ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel ASAP Science 8 Sick Remedies That Actually Work – Scientifically!
When you’re feeling under the weather, you might have some go-to remedies that you believe in. One classic comfort food is chicken soup, and it turns out it might actually help. Chicken soup can have an anti-inflammatory effect by slowing down the movement of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. This can help reduce congestion in your lungs, making you feel better.
You’ve probably heard the saying “feed a cold, starve a fever.” But should you really only eat soup? Not exactly. Whether you have a cold or a fever, it’s important to eat nutrient-rich foods. These foods give your body the energy it needs to heal and boost something called gamma interferon, which is crucial for fighting off infections.
There’s a popular saying: “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples are indeed healthy. Just 100 grams of apple have the same antioxidant power as 500 mg of vitamin C, which can help prevent the growth of cancerous tumors. The peel of the apple is rich in flavonoids, which are linked to a lower risk of heart disease. While apples are great for overall health, their effect on the common cold is still up for debate.
Many people take vitamin C when they feel a cold coming on. In a study where neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was getting vitamin C, it didn’t stop people from catching colds. However, it did make colds shorter. This might be because vitamin C helps your body produce more T cells, which are important for your immune system, and increases interferon, which helps fight viruses.
If you’re coughing or having trouble sleeping due to a cold, honey might help. Honey has antibacterial properties and can help your body repair itself. Garlic is another natural remedy that can reduce the length and severity of cold symptoms by boosting your immune cells.
Echinacea is a popular herbal supplement. Research shows that it can reduce the chances of catching a cold by 58% and shorten the duration of a cold by about 1.5 days. It works by reducing inflammation and affecting cytokine production in the body.
Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption might boost your immune system. However, it’s important to remember that drinking too much can weaken your immune system.
If none of these remedies work, remember that staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and giving yourself time to recover are key to feeling better.
Curious about which remedies are myths? We explore the top sick myths in our new video, using scientific research to debunk them. Check it out for more insights. And don’t forget to grab our book for answers to more of your questions. Visit ASAPscience.com/book to get your copy. Subscribe for more weekly science videos!
Prepare a simple chicken soup at home and observe its effects on your body when you have a cold. Record any changes in your symptoms and discuss your findings with your classmates. This will help you understand the potential anti-inflammatory effects of chicken soup.
Create a meal plan that includes nutrient-rich foods to support your immune system. Research and list foods that are high in gamma interferon and discuss how these foods can help your body fight infections. Share your meal plan with the class.
Conduct a small research project on the antioxidant properties of apples. Compare the antioxidant levels in apples to other fruits and present your findings. Discuss whether the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” holds true based on your research.
Participate in a role-play activity where you act out how vitamin C affects the immune system. Use props to demonstrate the production of T cells and interferon. This will help you visualize and understand the role of vitamin C in shortening colds.
Engage in a debate about the effectiveness of herbal remedies like echinacea. Research both sides of the argument and present your case to the class. This will encourage critical thinking and help you evaluate the scientific evidence behind herbal supplements.
Here’s a sanitized version of the YouTube transcript:
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We all have remedies for when we’re feeling unwell that we swear by. Nothing feels better than a hot bowl of chicken soup, right? Well, it turns out that it may actually have an anti-inflammatory effect as it prevents neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, from moving. By slowing down the movement of neutrophils, it helps prevent these cells from congregating in the lung area, which can relieve congestion.
You may have also heard the expression “feed a cold, starve a fever.” Should you only eat soup? It turns out that this is only partially true. In both cases, you should actually be eating nutrient-rich foods, which provide your body with the energy to heal itself and increase something called gamma interferon, essential for your immunity against both viral and bacterial infections.
So, why not eat an apple? The saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, to some degree, 100 grams of apple contain the same antioxidant power as 500 mg of vitamin C, which has been shown to inhibit the growth of both liver and colon cancerous tumors. The peels, rich in flavonoids, are also linked to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. While apples may be associated with fewer visits to the doctor and serve as preventative medicine for overall health, their impact on the common cold is still debated.
What about taking lots of vitamin C, whether in the form of lemons, other foods, or pills? In a double-blind study, it didn’t reduce the incidence of the common cold; however, it did significantly reduce the length of colds. This may be due to the increased growth of T cells, which are white blood cells involved in your immune response, as well as an increased production of interferon, which helps virus-infected cells ramp up their antiviral defenses.
If you’re in need of immediate relief for a cough or difficulty sleeping due to a respiratory infection, honey can be beneficial. Known for its antibacterial activity, it increases the release of inflammatory cytokines, signaling cells to repair themselves. Garlic, too, has been shown to decrease the length and severity of cold and flu symptoms by increasing the growth of gamma delta T cells and natural killer cells, which help identify and eliminate invading pathogens.
Have you ever tried echinacea? It’s one of the most popular herbal supplements for good reason. A meta-analysis of 14 studies found that echinacea decreased the odds of developing a cold by 58% and reduced the length of colds by approximately 1.5 days. It works as an anti-inflammatory and influences cytokine production in the body.
While you’re at it, consider having a drink with a little alcohol. Some studies have found that moderate amounts of alcohol can help boost your immune system. However, it’s important to note that heavy drinkers were found to have the weakest immune systems.
If all else fails, water, rest, and time are sure contributors to recovery. So, which remedies are just myths? We break down the top sick myths you thought were true in our new ASAP Thought video, using scientific research and evidence to debunk them. Click on the screen or the link in the description to see that video. And hey, our book, which answers even more of your burning questions, is almost out! If you haven’t gotten your copy yet, head over to ASAPscience.com/book to be the first to get your hands on it. Subscribe for more weekly science videos!
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This version maintains the original content’s essence while removing informal language and ensuring clarity.
Remedies – Treatments or medicines used to heal or relieve a disease or condition. – Herbal teas are often used as natural remedies for colds and sore throats.
Immune – Protected against a particular disease or illness, often due to the presence of antibodies. – After receiving the vaccine, she became immune to the virus.
Vitamin – Organic compounds that are essential for normal growth and nutrition, usually required in small quantities in the diet. – Vitamin C is important for maintaining a healthy immune system.
Apple – A fruit that is rich in fiber and vitamin C, often associated with health benefits. – Eating an apple a day can contribute to a balanced diet and good health.
Honey – A sweet substance made by bees using nectar from flowers, often used as a natural sweetener and for its medicinal properties. – Honey is sometimes used to soothe a sore throat due to its antibacterial properties.
Garlic – A plant in the onion family known for its strong smell and flavor, often used for its health benefits. – Garlic is believed to boost the immune system and help fight off infections.
Echinacea – A group of flowering plants used in herbal medicine, often believed to reduce the duration of colds. – Many people take echinacea supplements to help prevent colds during the winter months.
Inflammation – The body’s response to injury or infection, often causing redness, heat, swelling, and pain. – Inflammation is a natural part of the healing process, but chronic inflammation can lead to health problems.
Antioxidants – Substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals. – Foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, can help protect the body from oxidative stress.
Nutrients – Substances that provide nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life. – A balanced diet provides all the essential nutrients needed for a healthy body.
