Here are some unusual, not so common, ways to cure the common cold.

6 sure ways to get it done and over with fast!

RESIST BLOWING YOUR NOSE

It may seem like a good idea, but surprising research shows that blowing your nose actually propels viruses and bacteria back into the sinuses! Are you kidding me? What am I supposed to do with all that nastiness flowing out of my nostrils? Well, you can blow, but experts say it’s better to blow one nostril at a time. Other research shows, as gross as it may sound, it’s better to suck it in and spit it out. You know, the old, path of least resistance thing.

LESSON SYMPTOMS WITH SALTWATER

You know all that mucus you just sucked in? Well, the old-fashioned remedy of mixing a teaspoon of salt into very warm water and gargling with it four or more times a day will actually help rinse away all that nastiness. This same saline solution can draw excess fluid from inflamed tissues in the throat, making your soar throat hurt less. If post nasal drip is an ongoing problem, gargling daily will loosen the thick mucus in back of your throat by removing irritants like allergens, bacteria and fungi. So, even if you don’t have a cold, gargle away!!

PLAY VIDEO GAMES TO BOOST IMMUNITY

Now here’s a prescription you won’t get from any doctor!! But, did you know that about 12 minutes or more of good stress – the kind you experience while playing video games – is enough to send levels of a key immune system protein soaring? Your welcome!

FUEL YOUR DEFENSES WITH A BIG BREAKFAST

Studies found that consuming a hearty breakfast raised blood levels of the body’s top virus-fighting compound, gamma interferon, by 450%!! Compare that to skipping the meal, which lowered gamma interferon levels by 17%! Of course what you eat is important. Make sure the calories you consume are not empty calories, like a box of donuts for instance. Eat smart, eat healthy and eat big, you need to feed that army!!

CRACK OPEN A WINDOW

It may sound crazy, but it’s true, when you’re feeling sick, open a window. Yes, if it’s cold outside you want to stay warm, so pile on the blankets, sit in front of a roaring fire, put on your cozy socks, then, open that window. It will draw fresh air in and send germ-laden air out! Bye, bye you nasty little bugs!!

DRINK UP, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A FEVER

We should all know by now that drinking water, tea and juice helps prevent dehydration, when we have a cold. Dehydration interferes with the body’s ability to remove toxins produced while fighting viruses. But, you may not be aware that having a stiff drink like a hot toddy or hot tea with a shot of whisky or brandy is also beneficial for sore throats, clearing congestion and helping you get to sleep. Of course you should use moderation, I’m not saying you need a bender or anything!

Well, there you have it. 6 uncommon ways to get rid of the common cold. That’s not to say that the time and true methods don’t work also. For instance, does chicken soup really help?

Yes!! Science has proven that chicken soup has substances that help reduce swelling of the nasal cavities. Plus, it provides the protein your body needs to manufacture antibodies. In addition, drinking the broth helps fend off dehydration. It really doesn’t matter if it’s canned or homemade, although I prefer homemade.