We may not have an actual cure for a cold, however with zinc lozenges we may shorten the length of it by up to 42%, claims a review published in The Open Respiratory Medicine Journal.
Some people are sure these lozenges help keep their colds from going on, but sceptics argue that evidence for their use is lacking.
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.
They looked at 13 trials
Five of these trials used zinc lozenges, that provided the subjects with 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.
Interestingly, there was no effect seen on the duration of a cold, from all the studies that used less than 75mg of per day. However, in contrast, seven of the eight trials that used more than 75mg per day showed significant reductions in the duration.
Zinc acetate seemed to have the most profound effect on shortening the common cold, with a 42% reduction in the number of sick days. Other forms of lozenges also shortened the duration of the cold by 20%.
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.
If you feel a cold coming on, here are somethings you can do keep yourself healthy:
Viruses need dry environments, and this includes the ones that cause the common cold, however the inside of your body prefers moisture. Dry air will begin will dry you out, which can make nasal congestion worse and give you a sore throat. Try using a a vapourizer or humidifier to put some moisture back in their, and make sure you drink enough liquids. This will keep you hydrated and help you to breathe easier.
Some people are sure these lozenges help keep their colds from going on, but sceptics argue that evidence for their use is lacking.
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.
They looked at 13 trials
Five of these trials used zinc lozenges, that provided the subjects with 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.
Interestingly, there was no effect seen on the duration of a cold, from all the studies that used less than 75mg of per day. However, in contrast, seven of the eight trials that used more than 75mg per day showed significant reductions in the duration.
Zinc acetate seemed to have the most profound effect on shortening the common cold, with a 42% reduction in the number of sick days. Other forms of lozenges also shortened the duration of the cold by 20%.
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.
If you feel a cold coming on, here are somethings you can do keep yourself healthy:
Viruses need dry environments, and this includes the ones that cause the common cold, however the inside of your body prefers moisture. Dry air will begin will dry you out, which can make nasal congestion worse and give you a sore throat. Try using a a vapourizer or humidifier to put some moisture back in their, and make sure you drink enough liquids. This will keep you hydrated and help you to breathe easier.
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Zinc can be found in super foods such as organic wheatgrass powder and maca powder
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