(NC) Despite our best efforts to stay healthy during the winter, we can’t always get through the cold and flu season without a nasty bout of runny nose, ceaseless coughing, fever, and a pounding headache. If you suffer from some of these symptoms, it’s quite possible a nasty bug snuck past your best defenses. The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) has some simple suggestions to minimize all the aches and pains and get you back to feeling healthy sooner:

Zinc

Taking a zinc supplement is a great way to speed up recovery from a cold. This essential nutrient has been shown to prevent rhinovirus (the most common cause of a cold) from reproducing, stopping the affliction in its tracks. For best results, and even to help prevent catching a cold at all, try including a zinc supplement as part of your regular regime.

Vitamin C

This nutrient, readily available in many foods, helps to prevent immune deficiencies so getting enough throughout the year is an effective preventative measure. Consuming plenty of vitamin C-rich foods like bell peppers, dark leafy greens and citrus fruits is an important way to get your daily recommended dose. Higher concentrations of vitamin C, found in natural supplements, can also help to minimize the duration of a cold that has already afflicted you.

Echinacea

This helpful herb comes in many forms, including teas, juices, tinctures, and a wide variety of solid tablets. Time is of the essence however. It is important to begin using echinacea as soon as cold or flu symptoms appear.

There are many natural ways to stay healthy and happy throughout the winter and all year long. Additional tips about natural health are available online at chfa.ca and speak to your health care provider about the products and dosages that are right for you.