1. Can you catch a cold from being cold?
There may be a bit of truth in the idea that cold can cause a cold, because the change in temperature can alter the lining of our throat and windpipe, possibly making it easier for viruses to infect cells.
2. Does putting garlic inside your nose help?
Putting something in your nose blocks the flow of mucus, so when you remove it, the flow resumes and the mucus drips or even comes out of the nose.
Mucus not only helps trap and kill pathogens, including viruses, but it also contains antibodies and can reduce the degree of infectivity and spread of viruses. So this is not a good idea.
3. Can herbal remedies prevent colds?
Some trials have shown a small preventive effect, but the evidence shows no statistically significant reductions in disease levels.
4. Can vitamin C help?
vitamin C does not prevent colds, but it can shorten their duration in some cases. Since vitamin C supplements of around 200 mg per day are considered low risk, some suggest that this is a reasonable strategy to shorten the effects of a cold.
5. Does vitamin D prevent colds?
Laboratory experiments show that vitamin D is important for boosting immunity and this is essential for fighting viruses. The problem may be that some people have inadequate levels of vitamin D.
Sunlight allows us to make our own vitamin D, but that's less so in winter. So taking vitamin D supplements during the winter is likely wise to get you enough, and this can help prevent you from catching a cold.
6. And the chicken soup?
it is unlikely to have much of an impact on clearing the infection. The water in the soup will help with hydration, which is often a problem when we have a cold.