Common Cold Diet

A cold is one of the most common afflictions, affecting millions of men and women around the world.

It is also referred to, as a common cold, by most people, since almost everyone has suffered from this minor ailment at some time or the other. A cold is generally characterized by symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, throat irritation, tiredness and perhaps even loss of appetite. The common cold symptoms generally disappear within 5 to 7 days, without any treatment.

However, at times, a cold could mark the beginning of allergies or infections, in which case medical treatment may be required. There is no medication as such for treating a cold; people usually rely on home remedies or common cold diet treatment options.
Common cold diet treatment is very effective in reducing the uncomfortable symptoms of a cold, even though it does not really address the cause of the problem or cure the cold.

However, there are many foods and recipes that can help alleviate the symptoms of a common cold to a great extent. These foods mainly include warm liquids, which soothe the throat and dilute the mucus blocking the nasal passages, so that the body can expel it easily. In addition to that, people suffering from a severe cold tend to get drained out quite easily and therefore, the common diet treatment should be aimed at increasing strength and energy in the body. Given below is a sample of a common cold diet treatment menu for one day:

* Breakfast: Oatmeal in warm water, topped with fresh berries, orange juice, whole grain toast and hot tea, preferably decaf

* Lunch: Chicken / vegetable soup (without any dairy), tomato juice, orange slices, some green salad and hot tea

* Dinner: Chicken noodle soup, mixed steamed veggies, whole wheat pasta in tomato sauce and hot tea

* Snacks: Warm milk or slices of fruit

Working out also boosts the energy and makes it easier for the body to fight off the germs causing a cold. Before following a common cold diet and exercise routine, it is best to consult a doctor and get a go ahead.

Common Cold Foods

Warm liquids, like broth, herbal tea, soup and warm water are regarded as some of the best foods for common cold by people, as well as health experts. Fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and lean meat are also regarded as foods to fight the common cold. Some of the most healthy common cold foods to eat include:

* Foods that are high in beta carotene and other carotenoids, such as oranges, tomatoes, melons, squash, grapefruit, leafy greens, mangoes, guava, carrots, corn, cantaloupe, asparagus and apricots, to name a few.
* Fruits and veggies high in Vitamin C, like berries, oranges, lemons, peppers, papaya, cauliflower, broccoli, kiwi, cantaloupe and kale
* Vitamin E rich foods, like hazelnuts, almond, lobsters, cod liver oil, peanut butter, corn oil, safflower oil, sunflower seeds and salmon.

Just like there are healthy foods to cure common cold, there are others that are known to worsen the symptoms of a cold, such as sore throat and runny nose. Some of the common cold foods to avoid include eggs, junk food, red meat, sweets, cheese and cold foods like ice cream. Foods that are made from refined flour or contain high amounts of starch should also be avoided by people who are running a cold.

Before trying any common cold food remedies, it is important for people to consult a doctor, especially in case of those who are elderly or may be suffering from any preexisting medical condition. In case a person is suffering from common cold food poisoning, it is absolutely essential to seek emergency medical advice.

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How do you prevent the common cold?

The most important measure to prevent the common cold is to avoid infected individuals.

Frequent hand washing is also extremely important, as this can destroy viruses that you have acquired from touching contaminated surfaces. Also, try to avoid sharing utensils and try to use disposable items (such as disposable cups) if someone in your family has a cold. Finally, lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and stress management may decrease your susceptibility to acquiring the common cold. At this time, an effective vaccine against the common cold is not available.

Common Cold At A Glance

* The common cold is caused by many different viruses.

* Being in cold weather does not cause the common cold.

* Over-the-counter medications may be used for treatment of the common cold.

* Antibiotics do not help the common cold.

* The common cold is self-limited and can generally be managed at home

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For a cold that’s common, parents need to use just the same kind of sense

At least 20 per cent of all patients who walk into Dr Sohail Thobani’s clinic on a daily basis are infected with the common cold. Thobani, a consultant paediatrician at South City Hospital, explains how the common cold differs from other types of colds.

The common cold is caused by germs or virus that attack the upper respiratory system. Germs for the common cold can only spread through the mouth, therefore washing hands, yours and your children’s, is highly recommended to control the cold from spreading.

The common cold is not restricted to a season but you can catch it throughout the year.

Most, if not all, common colds are self resolving. There is no medication to reduce its duration from seven days to two or three, doctors say. Nor does bundling up your children and leaving them in a boiling, air-conditionless room help, rather it makes the child more uncomfortable. Treatment involves keeping your child comfortable in a cool environment. “You can be under-dressed in Antarctica and a child will not catch a common cold if they are not exposed to the germs and virus,” Thobani says.

Many parents believe a common solution for the cold is antibiotics. But doctors strongly advise against overusing them. Antibiotics should not be given to children unnecessarily. In the United States, for example, black box warnings on the cover are mandated by the authorities, alerting parents and healthcare providers about the safety concerns and side effects of the drug. Chair and Professor of Paediatrics at Aga Khan University Dr Anita Zaidi also strongly advises against the unnecessary use or overuse of antibiotics. She advises parents to be wary of doctors who prescribe them too often. “Overuse of antibiotics can harm a child’s immune system and has a way of harming a body’s natural way of healing.”

Home-made remedies such ‘podina ka pani’ and going to faith healers to speed recovery from the illness are also pointless, Thobani says. “It will take me all of 10 seconds to prescribe some medication for a child who does not need it,” he says. “In comparison it takes me four to five minutes to explain the concept to parents, even educated ones. Basically, I sell my time and if I am spending it explaining matters then parents should take heed.”

Zaidi highlights other common illnesses in children. “There are mainly four or five conditions that children face these days. Other than respiratory infections among other common illnesses is diarrhoea. This can be controlled by adopting simple hygienic practices.”

Severe diarrhoea, Zaidi says, is the most common reason for infants (1 year and younger) ending up in hospital. There are simple measures that may be taken to avoid this. One is to get your child the rotavirus vaccine. Two doses cost about Rs4,000 each. However, doctors are trying to make the vaccine part of the expanded programme on immunisation (EPI) in the next two years thus making it available to all children. “Despite its huge benefits, many parents, even educated ones who can afford it, do not know about the vaccine,” she says.

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