Although it may seem like a surprise to us, winter is here again, and cases of colds, flu, and other viral illnesses have skyrocketed since mid-to-late December. Health centers and hospitals are collapsing again, and this situation is largely due to the misuse of these services: Colds are cured the same way with or without medications..
Yes, it is true that sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether we are treating a common cold or a larger condition, but The vast majority of cases are distinguishable and easily resolved without requiring medical attention.. In fact, we should use less drugs and more non-drug therapies. Today we will discuss two examples in particular, although there are many more.
Prevention is better than cure
Although people often mistakenly believe that colds, flu, and other catarrhal symptoms are caused by colds, the truth is that, like any process caused by microorganisms, they require prior infection: Coldness does not come from low temperaturesbut it must be passed to us by another person.
(Why are we more likely to catch colds when it’s cold?scientific answer)
The problem is that at low temperatures, We tend to hide in closed, poorly ventilated areas where we are in close proximity to other people.. This in turn increases the risk of any type of infection; whether it’s a cold, flu or COVID-19. Some of these microorganisms spread more easily than others, depending on the immune system of each affected person. But cold is not directly related to these diseases.
According to our situation, The best way to prevent it is still to wear a mask, especially ventilation area. But eating healthily, getting physical exercise, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are always good motivators to keep in mind.
Honey as a “cure”
he Using honey as a treatment is not new: The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans already used honey for food and medicinal purposes.Honey has a range of properties that make it antibacterial substancesgiven its high sugar content but low water content, making this sticky element potentially bactericidal.
In addition, honey is a acidic food, which will also bring unfavorable conditions for microbial growth.In fact, in research in vitroHoney has been shown to be effective against different bacteria, even some that are resistant to antibiotics. Additionally, in other studies, honey combined with antibiotics has been found to reduce antibiotic doses without reducing their effectiveness.
However, it is worth remembering that Colds, flu, and other similar infections By Virus, rather than bacteria.in these cases No need for antibiotics. However, there are some studies, such as those published in british medical journal In 2021, it was found that “honey can be effective in reducing the duration and severity of common cold symptoms.”
As always, it is important to note Exceptions: Honey is not recommended for children under one year old; people with diseases such as diabetes should be careful (because 80% of honey is sugar), and people allergic to bees and wasps should consume it with caution.
Garlic as a “cure”
Although garlic is usually used more in the form of a spice with the purpose of flavoring our meals, it can also be used as a collaborator in the non-drug treatment of colds.Although this is true There is little research in this area and there is some evidence What should we consider.
An example is published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Year 2014. These included a randomized trial in which 146 participants took garlic supplements or a placebo for 12 weeks.According to their results, the group taking garlic supplements had the most 60% lower risk of catching a cold, although there was no difference in the duration or intensity of cold symptoms. In this case, the researchers note that trials showing garlic is effective in preventing and treating colds “appear to rely heavily on low-quality evidence.”
However, on the other hand, published in 2016 nutrition magazinewhich recommends that consuming 2.56 grams of aged garlic for 90 consecutive days during flu season can lead to Colds and flu last shorter and have milder symptoms.
Although the evidence is indeed limited, Garlic and honey are both easily available, cheap, and very safe products.; As we have already warned more than once in “EL ESPAÑOL”, it is much more effective than some of the currently used drugs designed to relieve the symptoms of colds in adults and children.
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