Toni-Lynn
08-11-2008, 09:58 PM
Registered Dietitian Lisa Andrews, R.D., M.S., Debunks Myths About the Common Cold
Myth 1: Taking a zinc supplement or lozenges will prevent a cold.
Fact: Zinc is a nutrient necessary for a strong immune system, and while deficiency may impair immunity, it's very rare in this country. Some research suggests that lozenges that contain 9 to 24 milligrams of zinc taken one to two days during the onset of a cold may reduce the severity of a cold. Excess zinc supplementation(>30 mg/day) may lower HDL ("good" cholesterol) and reduce immune function.
Myth 2: You should starve a fever and feed a cold.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that supports this notion. If anything, overeating may lead to weight gain because you're less likely to exercise while you're sick. If you have a fever, don't starve yourself. In fact, a one-degree increase in body temperature raises basal metabolism 7 percent, which means you should eat more.
Myth 3: If you have a strong immune system, you won't catch a cold.
Fact: About 95 percent of "healthy" adults exposed to a cold virus will be affected and 75 percent will develop symptoms. In short, no one is "immune" to catching a cold.
Myth 4: Echinacea prevents colds.
Fact: Although research suggests that echinacea (cone flower) stimulates the immune system, it does not seem effective in preventing colds. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration does not standardize echinacea or other herbal preparations. Echinacea should also be avoided in pregnant women and those who are trying to get pregnant. Recent studies indicate that echinacea is ineffective in preventing colds in children as well.
So now that you know what doesn't prevent colds, what does? Here are some tips:
Try to stay away from sick people. Just using your sick co-worker's phone might expose you to the cold virus.
Wash your hands frequently, especially when in public places or around those who are sick. Be especially diligent if you work in a hospital or other clinical setting.
Avoid touching your eyes or nose. A virus on the fingers is transferred into your nose or eye by finger-to-nose contact or finger-to-eye contact.
Consider taking zinc lozenges when you first notice the onset of a cold. Although they won't prevent a cold, they may reduce symptoms by about half a day. Discontinue use of lozenges once your cold is gone.
Source (http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/en_US/jsp/EDS_Page.jsp?pageID=ATAAC&id=/current_article_page/archivedarticle_hw_4_Common_Cold_Myths.xml)
Myth 1: Taking a zinc supplement or lozenges will prevent a cold.
Fact: Zinc is a nutrient necessary for a strong immune system, and while deficiency may impair immunity, it's very rare in this country. Some research suggests that lozenges that contain 9 to 24 milligrams of zinc taken one to two days during the onset of a cold may reduce the severity of a cold. Excess zinc supplementation(>30 mg/day) may lower HDL ("good" cholesterol) and reduce immune function.
Myth 2: You should starve a fever and feed a cold.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that supports this notion. If anything, overeating may lead to weight gain because you're less likely to exercise while you're sick. If you have a fever, don't starve yourself. In fact, a one-degree increase in body temperature raises basal metabolism 7 percent, which means you should eat more.
Myth 3: If you have a strong immune system, you won't catch a cold.
Fact: About 95 percent of "healthy" adults exposed to a cold virus will be affected and 75 percent will develop symptoms. In short, no one is "immune" to catching a cold.
Myth 4: Echinacea prevents colds.
Fact: Although research suggests that echinacea (cone flower) stimulates the immune system, it does not seem effective in preventing colds. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration does not standardize echinacea or other herbal preparations. Echinacea should also be avoided in pregnant women and those who are trying to get pregnant. Recent studies indicate that echinacea is ineffective in preventing colds in children as well.
So now that you know what doesn't prevent colds, what does? Here are some tips:
Try to stay away from sick people. Just using your sick co-worker's phone might expose you to the cold virus.
Wash your hands frequently, especially when in public places or around those who are sick. Be especially diligent if you work in a hospital or other clinical setting.
Avoid touching your eyes or nose. A virus on the fingers is transferred into your nose or eye by finger-to-nose contact or finger-to-eye contact.
Consider taking zinc lozenges when you first notice the onset of a cold. Although they won't prevent a cold, they may reduce symptoms by about half a day. Discontinue use of lozenges once your cold is gone.
Source (http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/en_US/jsp/EDS_Page.jsp?pageID=ATAAC&id=/current_article_page/archivedarticle_hw_4_Common_Cold_Myths.xml)