Everyone has their own idea of how to go about easing a sore throat, which can often be the first sign of the onset of a heavy cold or possibly flu. Of course it could be a bacterial infection or perhaps infected tonsils which are causing the condition.

Generally the advice is to get lots of vitamin C. There is a difference of opinion in what level of the vitamin C. is effective, however a recent US study indicates that around 200mg of vitamin C. a day is perhaps more effective than the recommended daily amount. Personally I’m not sure because the body can only use whatever amount of vitamin C. it needs.

The remainder of the vitamin C. is passed from the body in urine.

If you don’t consume the vitamin C. in tablet form then you should be able to get it by eating at least two servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables daily.

Also several studies have shown that the zinc lozenges can help shorten the duration of the symptoms of a sore throat. Taking zinc supplements for a cold, providing of course you don’t exceed 40mg per day, has also shown to be effective. If you take excess zinc it only serves to weaken the body’s immune system.

Eating bio yoghurt also seems to help protect against side-effects of antibiotics.

Alcohol should be avoided because it reduces your immunity and also irritates already inflamed mucous membranes.

Because a sore throat generally makes swallowing uncomfortable I personally prefer to soothe sore throat with a lemon drink made from the juice of a lemon put into a cup of boiling water with a teaspoonful of honey.

Tags: sore throat, colds, flu



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