6 reasons why your cold lingers

The cold and flu season is here and it is important to look for ways to boost your immune system to prevent illness from entering your home. Not only is it important to take steps to prevent a head cold, you also need to learn what you can do to help your body get over a cold. Most colds completely work through your system in 10-14 days; however colds can linger for other reasons.

Here are 6 reasons why your cold may be lingering:

Reason # 1 - Lack of sleep
When you are struck with an illness, make sure you are getting plenty of rest. Not only do you need to sleep while you are ill, you need to continue getting plenty of rest after you start to initially feel better. Stress causes lack of sleep, which comes by pushing your body above its limits. A person who receives less than 7 hours of sleep per night is 3 times as likely to come down with a head cold. When you have a head cold, it is recommended to get at least 10 hours of sleep per day. Stay home from work and catch up on your sleep if you are struck with a head cold.

Reason # 2 - Lack of fluids
The other reason why a head cold may be lingering is because you are not drinking enough. Everyone should consume at least 8 glasses of water per day. This recommendation is in addition to any fruit juices, vegetable juices, and other drinks you consume. When you are struck with an illness, your body needs extra fluids to fight it. Most people become dehydrated when they are sick. Stock up on Gatorade and plenty of juice if you don't like to drink water and make sure you drink a lot when you are sick. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine and sodas because they contain empty calories and they actually starve your body of liquid.

Reason # 3 - Too much exercise
Another reason why you may be having problems getting over your head cold is because you are pushing your body too quickly. While exercise is good for you, take it easy for a couple weeks if you have recently been struck with an illness. You need to take your exercise level down a notch like walking instead of running or doing yoga versus strength training.

Reason # 4 - Poor diet
Many people do not consume the proper intake of food. If you aren't making time for each food group, you are not doing your body any favors. When you are struck with an illness, your body needs more vegetables and fruits because they contain vitamins and other nutrients that help to fight off a head cold. Since you may have a sore throat and a stuffy nose, most foods do not smell or taste good. Look for foods like vegetable soups that are packed full of vegetables that contain vitamins and minerals. Avoid excess sugar and salt and try to balance your diet in order to help your body receive all of the nourishment it needs.

Reason # 5 - Too much medication
While over-the-counter medications can help you sleep better and get through your day, taking too many of them actually dry up your sinuses and cause problems. Sinus infections are common with a head cold and if you over medicate yourself; you actually end up prolonging your symptoms, causing your cold to linger for weeks. Use a neti pot to help keep the sinuses clear and free of infection as your cold starts to dissipate.

Reason # 6 - Taking the wrong medications
Always read the label of the medication you are taking. Far too often people take the wrong medication and it actually doesn't help to treat their illness.