Loads of people are coming down with whatever current bug is out there.

This current bug seems to begin in the sinuses and then travel down into the throat and then the lungs.

Taking over-the-counter meds for mild fevers is not an effective treatment. Taking NyQuil or other sleep cough aids may be somewhat helpful but it is not treating the problem. Tylenol, Aspirin, Advil - again - worthless in my book when it comes to the flu or the common cold.

Three Problems:
Your immune system may be tired for one so that needs help.
The other is you may need assistance in breaking up the mucous and getting it up and out.
Another is you may be dehydrated. Drink pure filtered water - NOT bottled.

Resolution Step 1:
Low vitamin D is the likely culprit why many are ill. Given that the sun is no where to be seen for months during this time of year, vitamin D status in people is very subnormal. Low vitamin D is a common cause of immune weakness leading to 'catching colds.'

So boost your Vitamin D3 levels by taking a liquid vitamin D3 product. Many docs recommend taking anywhere from 2000 IU to 10,000 IU a day in order to get low D3 levels back to normal again.

You may want to test your D3 levels if you are currently taking a Vitamin D product. Ask your doctor to measure your serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D3 levels.

Vitamin D2 in your milk and yogurt is not doing you much, if any, benefit. Vitamin D2 is not the form used by the human body therefore vitamin D2 is not utilized well at all.

Resolution Step 2:
To get rid of the unsuccessful unproductive cough:
N-acetyl cysteine, otherwise known as NAC, is a potent nutrient for breaking up mucous in sinuses and lungs.

Taking 900 mg of N-Acetyl Cysteine three times a day between meals may significantly loosen up the mucous thereby getting rid of the dry cough. You may want to take 1800 mg or more three times a day if you are noticing a very unsuccessful dry hacking cough.

Caution: You will begin hacking more but you will also notice that the mucous will be coming up - so have a handkerchief with you. Getting rid of the sticky dry mucous is essential to recovery. The tickling cough will also go away as the mucous comes up. The tickling cough is caused mainly by sticky dry mucous.

Resolution Step 3:
Drink plenty of pure filtered water. Being dehydrated when you are ill is a big problem and commonly not addressed.

Dehydration causes mucous to become more sticky and harder to get out thereby causing you to hold on to your bug longer.

Don't buy bottled water. Bottled water is simply making bottling companies wealthy while giving you tap water in a plastic bottle.

Get a stainless steel water bottle, a good water filter and go on your way without plastics and damaging our planet even more.

There is a limit to how much water to drink - so don't go nuts. If you drink too much water, you simply are washing out your mineral stores. Drink a couple liters a day and it is best to toss in some electrolytes in it as well. Electrolytes are crucial to maintain cellular function.

Other Quick Cough Fighting Tips:
Nothing beats a humidifier with eucalyptus oil and sea salt in your room at night while you are sleeping. The humidifier helps soften the mucous and soothe the lungs.

Hanging a crushed clove of garlic or two also helps out. The garlic oils are antimicrobial.

Stop eating any and all dairy products for a couple weeks. Dairy causes mucous in many individuals. This means no milk, ice cream, sour cream, cream cheese, lactose free milk, cottage cheese, etc

Post a comment on what you do to successfully get rid of the common cold or treat hacking coughs.

Best,
Dr Ben