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Thursday, April 24, 2008

Palatable Prescriptions

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Since I woke up this morning with the dreaded scratchy throat, I thought it would be a great time to write about the hated and time-stealing common cold. Throughout the years, there have been some silly remedies to prevent and get rid of the common cold;however, the truth is you just have to let it run its course while making sure that you are giving the body what it needs to remain healthy. The best way to do this is not with overdosing on over-the-counter medications, but simply by eating foods that will make the body feel better. Here are some known food remedies:


Chicken Soup - Hot liquid clears mucus, which in turn helps to clear the body of the virus. Make sure to choose soup that is full of vegetables as these contain much needed vitamins and antioxidants.

Vitamin C – Although it has not been proven to prevent the common cold, it does help to slow its progression. I suggest that you go for the fruit and vegetable sources rather than juice or pill form since there are other vitamins and fiber in whole food choices.


Honey and Lemon – Lemons provide the vitamin C and honey coats and soothes the throat. You can even add a small amount of alcohol to thin the mucus and help you get some much needed sleep.

Garlic – Raw garlic fights infections and boosts the body's immunity; try crushing a few cloves into some hot soup.

So, how about your family? What food-based cold care strategies have been passed down from generation to generation?

Navalee MS, RD
Nutrition Support

"The greatest wealth is health" - Virgil

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Sunday, January 13, 2008

'Tis the Season to Get Sick!

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This is the time of year that many of us get sick. But, do we really know what's going on? Here is an interesting and very informative list that explains the differences between a cold and the flu. I recommend that you print it out and keep it handy.

Remember that if you are under the weather, take time to recover. If you are not 100 % on your game, rest is the most common treatment, whether you have a cold or flu. Stay home if you can; no need to spread the germs at work to anyone else.

Stay Healthy!

Denise, DTR, CPT-AFAA
Nutrition Specialist

It's one day at a time and that's what you need to concentrate on; each day that you do this will make you stronger for the next!

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Saturday, December 22, 2007

Want Some Honey with That, Honey?

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We have all heard about those old wives' tales about homemade remedies to treat coughs, but now there is a study showing that one actually works...honey works to calm coughs!

This is very interesting to me since trying to get my kids to take cough medicine is a true chore! I am willing to give it a chance so my kids can soothe their cough and get a good night’s sleep.

Denise, DTR, CPT-AFAA
Nutrition Specialist

It's one day at a time and that's what you need to focus on; each day that you do this will make you stronger for the next!

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Tuesday, November 27, 2007

What is Your Cold Remedy?

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Mothers around the world have different traditions when it comes to cold remedies. I think we would all agree that chicken soup is America's #1 traditional remedy. In one study, when hot chicken soup was compared to cold water, and hot water, it was the most affective at making one's nose run. Of course, any hot liquid will improve hydration and help loosen secretions, but what's in the chicken?


Taking vitamin C is also very common. Many still believe that regularly taking vitamin C will help decrease the incidence of colds. In reality, studies have only shown that taking larger doses of it will indeed shorten the duration of a cold, but only by about 8% and not necessarily for everyone. Be careful though because too much vitamin C will cause an upset stomach.


Another popular belief is that dairy products increase mucus secretions, but currently there are no scientific studies to back this up. In fact, in one blind test study, a soy-based drink was consumed by subjects and they reported the same effect on mucus production as with cow's milk. That said, dairy products like yogurt actually contain bacteria that may help boost the immune system.


Using zinc to help fight cold symptoms is controversial. Some studies have shown taking zinc lozenges help to shorten the cold but others have shown no advantage over placebo. The controversy lies more in the fact that excessive amounts of zinc can interfere with absorption of other minerals and high doses can be toxic.


Regardless of the cure used, all of us know that the love and attention of a loved one can work miracles! Many experts in the world of food and health share their feelings in this article about how to nurture a cold.


What is your cold remedy?


Renee Brunetti, LD/N, NSCA-CPT, ACSM


“If you had one car to get around in your lifetime, how would you treat it?"

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November 27, 2007 7:25 PM  

you can even buy it yourself at www.GrandmasChickenSoup.com - - it is absolutely delicious


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Saturday, November 3, 2007

Is it a Cold or Allergies?

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It is a common question, “How do you know when you are sick or when you have a cold?” Well, here are some ways to help you determine which is which!

If you have a itchy, runny nose that is clear, with sneezing and congestion then you have allergies. If your runny nose starts off clear and becomes yellow/green with sneezing, in addition to a low grade fever, weakness and fatigue then you have a cold.
When your symptoms begin is also a predictor of whether it is cold or allergies. If your symptoms occur during the allergy season after exposure to allergens, then you have allergies. With a cold your symptoms usually develop 1-3 days after exposure. As far as the duration of the two, a cold can last on average 5-7 days and allergies last as long as you are exposed to the allergens.

In regards to treatments for allergies vs. colds, Antihistamines, nasal steroids and decongestants are used to treat allergies. For colds, Antihistamines work as well along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

To prevent allergies stay away from allergens that affect you. Keep the windows in your car closed and use the air condition. Reduce the dust mites in your home by getting rid of your carpets, shades, etc. To prevent colds, and I know you have heard this many times before, WASH YOUR HANDS often.

Now that everyone is clear on the difference between colds and allergies, stay healthy!

Michelle, DTR
Nutrition Specialist

“He, who has health, has hope; and he who has hope has everything”

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