Keep Your Force Strong

There are no foolproof solutions or cures, but there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and to reduce the impact of uncomfortable symptoms like a runny nose, congested lungs, sore throat, aching muscles, upset stomach and a dreaded fever.

Dr. Troy Watson, at the Railyard Urgent Care Center on S St. Francis Drive, says the best way to fend off infections is to avoid them in the first place. He recommends keeping your body in fighting shape, eating a healthy diet and using good personal hygiene.

"That means washing your hands often," says Watson, who also suggests wearing a mask and latex gloves around sick people or when you are sick yourself to reduce the spread of pesky bugs.

Brian McDaid, a doctor of Oriental medicine at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy on W Cordova Road, agrees that the best cold-busting strategy is to boost your immune system now; he says it's important to pay attention to early symptoms. For instance, at the first sign of a ticklish nose, grab a neti pot filled with warm salt water to clear the surfaces inside your nasal passage, "while the mucus is still forming."

For colds, over-the-counter medications promise relief, but they often only address symptoms for a few hours and can leave you dried up and drowsy. Longer term medical solutions are likely tucked away in your spice cabinet or kitchen pantry.

We've all heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but garlic works too. Cloves of the "stinking rose" are loaded with immune-boosting antioxidant properties. Cinnamon and turmeric are great anti-inflammatories and work well in sauces, stews and soups or sprinkled on yogurt and oatmeal.

You should also consider getting medical-grade elderberry supplements, according to McDaid. It won't prevent the flu, but its anti-viral properties can cut the length and severity if taken at the first sign of illness.

To nip a cold in the bud, pop a few zinc tablets or eat good foods like oysters, crabs, lean meats and our editor's favorite, chocolate. Also try steeping some ginger in your tea to reduce stomachaches, nausea and headaches. It's also tasty raw.

To help with a runny nose, add cayenne pepper to your chicken noodle soup. Its active ingredient is capsaicin, which can thin out mucous build-up. Mint can also help you breathe a little easier. Plus, its cooling essences will aid your sore throat. Watson recommends a bottle of dark honey as an alternate cough suppressant.

To safeguard against the more troublesome flu, you'll need to find a free flu shot clinic or head to your primary health provider.

"It better to deal with a sore arm for a few days, rather than be hospitalized or die from influenza later," says Ramirez.

The vaccination doesn't guarantee you'll avoid the flu, and if symptoms strike, you could be down for days. While you recover, you need to keep hydrated. Lisa Armijo, a registered nurse and office manager at the urgent care center, says drink lots of water and use a room humidifier if you have one.

Examining alternative cold and flu remedies got us to wondering if Uncle Jack’s hot toddy recommendation all these years really is effective at fighting a cold. It turns out his tasty adult beverages do provide relief.

Santa Fe Reporter