4 Things You May Not Know About the Common Cold

A simple osteopathic technique can help unstuff a congested nose. First press your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Second, Press one finger between your eyebrows. This action causes the vomer and ethmoid bones to shift upwards and downwards. By holding this position for 20- 30 seconds your sinuses will begin to drain.

Yellow Or Green Mucus

Most people believe if they have a yellow or green color of mucus, they need to run to the doctor for antibiotics. They have been taught that the color of the mucus can represent a bacterial infection. The truth is a cold can cause any color of mucus. Your mucus can be clear, watery, chunky, or discolored. The color of the mucus indicates that there is a presence of more white blood cells. These cells appear regardless of you having a viral or bacterial infection. The color of your mucus shows no indication of the level of seriousness of your illness, nor does it indicate the duration you will be ill.

Tea Can Make It Better

Drinking warm tea when you have a cold can help. Green Tea and Black Tea contain theophylline which acts as a mild stimulant that increases the circulation in the lungs. This helps make breathing feel easier. Green and Black Tea both contain caffeine which can cause some hyperactivity in children or result in insomnia for adults. If you are going to drink Green or Black Tea, it is better to drink it earlier in the day to avoid a sleepless night. All warm teas in general help thin mucus and ease congestion.

Vitamin C Intake Requires Lots of Water

Many over the counter remedies and lozenges now contain Vitamin C. Most people when they are sick believe that taking extra Vitamin C can help. The truth is the most Vitamin C you should take for a cold to help boost your immunity is 500 milligrams twice a day. You can get this serving with citrus fruit juices, bell peppers and/or tomatoes. Do not buy into the mega-loading of Vitamin C. Taking mega doses will not have any real enhanced effect. Vitamin C needs to be broken down in the body by intake of lots of water because it must clear through your kidneys. If you take Vitamin C and do not ingest enough water, it can crystallize into kidney stones. It is vital that you drink 8-10 ounces of water with every dose. You do not have to drink it all at once with the supplement, drink to your thirst. At the same time, whenever you have that glass of orange juice, it is important you drink an 8 ounce glass of water to break down four ounces of orange juice to effectively filter through the body.