e know what a cold feels like – runny nose, watery eyes, congestion, cough – but did you know that all of these discomforts play a role in helping you get better?

Although you may not think about it when you’re feeling great, our bodies constantly produce mucous: mucous membranes line every body cavity that comes in contact with the outside world, including your nose and mouth, but also your digestive tract, reproductive tract and respiratory system. Mucous helps to keep tissues moist while also trapping
foreign particles that have entered the body. Some proteins in mucous also contain antibodies and enzymes to help fight off pathogens, like cold viruses.

When you have a cold, mucous production goes into overdrive to help remove the trouble-making pathogens. So all in all, excess mucous production is a good thing, and indicates that your immune system is doing its job. 

It becomes a problem, however, when mucous thickens and becomes trapped in the sinus passages, possibly leading to infection. Getting through cold season – and possibly preventing certain types
of sinus infections – is as simple as taking a few preventive steps, and working with your body's natural defense systems to get rid of an offending virus. Suppressing cold symptoms like runny nose and cough may increase the length of time you are under the weather.

When you have a cold, mucous
production goes into overdrive to help remove the trouble-making pathogens. So all in all, excess mucous production is a good thing.


Prevention is step one
By now you probably know the drill to prevent a cold, but it’s worth repeating:

Wash your hands regularly throughout the day with soap and warm water and keep hands away from your face to reduce your chances
of getting sick: many germs enter the body through the nose, mouth and eyes. 

Incorporate a multivitamin and mineral supplement or greens drink into your health protection regimen.

Take advantage of the preventive properties of probiotics to strengthen the immune system this winter. (Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods like yogourt as well as in supplement form.) Research reveals that daily use of probiotic supplements may reduce the risk of catching a cold by 12%; and study participants with a cold had symptoms for two days fewer than those taking the placebo. Other research reports that probiotic supplementation may decrease risk of upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, ear infection and the common cold in children who attend day care centres. Look for supplemental probiotics in the refrigerated section of your pharmacy or health food store.

Research also supports supplementing with Vitamin D to keep your immune system strong.

At the first sign of a cold
Boost immune system support with herbs like echinacea or ginseng. Enjoy a soothing drink of hot water with the juice of half a lime or lemon and a pinch of cayenne pepper when you experience the tell-tale tingle of an impending sore throat. The citrus will help to kill microbes while cayenne warms the body and promotes the elimination of toxins.

Clear the way for recovery
In the early stages of a cold, mucous is typically clear and watery. Help to keep it that way by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. Expel mucous by blowing your nose and expectorating post-nasal drip: swallowing mucous not only delays the departure of viruses, but it also can lead to digestive problems including nausea and diarrhea. Drink hot beverages like clear teas and soups to help mucous to flow. Dairy foods can increase mucous production and are best avoided if you have a cold or if you suspect a dairy allergy. Limit refined sugar as it reduces the effectiveness of immune system cells that kill bacteria and viruses.