Tag: Cold and flu

According to a 2013 review, consistently taking vitamin C supplements can slightly reduce the duration of cold symptoms in the general population, a benefit both Airborne and Emergen-C proponents often claim. The truth, however, is that for most healthy individuals, these two popular supplements offer more similarities than differences, with the 'better' choice often coming down to specific nutritional content and personal preference.

According to a 2019 study, consuming beetroot juice helped reduce cold symptoms during periods of high stress, a time when the immune system can be weakened. This suggests that beet juice can help with sickness by providing a supportive boost to the body's natural defenses.

While used in folk medicine for centuries, the belief that garlic helps you avoid illness is now supported by modern research. The potent compound allicin, released when garlic is crushed, is credited with many of its immune-boosting properties that may help keep you from getting sick.

According to the American Botanical Council, sales of elderberry supplements skyrocketed to $320 million in 2020, primarily due to the belief that it boosts immunity. This surge in popularity prompts a closer look at a fundamental question: is elderberry juice healthy to drink, and what is the scientific basis for its use?

Over 60% of the human body is water, making hydration paramount during illness, but the age-old debate over fluids pits two common household staples against each other: is orange juice better than water when sick? While a glass of orange juice provides a welcome dose of vitamin C, its high sugar content and acidity present significant drawbacks when your body is already under stress. This article settles the debate, providing a clear comparison of what your body truly needs to recover.

For many, the idea of a clear, fizzy drink like Sprite is a common folk remedy for sickness, but health experts actually warn that sugary soft drinks may hinder recovery. So, is Sprite soda good for a cold, or is this just a comforting but unhelpful myth based on childhood experiences?

According to a 2000 study published in the journal *Chest*, chicken soup may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect that helps ease cold symptoms. The practice of drinking chicken noodle soup broth is a time-honored tradition for comfort and health, especially when feeling under the weather.

According to pediatric advice from Boston Children's Hospital, frozen treats like sherbet are good choices for a sore throat. This popular dessert is often recommended for those under the weather because it can be a soothing, hydrating, and easy-to-digest option when you're feeling unwell.

For thousands of years, people worldwide have turned to tea for its medicinal and soothing qualities. But when you're feeling under the weather, does immune tea help when sick? While not a cure, a warm cup can provide significant comfort and support the body's natural defenses.

According to a 2023 review, regular vitamin C supplementation may only slightly reduce the duration of a cold, offering little to no preventative effect for most healthy people. So, does taking Emergen-C really help in a significant way, or is it more of a well-marketed placebo?