How to treat a cold

Mind over matter If you’re stressed, you’re more likely to get ill, and less likely to recover quickly. Your state of mind affects your immune system, making you more susceptible to viruses and infections, so the first thing to do is brighten your mood. Simple things like going for a short walk will relax the mind and help your body to recover from a cold. I’m sure dog owners live longer than the rest of us because they’re always out there walking Watch what you eat Avoid eating processed, fatty foods. Focus on a plant-based diet, aiming to eat seven or more portions of fruit or vegetables a day. When you’re feeling run-down, oranges are particularly good because of the vitamin C content. At the very least take vitamin C as a supplement; I have a couple of grams a day during the cold and flu season A warming drink A great treatment for a cold is fresh ginger tea. Thinly slice two inches of root ginger and boil, adding lemon juice and honey to taste. The honey is very soothing for the throat and cools inflammation. Ginger has antibacterial and antiviral effects, and it dilates the bronchial tube so you breathe more easily. It’s nice that it’s spicy and hot, too. You also need to keep hydrated to flush all the toxins out of your body, so drink eight glasses of water a day A little help The main thing you need to do when you have a cold is reduce the inflammation in your body. In the short term, taking medicine such as ibuprofen is a good way to reduce the inflammation. Just make sure that whenever you’re taking it you drink a lot of water, and check with your GP if you’re unsure. If I’ve got a cold, I take a non-drowsy decongestant medication in the morning – so I’m not blowing my nose all day – but then don’t take anything in the evening Keep washing your hands When you blow your nose and touch your face, your hands are covered with the virus, and you’re more likely to prolong the cold. Coughing into your elbow is much better than coughing on to your hands, as it’s harder for the germs to reach your face And relax People don’t give themselves permission to rest, but it’s one of the most important things you can do when treating a cold. If you’re physically tired, it will wear down your immune system. But be reasonable – if you feel like napping at five o’clock in the afternoon, you’re better off trying to stay awake for a couple of hours so you don’t disturb your sleep pattern