Colds and Flu - What To Do

6 easy things to do to fight colds and flu

1. Eat a diet chock full of antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables
2. Chicken soup
3. Drink lots of fresh pure water
4. Get enough sleep
5. Exercise regularly
6. Stave off germs with frequent hand washing

Zinc - Zinc gluconate lozenges taken within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of cold symptoms and sucking zinc lozenges every two hours while awake during the duration of the cold

Vitamin C - Eat more oranges, asparagus, avocados, broccoli, cantaloupe, collard greens, dandelion greens, grapefruit, kale, mangoes, mustard greens, oranges, pineapple, turnip greens. Or 500 mg to 1 gram C with meals.

Herbals: Echinacea, Goldenseal, Garlic- immune system stimulators

Goldenseal blocks growth of bacteria Echinacea increases number of white blood cells (3-5ml tincture or swallow a 200-500mg capsule). Caution with echinacea- does not take if you have autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma of if you are HIV+.

Assuming your doctor has ruled out allergies -you can treat congestion of colds by inhaling the steam from steeping perspiration inducing herbs such as peppermint, rosemary, yarrow, ginger, thyme and lemon verbena. Get a pot of water boiling- toss the herbs in the water. Put the pot on the kitchen table. Covering your head with a large towel, bend over the pot holding your head about 8-10 inches above. Breathe in the vapors alternately through the nose and mouth for 10-15 minutes. As the steam cools you can gradually move your face closer.

Updated June 2000

Donna Tinnerello, MS, RD, CD/N is a registered dietitian, living in Manhattan, with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight management.
Donna is available for private consultation by referral only. Ms.Tinnerello has donated time and articles to our web site at always your choice and we sincerely appreciate her contributions.