| |
| |
|
Alternative Information |
|
|
|
Stopping Colds in Their Tracks
We all know the nasty sensation of coming down with a cold: when you feel like your head is stopped up, when your nose is constantly running, and when nothing tastes right. Most of what we call colds are technically known rhinitis, and are caused by various micro-organisms settling on nasal or throat surfaces, and the body's reacting to them. When your nose is running, your body is trying to get rid of those organisms. The important thing is to let the body get rid of the junk. People are always trying to avoid sneezing, runny noses, and congestion. But the problem is that they are often treating the symptoms, and not the problem itself. Water treats the problem. Make sure you have plenty of water to let the body do its job. One of the reasons the old advice ("Rest, and get plenty of liquids!") was good advice was you could have time to let the body work on getting rid of whatever is causing problems. If you take something to stop your runny nose, all you've done is give yourself a dry (and usually sore) throat, and prevent the body from blowing out what's causing the problem. It's not easy to conduct a business meeting if you're nose is constantly running. It's not easy to teach if you're constantly sneezing. But those are some of the ways your body is trying to cure you. If you possibly can, take some time off, rest, and you will recover much faster. Your body will be going through a great deal of water, and you need to replenish it frequently. It's easy to forget how much liquid goes out in a runny nose (and probably not something you want to ponder a lot, either!) And every time you sneeze, your body loses water. So a good rule of thumb is for every time you sneeze or blow your nose, drink some water. Every time. Now the problem is that most folks just don't feel like eating when they have a bad cold. Neither do they feel like drinking. So you may have to fool your body into thinking that you're drinking something special that's not just the water it needs. The easiest way is to slice a lemon (or lime) and put a slice into your glass. Unlike sugar and other things we are prone to add to water, the trace of lemon adds nothing but taste: no calories, no caffeine, and no carbohydrates. Another trick is to heat the water. That's right: serve up plain, hot water in a special cup, and maybe jazz it up with lemon, too. And as long as you're drinking your quota of 20 glasses of water a day, there's no reason you can't enjoy some other liquids. Hot broth, juices (though not too much: your body needs a rest from digesting, too!) and hot teas can be enjoyable, and help alleviate the boredom. If you're drinking tea, you might want to go with herbal, decaffeinated teas. I have nothing against caffeine, when used in moderation, and I drink caffeinated tea almost every day. But when you are sick (whether from a cold, or from something else) allow your body to clear out some of the corridors. Don't give it the extra task of dealing with caffeine ... at least not now. The important thing is to keep consuming liquids. Your body may be cleansing out some toxins, and it needs fluids to do that job. Monitor factors such as the color of your urine. If the urine is a dark or brownish color, you need more liquids. (A rule of thumb is that urine should be a light straw color. If it's darker, immediately drink down 2 glasses of water). Jim Huffman, RN specializes in natural and alternative healing therapies. His first book is 'Dare to Be Free: How to Get Control of Your Time, Your Life, and Your Nursing Career,' and is aimed at helping other nurses find satisfying, dynamic careers. His website is http://www.NetworkForNurses.com and his health blog is at http://www.shababa.blogspot.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Alternative - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
A Rose is Not Just a Rose The rose is perhaps one of the most powerful symbols in the metaphysical world. It is also one of the most accessible tools that can be used for everyday magic. Hypertension, An Alternative Approach For many years high blood pressure has been defined based upon actuarial tables prepared by life insurance companies. By that definition, blood pressure of 140/90 is borderline hypertension in a person 40 years of age. Plain Soap as a Natural Method of Infection Prevention It is estimated that 80 percent of communicable illnesses are spread through touch but only about 30 percent of adults wash their hands after using the toilet and still fewer wash thoroughly. The very people who ought to know better are among the worst offenders. Pediatric CI Therapy - An Interview with Dr. Stephanie C. DeLuca As each day passes, medical research communities strive to find alternative means of evaluating and treating specific conditions. One of those communities is comprised of a professional and highly educated team of PhDs at Alabama University at Birmingham, located in Birmingham, AL. Pranic Therapy - Part I Pranic Therapy Part I - An IntroductionPranic Therapy is an alternative system of Medicine using therapy with the Universal Stream of Consciousness, the Cosmic Prana.Pranic Therapy can be effectuated by proper knowledge of the psycho- physical organism, physical and mental discipline and opening all our channels to the Cosmic Prana. Basilic : A Priceless Uplifter "The smell of basil is good for the heart, it taketh away sorrowfulness, which commeth of melancholy and maketh a man merry and glad". (John Gerard)History of BasilThe history of basil is shrouded in a kaleidoscope of age-old stories and legends. Aromatherapy Although the word aromatherapy has not been around forever, the use of plants, herbs, fruits and flowers for healing have been centuries long. Aromatherapy is still being researched today for it's wide variety of uses, including the healing effects that is has on the body. Classical Music Therapy Music, more than entertainment, has played an instrumental role in healing and harmonizing the mind, body and spirit. For thousands of years, the Vedic culture has used sound and music for body and mind balancing, health enhancement, healing promotion and encouragement of heightened awareness. Herbal Medicine for Diabetes Herbs used in traditional Indian medicine to treat diabetes seems to lower blood sugar and insulin levels in a manner similar to prescription drugs, a new study reports.Researchers gave extracts of the herb Salacia oblonga to 39 healthy adults, and the results were promising. Substance P - A Pain Amplifier You May Be Able To Restrict Using Your Subconscious Substance P is a key neurotransmitter required to produce moderate to intense pain. Here's a natural method you may be able to use to help neutralize this pain-transmitting chemical. Visualization For Self Healing Visualization and guided imagery are two of the most powerful healing powers of your mind. All you need to do is use your imagination for some astonishing results. Different Detox-cleansing Regimes Your body should clean itself naturally, but today's diets make that process difficult. Many turn to internal body cleansing to rid the body of waste products and toxins. Some Alternative Health Strategies CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies are generally classified into 5 seperate categories or domains. Some of these domains have sub-domains but we will broadly go into them here. Far Infrared Sauna Technology Comes of Age What exactly is infrared, or radiant heat? No need to worry - it has nothing to do with either ultraviolet radiation (which gives you a sunburn and damages your skin) or atomic radiation (the kind from a nuclear bomb).Radiant heat is simply a form of energy that heats objects directly through a process called conversion, without having to heat the air in between. Low Back Pain - Ayurvedic Management Low back pain is one of the most common pain disorders today .It is a chronic condition characterized by a persistent dull or sharp pain per the lower back. Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil Eucalyptus pure essential oil is obtained from the leaves and branches of the eucalyptus tree, also known as Eucalyptus Globulus. This tree originated in Australia, where the aborigines likely discovered its medicinal properties and started experimenting with the oil. Beating Your Neck, Back and Shoulder Pain Suffering from neck, back and shoulder pain? If you are, you're in good company. Millions of people wake up every morning and endure every day experiencing pain in their necks, backs and shoulders. Good Vibrations Esoteric vibrational remedies are really hot right now, especally in Hollywood -- the next step beyond aromatherapy. I Natural Health magazine says that even Julia Roberts is spraying herself with a Petaltone product to "clear her aura. Ayurveda - Principles & Practice Ayurveda which has been evolved around 600 BC, apart from treating ailments concentrated more in its prevention. This was followed by the Aryans & Dravidians who were inhabiting India and has been practiced ever since. How To Use Cascara Sagrada as a Constipation Remedy Cascara Sagrada comes from the bark of the buckthorn tree. It stimulates your colon to produce stronger contraction than normal.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
