HOW TO FIGHT SORE THROAT AND COLD THIS WINTER

Winters?,  which means more germs and viruses responsible for  cold ,  sore throat and other stomach related problems and if infected by them then be  ready to ruin your perfect attendance record at work or school.

Among all the other illness it is often seen cold and sore throat go hand and hand in the cold weather .But if we take some precautions we can fight them without tears and enjoy winters .

To make our self bit wiser we must know what is  the difference between bacteria and virus.
Bacteria
 Bacteria are in different shapes and sizes and contain all the information for their reproduction with in the cell, hence with out any external help they can  double their population in 20 minutes and survive extreme conditions of heat and cold, on surfaces and within humans and animals. Most bacteria are harmless and are helpful in our external and internal ecology. How ever some of them are harmful too. 
Virus
 Viruses can’t replicate themselves as bacteria do but to replicate they take over other cells to multiply. They can’t survive without a host to invade. Viruses can attack certain cells within the liver, kidney, respiratory system or blood. Antibiotics are useless against viruses. Some antiviral medications are now available for viral diseases like herpes simplex or cold sores, flu and our most modern day deadly virus HIV and AIDS. Vaccines for viruses are the most common prevention although once your immune system has encountered a certain virus, it makes antibodies to fight the virus. 

How do you know what is the problem?
 Deciphering if your sore throat or runny nose is from a bacteria or virus is difficult in the early stages. Only doctor can tell you either by clinical examination ,his experience or by blood tests.

So what You Do at Home?

·        At the first sign of a scratchy throat or runny nose, take extra vitamin C. Up to about 4000 mg per day (and maybe more) is completely safe when fighting off bacteria or a virus. Taking too much vitamin C may cause loose stools or diarrhea.

·       Stop consuming dairy products. The immune system produces excess mucus to try and capture the microbial invader. Dairy products are also mucus-forming, which causes an over production and more nose blowing and coughing. 

·       Increase consumption of garlic. As it’s both antibacterial and antiviral. Eat it, drink it or swallow it whole.

·       Take a spoonful of honey three times a day as is it  known to be a good  soothing element for sore throats and coughs. honey is antibacterial and could fight the bacteria in the throat. 

Cold and Sore Throat Soother (make it at home)
1 cm piece of ginger, peeled
1 medium size clove garlic, peeled and finely grated or minced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp raw honey
Boiling water

Put all ingredients into your favorite mug and pour over boiled water. As you drink, swallow the garlic but leave the ginger.