Being stricken by a cold is no fun. Body aches, fever, coughs, and nasal congestion all conspire to make life a misery when your nose, throat, and chest feel like they've been hammered and sandpapered into submission. The usual reaction is to reach for the meds. While no solid research confirms chicken soup as a cure, studies suggest supplements may be more effective than food for combating the common cold.
A study conducted during two winters found that taking a multivitamin with vitamins A, D, C, E, B6, B12, folic acid, zinc, selenium, copper, and iron reduced the frequency and duration of cold symptoms like a runny nose and cough. Vitamin C supplements can also reduce mild cold symptoms like a runny nose, cough, and sore throat by 15% and may have an even greater impact on severe symptoms.
If you're feeling under the weather, browse this gallery for home remedy ideas and some handy tips to beat the bug and banish the winter blues.