At the first sign of a cold, we are used to eating honey, lemon, ginger, garlic and drinking warm milk in order to recover faster. Physician Liya Bazanova told Klops why seemingly healthy products can be harmful.
Honey
Honey is often credited with miraculous antiviral properties. It does contain useful substances, for example, B vitamins, but not in such quantities as to be called a medicine. Because of the myth about its medicinal qualities, it is often abused. More than two teaspoons of honey per day irritate the gastrointestinal tract and can cause allergies.
“Honey is one of the most powerful allergens and, unfortunately, more and more people react to it every year. Moreover, the symptoms are the same as for a cold: cough, runny nose, difficulty breathing,” said Liya Bazanova.
Ginger
Ginger does kill germs, but this property will not spread beyond the oral cavity. The amino acids and vitamins contained in ginger help with menstrual pain, nausea and gum disease, but it is powerless against viral diseases.
The sharp-bitter taste of ginger will quickly warm you up and relieve chills for a short time, but will not disinfect the body. Moreover, the root is contraindicated for people with a sensitive stomach and gallbladder, as it causes heartburn, diarrhea and intestinal disorders.
Garlic
Fresh garlic can kill bacteria (staphylococcus, E. coli, salmonella), but not viruses (ARVI and influenza).
The therapist warns that essential oils of garlic can be perceived negatively by a weakened body: “If a person has never breathed garlic before, then you should not lay out chopped cloves throughout the apartment and breathe in essential oil. A person who is, in principle, prone to any allergies, with a weakened immune system, is likely to have bronchial spasm.”
Lemon
Contrary to myth, vitamin C cannot be eaten in unlimited quantities. It, like any acid or vitamin, has dosages. Therapist Liya Bazanova warns lovers of traditional medicine: “It is unclear how much vitamin C is in one slice of lemon, but it is clearly not enough to alleviate the condition. An effervescent tablet contains a fixed amount of substance. Therefore, it is better to dissolve an effervescent tablet in warm water according to the instructions than to eat a whole lemon.”
In addition, ascorbic acid in lemon does not reduce the risk of contracting respiratory viral infections and does not in any way affect the duration of an existing disease, but only slightly slows down the activity of microbes.
Warm milk
You shouldn’t count too much on warm milk: among all the listed products, it helps the body recover to the least extent. Lactic bacteria contribute to the multiplication of the virus in the body.
“At high temperatures, lactase deficiency increases, and milk may cause vomiting,” explained Liya Bazanova. “Doctors always recommend warm drinks while in hospital to reduce the concentration of germs, but it is better to give preference to tea or fruit drinks.”
Doctor’s advice
Regular physical activity and a balanced diet will help strengthen your immune system. If you cannot avoid a cold or flu, you must visit a doctor and follow his recommendations.
“Warming food and drink are included in the complex of therapeutic measures, but are not a method of treatment. People often abuse traditional methods and only make things worse. If you have a weakened immune system, you shouldn’t try new things or consume strong allergens,” the therapist said.
There is no product that can strengthen the immune system and save from seasonal diseases, Bazanova assures. Garlic, ginger, lemon and milk are healthy foods that should be included in the diet, but cannot replace medications.
2023-09-22 11:58:49
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