Fluids
"Staying hydrated is very
important, especially when you're sick and your throat is irritated or
inflamed," Dr. Linder says. "You should be drinking enough fluid so
that your urine is light yellow or clear. This keeps your mucous membranes
moist and better able to combat bacteria and irritants like allergens, and
makes your body better able to fight back against other cold symptoms."
What you drink is up to you, Linder adds. Water always works (ice cubes, too!), but you can also change it up with something slightly sugary, like a watered-down fruit juice, or something salty, like chicken broth.
What you drink is up to you, Linder adds. Water always works (ice cubes, too!), but you can also change it up with something slightly sugary, like a watered-down fruit juice, or something salty, like chicken broth.
Saltwater gargle
Several studies have found that
gargling several times a day with warm salt water can reduce swelling in the
throat and loosen mucus, helping to flush out irritants or bacteria.
Doctors generally recommend dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of water. If the salty taste is too unpleasant for you, try adding a small amount of honey to sweeten the mixture slightly. (Just remember to spit the water out after gargling, rather than swallowing!)
Doctors generally recommend dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of water. If the salty taste is too unpleasant for you, try adding a small amount of honey to sweeten the mixture slightly. (Just remember to spit the water out after gargling, rather than swallowing!)
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