Treating a simple viral cold with Yogurt

A simple common cold is a viral infection affecting the upper respiratory areas, including the nose. Signs and symptoms appear about two days following exposure.

I did contract one before we left Sri Lanka last week, after being in a salubrious moderate climate environment in Kandy considered as the hill capital. Unfortunately, the city centre is polluted due to blockage for traffic in the vicinity of the Temple of the Tooth.

It started with a sore throat, then the nostrils got blocked partially with mucus, and the worst was the irritating cough due to a “post-nasal drip” of the mucus at the back of the nose. Repetitive coughing with no production was annoying and disturbed everyone in the vicinity. Tried antiseptic throat lozenges: they do soothe the throat for about an hour. It is best to avoid cough mixtures because that can increase your blood pressure. Gargling with aspirin in warm water helps temporarily.

Herbal remedies like garlic and ginger are recommended. Zinc tablets seem to help, too

After we landed in Sydney, I visited our favourite super-market and bought ‘Greek Yogurt” with immense faith that it would boost my immune system.

I took six teaspoons at once, and believe me I had a good night sleep till morning. You need to take this yogurt at least every three to four hours until you are comfortably relieved. Incidentally, on the plane a double cognac with dry ginger-ale did work: no cough and good sleep.

You probably know that garlic, chicken soup or vitamin C –rich orange juice does help a cold as prevention and treatment. They give some relief, and comfort, but the effects of the virus will last its life span, though all home remedies do have a temporising effect.

I read from the internet that a new food on the block that is kicking the butt of colds, flu, and other respiratory infections-yogurt.

Now I know that yogurt being a probiotic and good for digestive health, but also seem to give relief when you suffer from a viral cold.

Research published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that yogurt containing probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei DN-114001 relieves your symptoms by boosting the immune system controlled by the good microbiota in the gut. Yogurt not only gives relief but also shortens its life span.

Yogurt is recommended daily to reduce the likelihood of getting a respiratory infection. Choose un-sweetened low fat yoghurt containing live probiotic cultures. Avoid those fancy ones with fruit and sweetened.

Probiotic living microorganisms are contained in fermented foods or supplements. They are important to keep the gut allies’ microbiota happy and healthy, and in return they boost our immune system. Probiotics seem to promote healthy balance of gut bacteria (microbiota) and have been linked to a wide range of health benefits, including the treatment of the common viral cold.

It is advised that you take a few teaspoons of ‘Greek’ Yoghurt each night to prevent infections and improve your immune system.

Good advice by Dr harold