How To Get Rid Of A Cold Fast?

Catching a cold can disrupt your daily routine, but with the right strategies, you can speed up your recovery. Natural remedies, superfoods, and a balanced diet play a crucial role in helping your body fight off the virus. At Britt’s Superfoods, our nutrient-packed juices provide the immune support your body needs to get rid of a cold faster. In this blog, we’ll explore effective ways to alleviate cold symptoms, while also answering common questions about colds and their duration.

What is a Cold?

A cold is a viral infection that affects your respiratory system, primarily your nose and throat. It’s caused by various strains of viruses, with the rhinovirus being the most common. Symptoms of a cold include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Mild headaches
• Low-grade fever

Difference Between a Cold and the Flu

Though both colds and the flu are viral infections, flu symptoms tend to be more severe and come on more quickly. The flu can cause high fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue, while colds are generally milder and shorter-lasting.

How Do You Catch a Cold?

Colds are spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Touching your face after being in contact with these surfaces is a common way to catch a cold.

High-Risk Environments

Crowded places like schools, offices, and public transport are high-risk environments for cold transmission. Regular handwashing and avoiding touching your face can help reduce the risk.

How Long Does a Cold Last?

On average, a cold lasts 7 to 10 days, though symptoms may linger for up to two weeks. The severity and length of your cold can depend on factors like:

• The strain of the virus
• The strength of your immune system
• Your age and overall health

If your symptoms persist beyond two weeks, consult a healthcare professional.

How Long Are You Contagious with a Cold?

You’re most contagious in the first 2 to 3 days of showing symptoms, but you can spread the virus for up to a week. To prevent transmitting the virus to others, wash your hands frequently, avoid close contact, and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast

While there’s no cure for the common cold, several remedies can help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus and prevent dehydration. Stick to water, herbal teas, and clear broths. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate your body.

Get Plenty of Rest

Sleep is crucial when battling a cold. You maybe wondering 'how to sleep with a cold'. Well you should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to allow your immune system to focus on fighting the virus. Elevate your head with pillows to make breathing easier while sleeping.

Use Over-the-Counter Medications

For symptom relief, try decongestants to clear nasal passages, pain relievers for headaches and body aches, and cough suppressants for persistent coughing.

Try Natural Remedies

• Honey for soothing a sore throat and calming a cough.
• Saltwater gargle to ease throat irritation.
• Nasal irrigation with a saline solution to clear your nasal passages.
• Wheatgrass Juice with vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B12, C, E, K, plus iron, magnesium, calcium and  amino acids. 

Boost Your Vitamin C Intake

Vitamin C is well-known for its immune-boosting properties. Increase your intake of citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens, or consider a vitamin C supplement to support your immune system.

Consume Zinc

Zinc can help reduce the duration of a cold when taken early. Zinc lozenges or syrup are effective options, especially if taken within 24 hours of symptom onset.

Use Steam Therapy

Steam therapy can help ease nasal congestion. Take a hot shower or use a humidifier to inhale steam and clear your airways. For an extra boost, add essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint.

Eat Immune-Boosting Foods

Certain foods can enhance your immune response. Garlic, ginger, and turmeric have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Another potent immune booster is wheatgrass, which is packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants that help your body fight infections.

Stay Warm

Keeping your body warm during a cold can help it fight off the virus. Make sure to dress in layers and stay cosy at home to encourage faster recovery.

Reduce Stress

Stress weakens the immune system, making it harder to recover from a cold. Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or light stretching can help reduce stress and support your immune system.

What to Eat When You Have a Cold

Eating a nutrient-rich diet when you have a cold is crucial for recovery. Focus on foods that are easy to digest and packed with vitamins and minerals.

• Broths and soups keep you hydrated while providing soothing warmth.
• Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, and E help strengthen your immune system.
• Whole grains give you sustained energy without putting stress on your digestive system.

At Britt’s Superfoods, we offer nutrient-packed juice blends that are ideal for when you have a cold. Our Blended Green Juice contains a powerhouse mix of wheatgrass, barley grass, matcha tea, and nettles, providing essential vitamins and minerals to help your body recover. This blend is rich in antioxidants, supports detoxification, and reduces inflammation—key factors in shortening the duration of a cold.

Worst Foods to Eat When You Have a Cold

Certain foods can aggravate cold symptoms and slow down recovery:

• Sugary foods can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off the virus.
• Processed foods are difficult to digest and lack the nutrients your body needs.
• Dairy products may thicken mucus for some people, worsening congestion.

Instead, choose healthier options like superfoods juices, which provide concentrated nutrients to support your immune system and reduce inflammation.

How to Prevent a Cold

Prevention is always better than cure. By incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine, you can reduce your chances of catching a cold.

• Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and superfoods to keep your immune system strong. Daily consumption of Britt’s Superfoods Juices, like our fresh wheatgrass juice, provides a concentrated boost of essential nutrients that can enhance your immune response and help protect you from catching a cold. 

• Exercise regularly to maintain overall health and support your immune system.
• Get enough sleep to allow your body to regenerate and strengthen its defences.

Incorporating Britt’s Organic Superfoods juices into your daily routine is an easy way to support your immune system with superfoods like wheatgrass and barley grass, which are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.

By following these tips and incorporating healthy Juices into your diet, you can give your body the nutrients it needs to recover faster from a cold. Our superfood juices are designed to support your immune system, keeping you healthy year-round!