We all get the common cold from time to time. For the elderly, having a cold can be an annoyance and can affect their sleep, food intake, and energy and pain levels. Although a visit to the doctor may help, it may not be worth the trip as a cold usually passes on its own after some time. There are natural remedies you can try to treat cold symptoms at home.
Drink Lots of Hydrating Liquids
Yes, we know it is cliché but drinking lots of water is one of the best (and sometimes forgotten) advice out there for treating colds. It is important to always stay hydrated to prevent dehydration and help decongestion. Liquids such as plain water, clear soups, fresh juices, and honey lemon drinks are good to hydrate you, loosen the mucus, and clear that stuffy nose. Warm liquids such as soups and tea can also help to soothe a sore throat. However, it is best to avoid drinks such as alcohol and coffee as they can worsen dehydration.
Get Lots of Rest
Getting lots of rest is important as it helps your body recover and helps your immune system fight the virus. It is recommended that you avoid strenuous activity and get plenty of rest and sleep as that is what your body really needs. However, make sure that in between rests, you get up and drink enough liquids and eat nutritious food so that you do not get dehydrated. Here are some ways to get better sleep during a cold:
- Take a warm shower before sleeping to increase relaxation as well as loosen congestion and clear your airways
- Use a diffuser with essential oils to help to clear your stuffy nose and airways so that you can breathe easier
- Drink warm liquids such as tea or honey lemon drink to soothe your throat and help you relax before you sleep
- Sleep on two or more pillows so that your head is at a higher angle, helping you to breathe much easier if you have congestion. Just make sure you are comfortable and don’t strain your neck
Eat Immune-Boosting Foods
Eating nutritious food is important in boosting your immune system and helping it fight off infections. Here are some foods you should eat to help fight off your cold:
- Oranges, strawberries, and broccoli to boost immunity
- Blueberries to help with the fever
- Chilli to help decongest
- Honey to clear airways and soothe the throat
- Green tea to help with diarrhea
- Bananas, rice, or toast to also help with diarrhea
Choose TerraBella Windsor Lake for a Healthy and Enriching Lifestyle
Natural remedies can be a great way to manage cold symptoms and make you feel better. These include getting enough rest, eating nutritious food, and drinking enough water.
To lead a healthy lifestyle, you should eat nutritious foods to boost the immune system and prevent illnesses. If you are having difficulty attaining a healthy diet, you can consider joining us at TerraBella Windsor Lake. In our senior living community, you can consume a nutritious diet with the freshest ingredients prepared by our executive chefs.
