Category: Cold flu

According to a 2016 article by Men's Health, eating refined sugar can temporarily suppress the white blood cells' ability to fight off bacteria. So, can I eat sweets if I have a cold, or should I be avoiding that pint of ice cream or candy bar? It's a common craving, but the answer requires a look at how sugar truly affects your body when it's already fighting an infection.

Despite a common old wives' tale, numerous scientific studies suggest there is no significant link between dairy consumption and increased respiratory mucus production for most healthy adults. We explore whether eating ice cream will truly make your congestion worse and the factors that actually influence your symptoms.

A common misconception suggests that almonds can worsen cold symptoms, but scientific evidence indicates they are actually beneficial. As a rich source of vitamin E and zinc, these nutrient-dense nuts play a vital role in fortifying your immune system to help fight off infections. So, rather than being bad, almonds can be a supportive food during a cold.

Approximately 70% of over-the-counter cough syrups contain added sugars, making them a significant threat to ketosis. It is crucial to understand which ingredients to avoid if you are asking, "Can you have cough syrup on keto?", and seek out suitable, sugar-free alternatives to stay on track with your low-carb diet.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against starting to drink alcohol for health reasons, and for a good cause. So, should you drink during a cold? While some folk wisdom suggests alcohol can help, experts strongly caution against it due to significant health risks.

For decades, a myth has persisted that bananas can help with mucus and congestion. However, modern medical understanding suggests the opposite is true for many individuals: bananas do not reduce mucus and may even cause it to thicken or increase in sensitive people due to their histamine-releasing properties.

According to the National Institutes of Health, while many believe vitamin C can cure the common cold and its associated cough, the evidence doesn't fully support this belief. The truth is, no single vitamin can cure a cough, as this symptom is often a result of an underlying infection, such as a cold or flu, that your immune system must fight off. However, certain vitamins and minerals can play a crucial role in bolstering your body's natural defenses, potentially reducing the severity and duration of the cough.

According to the Mayo Clinic, staying hydrated with fluids like water and broth is essential when you have a cold. But is caffeine bad during a cold, or can your usual coffee and tea still fit into your recovery plan? The answer isn't a simple yes or no, as it depends on several factors related to your symptoms and overall health.

Med-Lemon is a common over-the-counter remedy used for relieving symptoms associated with colds and flu. Understanding the appropriate frequency of use is important for maximizing its benefits and minimizing potential risks.

Overconsumption of cough drops can lead to a variety of issues, including stomach pain and diarrhea, depending on the ingredients. This raises the question: are Halls cough drops healthy, or are they a temporary, sugar-filled remedy best used sparingly?