What to take for a cold

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Marcia K
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What to take for a cold

Post by Marcia K »

Good morning. I haven't had a cold for a long time but now my son brought the germs home with him on spring break. As I haven't had to take anything since my LC diagnosis I'm not sure what is safe to take to stop the runny nose. I've increased my Vitamin D, soaked in Epsom Salt and use magnesium on the bottom of my feet but as I'm working I need to take something to stop the runny nose. Thanks for your help!

Marcia
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Post by Polly »

Hi Marcia,

I am in the same boat! I am using only Mucinex to keep the nose running freely. IMHO, the problems start when nasal secretions dry up and lead to complications like sinusitis, etc. I sit all day with a large box of Kleenex by my side.

Polly
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Post by Blueberry »

It's been a long while since I experienced a major cold too. The improved diet with avoiding wheat, and taking vitamin D3 made a big difference for me.

It isn't cold related, but have been experimenting with different oxygen ideas. I've seen an oxygen idea mentioned for quickening cold times. The idea is to wipe onto the skin or drop 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide into the ears. When mentioning it to my parents, they commented while growing up dropping hydrogen peroxide into the ears is what their doctor would do when they caught a cold.

"Hydrogen Peroxide for Colds and Flu"

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/artic ... t-one.aspx
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tex
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Post by tex »

Hi Marcia,

Sorry to hear that you have a cold, but that may indicate that your immune system is returning to a more normal pattern (because your digestive system is healing). It appears that except for those of us who have unique sensitivities to certain ingredients in certain products, most of us seem to be able to take most OTC cold remedies without any adverse consequences to our digestive system.

You can probably stop or significantly reduce nasal drainage by taking an antihistamine. And the first-generation antihistamines (such as Benedryl) will also help you sleep (but of course that's a disadvantage during the day).

But I totally agree with Polly that there is a reason why the immune system prompts nasal drainage during an upper respiratory system virus infection, and that's to get rid of the viruses and other debris, and prevent the sinuses from clogging. Because of that, taking an antihistamine or decongestant can be counterproductive if you happen to be one of many who are susceptible to sinus infections. If that doesn't apply to you, then you can probably use many of the common cold products, just check the label to make sure it doesn't contain anything that you are avoiding.

Flushing your nasal passages by using a Neti Pot may be helpful. They can't be beat for preventing sinus infections, if sinus infections happen to be a problem for you.

Good luck with whatever you try.

Tex
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Marcia K
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Post by Marcia K »

Hello, everyone. Thanks for the replies. I left work early to come home for some rest. I think that will definitely help. I've been using the Neil Med sinus rinse twice a day so hopefully the cold won't hang around for too long! As annoying as it is I'll keep in mind what Tex said and think of it as being good because things are returning to normal for me. :smile: Have a great afternoon.

Marcia
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