Colds and coughs can be annoying and incapacitating, especially if you cannot control your coughing fits. When anything becomes trapped in your throat, it’s usual to get it out, but if it’s bad enough, you can cough later. You are more susceptible to infections in the winter since your immunity is lower. Coughing is your body’s natural way of clearing your throat of mucus or other outside irritants. It can also be brought on by the food that restricts your airways. A cough and cold may be acute or persistent. Itlasts more than eight weeks, while acute cough lasts shorter than three weeks.
Factors contributing to cough and Cold
Coughing can be caused for a variety of factors and be either momentary or chronic. The following are some typical reasons for coughing:
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Smoking-related asthma and allergies
- Irritants or foreign substances
- Cold caused by medication: lisinopril and enalapril
Antibiotics might not be recommended as part of the treatment for upper respiratory conditions like the common cold or cough if you visit your doctor. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial illnesses like pneumonia; they are ineffective against viral diseases, including the common cold, the flu, and sore throats. To avoid coughing and chills, some items from our kitchen must now be a regular part of our diet. Sushma PS, Chief Dietician at the Jindal Naturecure Institute in Bangalore, maintained during an interview with HT Lifestyle that having a robust immune system is advantageous during the cold and flu season. She recommended a few foods to add to your diet during winter, such as:
1. Ginger- Ginger is a popular remedy that also has anti-inflammatory properties. A cup of hot ginger tea might relieve your bothersome cough and sore throat. Ginger contains compounds that relax smooth muscles and enlarge blood vessels in the lungs, allowing the airways to open. Use fresh ginger slices or freshly grated ginger in hot tea to cure coughs.
2. Garlic- Colds and the flu can be treated with garlic. It encourages a quicker recovery and has other health advantages. You can include raw garlic in your soup if you have access to it. You may have garlic in your diet regularly, which has medicinal properties and components that boost immunity.
3. Pure honey- Numerous health benefits of raw honey include relief from respiratory problems. It possesses bacterial, viral, fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that could help shorten the duration and intensity of a cough. For optimal results, juice with one tablespoon of honey, two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and water. Lemon has antioxidant properties and will give you extra energy.
4. Turmeric- In India, turmeric milk is a well-known home treatment for almost any illness. It works well as a home remedy for cold and sore throats. The presence of Curcumin in turmeric makes it beneficial. Turmeric’s yellow color comes from the anti-inflammatory compound curcumin. Your immune system is boosted by turmeric, which also prepares your immune system to fight infections. Mix in for prompt relief.
5. Pineapple- You might be shocked to learn that pineapple works well to suppress coughing. A pineapple enzyme known as bromelain has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic (mucus-breaking) properties. Bromelain has these two benefits, making pineapple a proper meal to relieve coughing.
6. Pomegranate- Pomegranate juice has a lot of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial substances. It contains flavonoid antioxidants, which help fight viruses and shorten colds by up to 40%. Pomegranate juice is suitable for daily consumption.
7. Tea- Drink hot tea if you have a cold or cough (green, black, or herbal tea). Tea with antioxidants helps clear the nasal passages by soothing a sore throat and liquifying mucus from a blocked nose. Additionally, chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Camelback tea helps to promote sleep and empowers the immune system.Â
8. Pumpkin seeds- Zinc, which your body requires for healthy white blood cells, is abundant in pumpkin seeds. White blood cells are essential for the body to fight against illnesses like the flu virus. The handful can consume them or add a crunchy garnish to salads.
9. Soups with vegetables- Consume a cup of vegetable soup flavored with ginger, garlic, turmeric, and black pepper when you have the flu. The soup or broth steam helps clear congestion by hastening the mucus’ descent through the nose. Additionally, a nourishing soup can reduce inflammation. Your immune system is strengthened by drinking hot soup, protecting you from viruses and bacteria.
10. vegetable juice- Antioxidants included in vegetables support the immune system’s operation. Vegetable juice may hasten your recovery from ailments like the flu. You can lose your sense of taste and not want to eat solid foods when you have flu symptoms. A glass of vegetable juice is the best treatment for you. Vegetables with antiviral properties, such as spinach and carrots, can be included.
