Colds come on gradually over a few days and are often milder than the flu. They usually get better in 7 to 10 days, although symptoms can last for up to 2 weeks. Your nose is stuffy, your throat is scratchy, and your head is pounding. Some people report that eating dairy thickens mucous, leading to increased congestion. However, the evidence for this is strictly anecdotal. Thus, some of the aforementioned health benefits may be due to the weight loss caused by fasting, as opposed to fasting itself .
On the other hand, drinking enough makes the mucus more fluid, making it easier to clear. Abstaining from eating limits the supply of nutrients, such as iron and zinc, that the infecting agent needs to grow and spread . From an evolutionary perspective, lack of hunger eliminates the need to find food. This saves energy, reduces heat loss and essentially allows the body to focus solely on fighting off the infection . Once your glycogen is depleted, which generally occurs after 24–48 hours, your body starts using amino acids and fat for energy . Fasting is defined as the abstinence from foods, drinks or both for a period of time.
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting the flu shot. Most doctors recommend getting the flu vaccine in October or at the very start of flu season. The seasonal flu is caused by the influenza A, B, and C viruses, with influenza A and B being the most common types. Active strains of influenza virus vary from year to year. That’s why a new flu vaccine is developed each year. You can get sick if you touch a surface that has recently been handled by an infected person and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.
Learn about recent outbreaks, outlook, prevention, and more. You could have allergies or a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics, such as sinusitis or strep throat. A nagging cough could also be a sign of asthma or bronchitis. A 2015 study in BMC Family Practice found that high-dose zinc lozenges could shorten the length of colds if taken within 24 hours of showing symptoms. Use your symptoms as a guide to figure out which condition you have. If you think you might have the flu, see your doctor to get tested within the first 48 hours of showing symptoms.
Common cold and flu-like symptoms can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. You may have heard the saying — “feed a cold, starve a fever.” The phrase refers to eating when you have a cold, and fasting when you have a fever. Because a cold is a viral infection, antibiotics are not effective at treating it.
Adding a pinch of salt to your fluids will also help replenish some of the electrolytes lost through sweat, vomiting or diarrhea. Finally, foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges, mango, papaya, berries and cantaloupe, could also help reduce the severity of symptoms . Warm liquids, such as soups, provide both calories and water. They have also been shown to reduce congestion . The lack of appetite often accompanying an infection is a way to encourage your body to remove infected cells through a process known as cell apoptosis .
Many people claim that fasting can help you heal from infections. This article explores whether fasting is a good way to fight the flu or common cold. To avoid picking up the flu virus, wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Try to stay away from anyone who has the flu or flu-like symptoms. On the other hand, a number of studies suggest that eating certain foods may improve cold and flu symptoms. However, over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, acetaminophen, and NSAIDs, can relieve congestion, aches, and other cold symptoms.
Of note, intermittent fasting has also been shown to cause weight loss . A previous experiment in mice with bacterial infections supports this. Mice that were force-fed were less likely to survive compared to mice allowed to eat according to appetite . Interestingly, results from a small study suggest that the type of infection may dictate whether eating is beneficial or not .
However, they may not be effective if not started within 48 hours of getting sick. In most cases, fluids and rest are the best ways to treat the flu. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Over-the-counter decongestants and pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, may control your symptoms and help you feel better. Because colds spread so easily, the best prevention is avoidance. Don’t share utensils or any other personal items, such as a toothbrush or towel.
It’s important to mention that the exact ways in which fasting affects the immune system are not yet fully understood. It can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome. Wash your hands often with hot water and soap to get rid of any germs you might’ve picked up during pea protein powder the day or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Colds spread when someone who’s sick sneezes or coughs, sending virus-filled droplets flying through the air. If you have a temperature of 96°F (35.55°C), but you feel sick, it may be due to certain illnesses, conditions, or an incorrect reading.
However, studies have shown that intermittent fasting has some minor side effects. Dry fasting involves a period of time when you don’t eat or drink anything, including water. is halo top ice cream healthy While you may lose weight, it can also be dangerous. When trying to reduce stomach symptoms associated with the flu, it’s best to stick to eating bland, easily digested foods.
However, there are currently no human studies examining whether fasting or eating have any effects on the common cold or flu in the real-world. It’s important to adopt healthy habits to keep cold and flu germs at bay. You should always make sure you get plenty of sleep, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, exercise, and manage your stress during cold and flu season and beyond. However, you can still get the vaccine in late fall or winter. The flu vaccine can help protect you from getting the flu and can make the illness less severe if you do catch the flu.
Sharing goes both ways — when you’re sick with a cold, stay home. Influenza — or the flu, as it’s better known — is another upper respiratory illness. Unlike a cold, which can hit at any time of year, the flu is generally seasonal. Flu season usually runs from fall to spring, peaking during the winter months. Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes, and mouth when they’re not freshly washed.
You’re most contagious in the first two to four days after you’re exposed to the cold virus. The common cold is an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. According to the American Lung Association, more than 200 different viruses can cause the common cold. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, the rhinovirus supplementation with essential amino acids has numerous health benefits is most often the one that makes people sneeze and sniffle. Some people take natural remedies, such as zinc, vitamin C, or echinacea, to prevent or relieve cold symptoms. Here are some basic guidelines for telling the difference between cold and flu symptoms, and what to do if you have either one of these infections.