Revealing Grandma’s Wisdom: Chicken Soup, the Ultimate Remedy for Colds and Flu
In an unexpected turn of events, it seems that Grandma’s remedy for colds and flu was right all along – chicken soup! Just last month, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared that a key ingredient in common cold medications is ineffective, leaving millions of Americans without reliable remedies. The FDA panel found that phenylephrine, an oral decongestant, does not work at standard or high doses when compared to a placebo. As a result, stores have started removing products containing phenylephrine from their shelves, including popular brands like Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion, Sudafed PE, and Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe Day & Night.
According to Dr. Stuart Fischer, an internal medicine doctor in New York City, there are several over-the-counter alternatives and natural remedies that work better than these ineffective medications. Dr. Fischer applauds CVS for voluntarily removing products with phenylephrine as the only active ingredient from its shelves. He believes that over-medicating cold symptoms is unnecessary and actually hampers the body’s immune system from fighting off viruses. Dr. Fischer recommends exploring other options to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
For those seeking pharmaceutical options, Dr. Fischer suggests taking regular Benadryl that only contains diphenhydramine, as it can help with sinusitis and a wet cough. He also recommends cough syrup like Robitussin, which he considers harmless. Additionally, Dr. Fischer mentions N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), an antioxidant derived from the amino acid L-cysteine, as a potential aid for cold and flu symptoms.
But perhaps the most timeless and effective remedy of all is chicken soup. Dr. Fischer confirms that chicken soup, with its broth, salt, and chicken fat, is a vital solution for cold and flu symptoms. The broth helps with hydration, while the salt draws water into the body’s cells, rehydrating them. The chicken fat acts as a surfactant, enabling deep breaths by opening and closing air sacs in the lungs.
In terms of prevention, Dr. Fischer highly recommends probiotics. He personally takes 25 billion units of probiotics every morning to bolster his immune system. Probiotics, found in foods like yogurt, cottage cheese, and kimchi, are known as “good bacteria” in the digestive system and aid in fighting harmful bacteria.
In conjunction with these alternative remedies, Dr. Fischer underscores the importance of rest and hydration for sick individuals. Proper rest and fluid intake, especially with electrolytes to replenish the body, are crucial during illness.
The FDA panel’s ruling on phenylephrine is not binding but strongly implies that the agency may reconsider its approval of the ingredient. In response to this potential change, CVS has been proactively removing cough and cold products with phenylephrine as the only active ingredient from its shelves. This marks a positive step, as Dr. Fischer believes the side effects of these medications outweigh their minimal benefits. Phenylephrine, although not a stimulant, can cause stimulant-like side effects such as increased blood pressure, heart rate, and restlessness. With the prevalence of high blood pressure in the US, Dr. Fischer points out the dangers of using phenylephrine without proper medical guidance.
In conclusion, Grandma’s advice holds true – chicken soup and other natural remedies prove to be more effective than over-the-counter medications with phenylephrine. Dr. Fischer’s recommendations, including the use of alternative pharmaceutical options and probiotics, offer safer and potentially more beneficial solutions for combating cold and flu symptoms. It’s important to prioritize rest, hydration, and natural remedies while being aware of the potential risks associated with certain medications. Don’t forget to take care of yourself during the cold and flu season!
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