We’ve all heard some of the interesting advice about how to fight off or soothe a cold, but what’s fact versus fiction? Let’s take some time to understand these common home remedies and the science behind them.
Going outside with wet hair will give you a cold?
Even though colds are more prevalent during the cooler seasons, the temperature itself is not what causes the illness. Viruses cause colds and influenza. People get sick more often in the winter because they spend more time indoors around ill people and where germs are trapped. Research shows the quality of an indoor environment contributes to illness and being near sick people (Wang et al., 2020). You may end up with an odd hairdo if you go outside with wet hair, but there has not been enough research to say if this will cause you to catch a cold.
Should you gargle warm salt water for your sore throat?
While salt water will not cure a cold and isn’t tasty, it does have soothing remedies. The warm water loosening mucus and provides lubrication which may help ease the pain. The salt acts as a magnet pulling fluid and bacteria out of your throat.
A bowl of soup will make you feel better?
Eating a classic bowl of chicken noodle soup may not send your cold away, but it will may ease your symptoms. Soup contains electrolytes that can help replenish your body’s stores while also adding to your fluid intake. The warm broth can even act as a humidifier to help clear nasal passages (Saketkhoo et al, 1978).
An apple a day keeps the doctor away?
Putting onions and potatoes in your socks, wearing garlic, or eating an apple a day may not keep the doctor away. (But can we agree it's better to eat your fruits and veggies than accessorize with them?)
Increasing fruit and vegetable intake is a great way to strengthen the immune system. These foods support your body by supplying hydration, vitamins, minerals, and energy required for a body to heal itself and fight disease.
Guess what? Taking d.velop™ Immunity Plus is a great way to fill in any nutrition gaps of immune-supporting nutrients; Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc!
Author:
Katherine Wolfe, RDN, LDN
References
1. Wang J, Yan X, Yang W, et al. Association between indoor environment and common cold among children aged 7–9 years in five typical cities in China. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators. 2020;6:100033. doi:10.1016/j.indic.2020.100033
2. Saketkhoo K, Januszkiewicz A, Sackner MA. Effects of drinking hot water, cold water, and chicken soup on nasal mucus velocity and nasal airflow resistance. Chest. 1978;74(4):408-410. doi:10.1378/chest.74.4.408
