Get Over a Cold FAST >> Gluten-free Remedies

With our full schedules, we would all like a secret method to get over a cold fast. Especially as gluten-free eaters, time and good health is precious! Since I once again healed from this years nasty cold in record time, I’m sharing my secrets to help you get over a cold fast too.

This post contains my top, less known strategies to get over a cold fast, other healthy cold-curing reminders, and a few of my most-used gluten free cold remedies.

 4 Secrets to get over a cold fast:

1. Umckaloabo

 Umckaloabo - this little-known natural remedy is clinically proven to shorten the duration of your cold by a few days. It’s also known for decreasing the severity of symptoms. In addition to being vetted by western medicine, it has a long-standing history as a natural remedy in South Africa.

Umckaloabo is not a preventative measure like the popular brand Emergen-C. Rather, it’s intended for frequent use with the first onset of cold symptoms. 

It's my #1 defense for any cold or flu, and why I believe I kick colds in record time compared to friends and family.

A phone call to Nature's Way assured me that all of their Umcka products are gluten-free. I most enjoy the soothing lemon drink.

2. Electrolytes

Everyone will tell you hydration is key. But are you replenishing electrolytes as well?

Runny noses, digestive upset, and sweating can all deplete your natural electrolyte balance. Without electrolytes, your body struggles to hold on to the water it needs to properly eliminate the virus.

In addition to water, soups, and broth, we recommend these three methods to replenish electrolytes:

• Nuun electrolyte tablets (all flavors are gluten-free)
• coconut water 
• eating a banana 

3. Easy to digest foods

Your body is working hard to kick this cold. That’s why we recommend easy to digest foods to fuel your immune system without added stress.

Our favorites include:

• White rice and steamed veggies
• Hard boiled eggs or a scramble
• Fruit and vegetable smoothies (you can find our 3 favorite smoothie recipes here)

4. Fresh air

With all the germs in your home, your lungs need a break. If you’re able, a short walk down the block or sitting on the porch can do wonders for moving congestion along.

It may be hard to motivate yourself to bundle up, but it’s well worth clearing some of that head congestion.

Other tips to get over a cold fast:

Rest

It’s obvious but often the hardest to do. Before I quit my teaching job to travel, taking a day off felt like more trouble than it was worth. 

But getting rest early is the best way to nip your cold in the bud and feel like your regular self again.

Remember:

Vitamins

Eating nutrient-rich foods and taking a multivitamin ensures your body has the building blocks it needs to heal and fight off viruses.

Probiotics

Studies show that having at least one serving of a probiotic rich food may help reduce cold symptoms. 

Honey

Honey is an excellent natural cough suppressant and soothes a sore throat.

Cold Medications

As someone with celiac disease who eats strictly gluten free, I avoid unnecessary medications to limit potential exposure to gluten. 

However, when I need it, I rely on:

• Tylenol Extra Strength tablets
• Delsym Max Strength cough suppressant + chest congestion

I rarely use medications other than these. Celiac Dietetics student, Tayler Silfverduk, shared an excellent instagram post on Gluten-Free Cold Medications. You don't need an instagram account to view the link. I also recommend anyone with celiac or gluten sensitivity check out Tayler's feed for simple tips and a supportive community.

Get comfortable

Fluffy blankets, your favorite tea with honey, and reruns on Netflix are all healing essentials. 

We love this Lemon Ginger Tea from Stash with a little bit of honey.

SUMMARY

Our top 4 natural remedies to get over a cold fast are:

• Umckaloabo: this South African root is clinically proven to help you beat the cold in less time. 
• Electrolytes: you can’t properly hydrate without replenishing electrolytes. We like coconut water, Nuun Hydration tablets, or bananas.
• Easy-to-digest foods: tame tummy troubles and give your hard-working body a rest
• Fresh Air: give your lungs a germ free treat.

Disclaimer: When feeling ill or when trying any new supplement, we highly advise you see a physician. This information is intended only to accompany whatever suggestions your doctor has recommended. Please do not use this information in lieu of medical advice. 

Additional References

Read an article on Umckaloabo from the Pharmaceutical Journal here.

 Want To Learn More?

Read one of these previous wellness articles on Vibrantly g-Free:

Stress Relief Tips >> 5 strategies for clarity + focus

GLUTENED: How to Recover from Gluten Exposure

Gluten Free Grocery List + 10 Tips!   

What About You?

What are your favorite ways to soothe a cold? Let us know in the comments below or share with us on Instagram using #vibrantlygfree.  

❤ Jamie

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