There may not be a cure for the common cold, but taking zinc lozenges could shorten its' duration by up to 42%, according to a review published in The Open Respiratory Medicine Journal.
While there are some that are convinced lozenges prevent their colds from hanging around, there are others who say there is a lack of evidence to support this.
Investigators from the Department of Public Health at the University of Helsinki, Finland, conducted a review of studies to help clarify whether zinc can truly help clear up the common cold more quickly.
13 trials were examined
Five of the trials used zinc lozenges that provided less than 75mg of zinc per day, and
Eight studies used lozenges that provided more than 75 mg per day; three used zinc acetate, and five used it in other forms.
None of the studies using less than 75 mg per day had an effect on the duration of the common cold. However, in seven of the eight studies using more than 75 mg per day, cold durations were significantly shorter.
There was a 42% reduction for those trials using zinc acetate, whereas there was only a 20% reduction when other forms were used.
The taste of these lozenges is not to everyone's liking and some may develop nausea from them, but there have not been reports of long-term side effects. Zinc is found naturally in super foods such as bee pollen and wheatgrass, and while it may not be as much as 75mg, it will certainly help with your daily requirement.
The next time a cold comes your way, here are some tips you can try:
The inside of your body likes moisture, while the cold viruses love dry places. Avoid becoming too dry, for example spending too long in a room full of dry air. It can make your throat sore, and nasal congestion worse. Consider using a vaporizer or humidifier to put some moisture back in the air. Also make sure you're drinking enough liquids which will help you breathe easier and prevent dehydration.
While there are some that are convinced lozenges prevent their colds from hanging around, there are others who say there is a lack of evidence to support this.
Investigators from the Department of Public Health at the University of Helsinki, Finland, conducted a review of studies to help clarify whether zinc can truly help clear up the common cold more quickly.
13 trials were examined
Five of the trials used zinc lozenges that provided less than 75mg of zinc per day, and
Eight studies used lozenges that provided more than 75 mg per day; three used zinc acetate, and five used it in other forms.
None of the studies using less than 75 mg per day had an effect on the duration of the common cold. However, in seven of the eight studies using more than 75 mg per day, cold durations were significantly shorter.
There was a 42% reduction for those trials using zinc acetate, whereas there was only a 20% reduction when other forms were used.
The taste of these lozenges is not to everyone's liking and some may develop nausea from them, but there have not been reports of long-term side effects. Zinc is found naturally in super foods such as bee pollen and wheatgrass, and while it may not be as much as 75mg, it will certainly help with your daily requirement.
The next time a cold comes your way, here are some tips you can try:
The inside of your body likes moisture, while the cold viruses love dry places. Avoid becoming too dry, for example spending too long in a room full of dry air. It can make your throat sore, and nasal congestion worse. Consider using a vaporizer or humidifier to put some moisture back in the air. Also make sure you're drinking enough liquids which will help you breathe easier and prevent dehydration.
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