal pressure?

Saline Nasal Irrigation. Using a saline solution for nasal irrigation is another effective way to reduce nasal pressure, which in turn will lessen the headache as well as other symptoms of a head cold. A saline solution will thin the mucus to help flush it out of the nasal passages.

How to make a sourdough tea?

Drink this tea 2 or 3 times a day. Alternatively, add 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon powder and black pepper powder to a glass of warm water. Strain the solution and gargle with it twice daily. Another option is to mix a few drops of cinnamon oil and 1 teaspoon of raw honey. Eat this 2 times a day.

What does it mean when you have a headache and a cold?

July 4, 2019. 4. A head cold is nothing but a common cold in which the symptoms are more focused around the head and in the sinuses. In the case of a head cold, along with other common cold or flu symptoms like a runny and stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, chills and fever, you will also have a headache. The reason you get a headache ...

How to get rid of a swollen nose?

Fill one bowl with hot water and another bowl with cold water. Put a washcloth in the hot water and wring out the excess water. Place the washcloth on the area where you feel pain as well as on your nose for about 3 minutes.

What are some good foods to help with inflammation?

Walnuts. In addition to being one of the top anti-inflammatory foods, walnuts contain several nutrients that play a role in supporting the immune system, including vitamins E and B6, copper, and folate. Walnuts have also been shown in research to reduce psychological stress.

How to get rid of cough and congestion?

Capsaicin, the compound that gives spicy peppers their heat, may also help suppress a cough. Add a pinch of ground cayenne to your tea, soup, or broth.

What are some good foods to boost your immune system?

Green veggies provide anti-inflammatory antioxidants, as well as key nutrients known to help the immune system function, including vitamins A and C and folate. They also provide bioactive compounds that provide a chemical signal that optimizes immunity in the gut, the location of 70-80% of immune cells. Saute veggies in EVOO along with garlic, turmeric, and black pepper, or add them to soup. You can also blend leafy greens, like kale or spinach, into a smoothie.

Why is soup good for your nose?

That’s important, because catching a cold triggers an inflammatory response in your upper respiratory tract, which contributes to symptoms like a stuffy nose.

What to do if you don't eat chicken broth?

If you don’t eat chicken, opt for vegetable broth, flavored with add-ins like garlic, ginger, cayenne, turmeric, and black pepper.

What is the best food for the digestive system?

Bananas. Bananas are one of the easiest foods on the digestive system and remain one of the few appealing foods when appetite is diminished due to illness. They also raise blood sugar and provide energy while delivering key nutrients that help support the immune system, including vitamins C and B6, copper, and folate.

Can you get better from a cold?

When you’re sick, especially with a cold or the flu, sometimes food can be a real turnoff. But the right foods and beverages can offer relief—either from the symptoms of a cold or to help strengthen your immune system—so you can get better faster. Here are 14 cold-fighting foods to focus on, and simple ways to incorporate them when you’re under ...

Chicken Potpie Soup

My grandmother hand-wrote a cookbook; she created this amazing pie crust, and I added the delicious soup for it. —Karen LeMay, Seabrook, Texas

Marinated Oranges

This flavorful fruit was actually the topping in a cake recipe. But I didn't want all the calories or fat from the cake—and the oranges are a good dessert all by themselves! The dash of vanilla extract brings out the fruit's sweetness. —Carol Poindexter, Norridge, Illinois

Rosemary Roasted Baby Carrots

Baby carrots go over big when seasoned with the subtle taste of rosemary. I like to sprinkle raisins on top for a combination of sweet and savory. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

Lemon Thyme Green Tea

Fresh sprigs of lemon thyme make this citrusy tea so refreshing—it’s like sipping summer from a cup. My family and I enjoy it so much that it’s a staple on our southern front porch.—Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

Cold-Day Chicken Noodle Soup

When I was sick, my mom would make me this heartwarming chicken noodle soup. It was soothing when I had a cold, but this soup is a bowlful of comfort on any chilly day. —Anthony Graham, Ottawa, lllinois

Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce

Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California

Hot Apple Cider

In this recipe, brown sugar and spices add extra flavor to already delicious apple cider. —Marlys Benning, Wellsburg, Iowa

What Is a Head Cold?

Head colds are airborne viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, affecting the sinuses, ears, and throat. Highly contagious, they arise due to infection by any of over 200 different types of viruses and are the most common reason for hospital visits in the U.S.

Symptoms

Since head colds affect the respiratory system, the symptoms are primarily felt there. Likely familiar to you, the most common of these are: 1

Causes of a Cold

Over 200 kinds of viruses can cause colds; however, rhinovirus infection represents about 10 to 40% of cases. Other more commonly seen viruses that cause symptoms are certain coronaviruses (a family of viruses that includes COVID-19) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) .

Complications

While most colds resolve on their own—usually within two to 10 days—some experience complications. As your body fights off this virus, your immune system can take a hit, paving the way for bacterial infection. This can cause:

Treating a Head Cold

While there’s no outright cure for colds, treatment approaches focus on managing symptoms as your body’s natural immunity fights off the infection. A number of medications for this illness, available over the counter and prescribed, help ease the burden of this condition: 3

Prevention

The most effective way to avoid cold symptoms, of course, is ensuring that you never catch this illness in the first place. Not only that, but by avoiding infection, you’ll reduce the chances of spreading this virus to those around you. The following preventative steps are frequently recommended: 1

When to See a Healthcare Provider

While most head colds resolve on their own with rest and symptom management, there are times when medical help is needed. Call your doctor if you or your child experiences: 2

What are some foods that help with the common cold?

Kale, broccoli, cranberries, green tea, red onions, blueberries: What do these have in common? All have an antioxidant called quercetin that may help you fight the common cold. The research here is pretty new, but they may be on to something.

What foods can help you get rid of a cold faster?

But if you get a lot of it right before you notice symptoms, it may make you feel better and help you get rid of a cold faster. Oranges, lemons, limes -- they’re all sources of vitamin C and can be tasty, too. Swipe to advance.

How to avoid colds?

You’ve heard it before: To avoid colds, get plenty of vitamin C. Truth is, it won’t keep most of us from catching one. (It may help if you’re around people who get sick often, like at a day care.) But if you get a lot of it right before you notice symptoms, it may make you feel better and help you get rid of a cold faster. Oranges, lemons, limes -- they’re all sources of vitamin C and can be tasty, too.

What to drink when you have a cold?

Ginger. A cup of fresh, hot ginger tea may seem to be just the thing you need when you’re nursing a cold. It helps lclear congestion and soothe your throat. And some studies show this spicy root may help prevent the common cold by blocking the virus.

Does garlic help with colds?

Scientists think garlic has some things in it that may fight the common cold. There is also some evidence that garlic may prevent colds, but more studies are still needed. Nevertheless, it's a good excuse to toss in a few extra cloves.

Can chili peppers help with colds?

They won't help you kick your cold, but chili peppers can clear out your nasal passages, and that can make you feel better. They have something called capsaicin, which studies show may help with your stuffy head.

Is chicken soup good for colds?

Chicken Soup. 1 / 9. You should have some, and not just because Mom says so. Studies shows it clears nasal passages and congestion better than other hot liquids. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect that may help your cold symptoms. Swipe to advance.