Harmful Cold Remedies Leading to Illnesses: Important Facts to Consider
Staying healthy during the cold season is a top priority for many, and when a common cold strikes, it's natural to look for ways to alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery. However, it's essential to be aware of the potential side effects of common remedies, especially supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Firstly, it's crucial to stay at home when you have a common cold to prevent its transmission to others. While you're resting, you might consider some home remedies to ease your symptoms. Drinking plenty of fluids, getting plenty of rest, consuming honey, inhaling steam, using saline nasal sprays or drops, and using throat lozenges can all provide relief.
However, there are some remedies that may not be as beneficial as they seem. For instance, a hot toddy, a drink made with lemon, hot water, honey, and whiskey, may help relieve common cold symptoms due to honey. But drinking alcohol, even as part of a hot toddy, may weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections.
Two supplements that often come up in discussions about common cold remedies are vitamin C and zinc. While vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can boost the immune system, excessive vitamin C consumption can lead to side effects such as abdominal cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. Moreover, with long-term high intake, it may increase the risk of kidney stones, particularly in those with a history of them. The generally recommended upper intake level for vitamin C is about 2,000 mg per day to avoid these side effects.
Zinc supplements taken shortly after developing a common cold may help a person recover more quickly, but only by a small amount. However, further research is necessary into the effects of zinc supplementation on respiratory viruses. Taking too much zinc can lead to adverse effects such as loss of appetite, headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and interaction with certain medications like antibiotics, penicillamine, and diuretics.
It's important to note that mixing medications can lead to unwanted interactions and side effects. Speaking with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or medications is always recommended. If a person has been experiencing symptoms of a common cold for more than a week without any signs of improvement, they should speak with a healthcare professional.
In summary, while there are several remedies that may help to relieve common cold symptoms, it's crucial to be aware of the potential side effects and to adhere to recommended dosage guidelines. Always consult with a healthcare professional for further guidance about common cold treatments or if you are concerned about any symptoms you are experiencing.
| Supplement | Common Side Effects of Excess Intake | Notes | |------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Vitamin C | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal cramps, headache | Risk of kidney stones at high doses (>2000 mg/day) | | Zinc | Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches | Can cause copper deficiency if chronic; details not in search results |
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