Part of this diet is trying new things and -- what may seem like bizarre -- new remedies. Since the cold is spreading to every other person right now, I thought I would reflect on the cold I had last week. I got rid of it in five days. I kid you not.
After catching the infectious green snot with my neti pot, I began the battle immediately. I find that downing steaming chicken broth and peppermint tea constantly helps a lot. Also, something called Bieler Broth (this is where the quasi remedy comes in). It's steamed zucchini, celery, garlic, green beans, parsley, and hot water all blended together. Definitely not a common drink in my kitchen, but it is not as bad as it sounds. Bieler Broth is often used during detoxing and is helpful during acute illnesses. It is high in magnesium and apparently works to build your alkaline reserves (which has to do with a chemical balance in your blood) and improves liver function. It also works to restore potassium and other important nutrients and minerals to the endocrine glands of the body. During the process the cold germs still tried to battle onward, but they soon lost. And, through it, I felt about the same as if I had taken Tylenol cold (which only works to cover up the symptoms, not fight them).
Now, the cold is in the trash with the mountain of tissues. I've used this regime a few times with the same results. :)
Some remedies/supplements haven't worked for me (occasionally making things worse since I am so sensitive to everything right now). But, the ones that do... I am grateful! Because living without them is -- literally -- quite painful and very uncomfortable. I am glad to take the chance when necessary (though, yeah, sometimes nervously). Take risks -- many are worth it.
Other cold-defeaters I have come to learn: humidifier to loosen mucus, avoid sugar (bacteria tends to feed off of it) and dairy (which thickens mucus), avoid large meals because you want your body to focus on fighting the infection off and not digesting food, and, of course, good rest.
That explains why I haven't been very hungry, my body is fighting off germs. Great things to know for young kids, since they aren't supposed to take all that over the counter junk anyway. Glad you're feeling better... have you tried adding leeks to your broth?
ReplyDeleteThanks. No I haven't tried leeks, but I will keep that mind! Yeah, counter junk is gross and often unnecessary. I recently heard that the latest link to autism and many other current medical issues are too many drugs and the use of plastics. Bleck!
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