Since there is no cure for the common cold, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Once a cold has a firm grip on you the following tips may help get rid of it faster:

• Consume plenty of pure water as it flushes the system of toxins. Diluted vegetable juices, soups and herbal tea can be added for extra fluids.
• Get adequate rest, since sleep gives the immune system a chance to recover
• Avoid refined sugars because sugar depresses the immune system
• Increase your consumption of foods contain vitamin C and Beta carotene: i.e. yellow-orange fruits and vegetables, broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, black currants, collards, guava, horseradish, kale, turnip greens, parsley, sweet peppers, chives, kohlrabi, orange pulp, lemon pulp, mustard greets, beet greens, papaya, spinach, strawberries, watercress, asparagus, limabeans, swiss chard, gooseberries, red currants, grapefruit, limes loganberries, melons, okra, tangerines, potatoes. Freshly pressed vegetable juices should be consumed directly after pressing to conserve nutrients. Food supplements are available that contain Beta-carotene, Vitamin C or Zinc that will hurry things along towards recovery. Consult your local health care provider for dosages that would be suitable for your needs.
• For congestion, direct inhalation or vapor inhalation using a couple of drops of essential oil of lemon, Eucalyptus radiata, or peppermint 2 to 3 times daily or as needed. (not recommended during pregnancy)
• Cow’s milk, wheat and all their derivative foods can be mucus forming in some individuals. Best to be avoided until congestion clears up.
• Garlic has been shown to protect against flu viruses and to enhance antibody production.
  
  For more information on nutritional planning or complete nutritional assessments contact Charlotte at charlottel@nb.aibn.com or www.wellness-healthworks.com
  
  Disclaimer: The advice detailed in this article assumes that you are a normally healthy adult. The author, publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage suffered by individuals as a result of following advice in this article.