People usually talk less about the relation of cough with diet and lifestyle. However, both these factors have enough impact on cough, cold or flu. In this guide, we will talk about how diet and certain lifestyles play a role in keeping a person safe from colds.
About Cough
Occasional coughing is normal for human beings as a cough is an important reflex that helps protect the lungs and airways. When dust or germs in your throat irritates the nerves in your airways, your body responds to it by coughing. Coughing helps clear your throat from the mucus or dust you catch from your surroundings. However, the long-lasting cough followed by other symptoms, such as mucus production, bloody phlegm or short breath, could be serious signs one should not ignore. Such kind of coughing could be a sign of a problem in your lungs, heart, stomach or nervous system. A few alarming causes of long-term cough include Asthma, Lung cancer, Chronic infection, and COPD.
What Is Elderberry? – Elderberry Syrup Vs Capsules
when it comes to seasonal flu, cold or cough, using natural remedies is common in almost every household. Elderberry syrup vs capsules both are one of the most known vitamins, also also very popular in medicine. The users of this plant believe that the flowers and berries of this plant are packed with several vitamins and antioxidants that help in boosting immunity. A healthy immunity eventually prevents the body from getting a cough or cold.
If we talk about the available forms of elderberry supplements, you can find them in the form of syrup, capsules, lozenges, gummies or even teas in the market. Although all forms are effective and can be included in the diet, a few forms, such as capsules or syrups are used widely. Gummies are the tastiest form, but it often has added sugar or preservatives. Where elderberry capsules are easy to consume, they are known to be less potent as it takes longer for the body to digest capsules. The elderberry syrup, on the other hand, is known to be absorbed more quickly by the body. If you still want to consume elderberry capsules to avoid added sugar in the syrups, go for the capsules which contain powdered elderberries.
Foods To Ease Your Cough
Treating minor coughing at the right time is necessary to prevent long-term coughing. Here are the common foods known to prevent cough if consumed with a balanced diet.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the most commonly known remedies used in homes to treat cough and cold. It has anti-inflammatory properties that ease a sore throat. It also contains compounds that relax muscles and open the airways. You can drink hot ginger tea with a dash of honey mixed in it for better relief.
Lemon
Lemon is popular for being rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It must be included in your daily diet to boost immunity and produce serotonin. You can squeeze a lemon in your hot ginger tea or plain hot water to soothe your sore throat or cough. The vitamin C in lemons helps you get to recover faster from colds.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt contains important probiotics that are required for the body to fight the symptoms of cold and cough. People who consume yoghurt with their diet daily have better overall health. It provides your body with enough probiotics to lessen your symptoms of flu and cold.
Bone Broth
Chicken soup, meat and bone broth is an excellent food you can eat when you are not feeling good. The hot broth not only provides you with enough nutrients but also speeds up the movement of the mucus through your nose. Sipping hot broth or soup provide your body with immunity and guard against bacteria and virus. If you don’t like meat, you can opt for vegetable soup with added black pepper, turmeric and garlic.
Seeds And Nuts
Seeds and nuts are the best things you can include in your diet as they are rich in zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium. Pumpkin seeds, flax seeds and chia seeds are used widely to treat several kinds of problems. They boost the functioning of white blood cells in the body, which eventually boosts immunity and prepares the body for seasonal cough and flu. You can consume seeds and nuts with yoghurt as a healthy evening snack.
Final Verdict
Diet and lifestyle are the factors that affect your overall health, including mental health. These factors play a crucial role in preventing the body from getting serious infections or harm. Although cough is an important body reflex, which doesn’t last for long, one should pay enough attention to its treatment to stop it from getting severe. Long-term coughing could be the cause of serious health issues. Therefore, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle and eat a well-balanced diet to prevent cough, cold, or flu.
