That’s just one of the crazy ideas to try when you or your child is sick. Seriously. I read it on the interwebs.
It happens when you least expect it and NEVER at a convenient time, but when you’re sick with colds/flu/sinusitis, you HAVE to take steps to take care of yourself, especially if you are the primary caregiver to other people.
This week, I’ve been sidelined with a massive sinus infection that I’m trying to keep from developing into bronchitis. I’ve learned a few things along the way and wanted to share them.
1. Fever can be a good thing.
Fever is the body’s way of fighting off infections. Yes, the hot achy feeling is no fun. If I can, I try a cool bath or lots of distractions like Farmville, blog reading, and Frankie-chasing. If I get too miserable, I will take acetaminophen. I try to hold off on that as long as possible because I want the fever to do it’s job.
2. Fluids—the right kind
OJ is the world renowned favorite for colds. But really, it makes my throat hurt worse and the acid makes my stomach hurt. Sugary sodas like 7-Up are no good for me either. When I have this much head congestion, good ol’ water is the best thing to help keep me hydrated through the medicine and clear up the congestion. Hot tea is a great drink, especially with honey for a sore throat.
3. Eat CLEAN!
Natural foods are so much better. I try to eat as many vegetables as possible, even if they are in a big pot of soup. In my opinion, nothing is better than a pot of soup with lots of vegetables and good chicken stock. There is some interesting information about chicken stock-real chicken stock from real chickens—as being the “Jewish penicillain”. By this, they mean actual therapeutic effects are evident from sipping soup made with chicken stock. I’m a believer.
On the first day after I went to the doctor, I made a fruit smoothie with a lot of good things like strawberries, mango, Amazing Grass superfood (dehydrated veg. powder), and milk. It was cold on my throat, easy to digest, and the energy I had that morning was the most energy I had all day. I breezed through my morning at work, but fever caught back up after lunch. I’ve made 2 smoothies since and they do help me feel better.
4. Exercise—light.
If you can, try to do some light exercising such as yoga, stretching, or walking, but clear it with your doctor first if you have any concerns. I know if I have chest congestion, I have to keep it moving. Many people each year develop pneumonia after the flu because they are inactive when sick. If I keep moving, I can keep that junk from settling in my chest for a long vacation. If I don’t have time to be sick, I certainly don’t have time for a hospital stay.
5. Tried and true remedies—these may or may not work…I can’t say I’ve tried them all, but lots of people promise they do!
- Put vicks on your feet before bed (wear socks) to help chest congestion
- Gargle with salt-water
- “Grandma’s” homemade cough syrup—peppermint to cover the massive amounts of bourbon.
- mix a vampire’s acre of garlic with warm milk. I won’t even entertain this idea.
- Pass a child under the belly of a donkey.