Looking for a solution to help fight off symptoms such as aching limbs and headaches when you are struck down by the cold or flu?
Is it really the flu?
Our quick quiz helps you figure out if you really do have the flu, or just a nasty cold.
Check your symptomsSense of smell returns
A blocked nose is a common cold and flu symptom that’ll have you reaching for nasal sprays to help ease the discomfort. As well as being generally frustrating, though, congestion can affect your sense of smell too.
As the stuffy nose eases and your sense of smell returns, however, it is a sure sign that your cold is on the way out. We need smell in order for taste to function properly so this should come back not long after as well.
TOP TIP: Zinc is important for sense of smell and immune function so, to help speed up your recovery, up your intake of foods containing this important mineral.
Foods rich in zinc include beef, pumpkin seeds, cashew nuts and eggs. You could also try our apple and spinach smoothie for a healthy snack loaded with a variety of vitamins and minerals including zinc.
Runny nose
After dealing with a blocked nose during a bout of cold or flu, it is not uncommon for a runny nose to emerge soon after. The good news is that this is a positive sign, though – it is just your body’s way of getting rid of any bacteria. Better out than in, is that not what they say?
TOP TIP: As well as keeping tissues to hand, I’d recommend you try a little Po-Ho oil if you are suffering from a runny nose. This is made from peppermint, eucalyptus and other essential oils which help to expel mucus faster and speed up the recovery process.
Changes to the colour of snot
Now, as you blow your nose in an attempt to deal with the excess mucus that often becomes problematic towards the end of a cold or flu, you may notice that the colour has changed. During an infection the snot is likely to be yellow in colour but as you recover it becomes clearer. Again, this is another positive sign that you are on the mend.
TOP TIP: Steam can be very beneficial for a runny nose so try a hot bath, shower or a relaxing hot drink such as our Echinaforce Hot Drink to see if it makes a difference. This last option has the added benefit that Echinacea supports the immune system, thus helping you to recover quickly.
Top tip
If you are just getting over a cold or flu you may find it helpful to try our tasty Balance Mineral Drink. This contains a range of vitamins and minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium and that all important zinc which supports the immune system.
This combination of ingredients also helps fight tiredness and fatigue - two symptoms that often accompany a cold or flu.
A little more energy
As you recover from a cold you’re likely to notice a difference to your energy levels. These will improve, but take care not to overdo it - jumping back to normality too quickly will put you back to square one.
TOP TIP: Your body needs time to recover so don’t be afraid to take a little time off work in order to rest. As you do this, ensure you get plenty of sleep and fill up on immune-boosting vitamin C.
Stomach bug
Occasionally, a cold will subside only for a stomach bug to develop. The reasons for this are complicated, though it could be that you are more vulnerable to infection having just seen off a cold or flu. The immune system is often drained at this point and may be less efficient in its ability to prevent bacteria and viruses from infiltrating the body.
In contrast, it is possible that symptoms emerge as the body is on alert after tackling a cold or flu. Under this pressure it is more likely to react to passing viruses and bacteria, hence the arrival of a stomach bug just as sniffles and sneezes ease.
TOP TIP: 80% of our immune cells are found in the gut and so, since Echinacea helps to support the immune system, it can aid recovery from a stomach bug.
For more information on how to deal with a stomach bug you may find it helpful to read ‘Are the effects of your stomach bug still lingering?’ by out Digestion Expert Ali.
