| Cold comfort
Colds and flu during pregnancy are an added burden. If using drugs unnerves you, try therapist Pat Thomas’s safe alternatives Of all the things that can slow you down when you’re pregnant, few can be more miserable than having a cold or the flu. Most mothers are uneasy about taking any medicines when they’re expecting and, as we all know, there’s nothing your doctor can give you to ‘cure’ a cold or flu. Antibiotics aren’t an effective treatment because colds and flu are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Also, there is a question mark over using antibiotics in pregnancy since it has been associated with a higher rate of low-birth-weight babies. Equally frustrating is the fact that most cold remedies simply don’t work all that well. That was the conclusion of one of the largest scientific reviews of over the counter cold remedies, covering more than 40 years research. There is also the largely unanswered question of the safety of antihistamines and decongestants in pregnancy. Even if such medications do not harm your baby, they can make you feel pretty awful. No fewer than 97 side effects have been ascribed to antihistamines, including constipation, blurred vision, and the inability to urinate. And as many as 30 per cent of decongestant users experience side effects such as raised pulse rate and blood pressure, palpitations, dizziness and fatigue. What can you do to relieve the symptoms of a cold or flu safely? The good news is that colds and flu are self-limiting illnesses. This means that they run their course fairly quickly whether you take medications or not. Interestingly, while the symptoms of cold or flu can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, they are also signs that your own immune system is functioning well. Fever is a good example. Viruses are sensitive to heat. A raised temperature stops the virus from spreading and causes the release of natural antiviral chemicals. Supporting your immune system, while the illness takes its course, is probably the most productive thing you can do to limit the severity and duration of your illness.
Highly sugared drinks (even though they give you an energy boost) will reduce your body’s ability to fight off infection. There is evidence that ingesting just 100 grams of sugar (about 2/3 the average adult’s daily intake) in the form of glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey or orange juice from concentrate can reduce your immune system’s ability to function by as much as 50 per cent. This effect can last for up to five hours. Vitamin and mineral supplements will also boost your immune system For instance, taking 1000mg of vitamin C each day has been shown to boost immune function. There is also some evidence that pregnancy increases a woman’s demand for zinc. Pregnant women need around 20 mg daily of zinc. While there are limits on the number and type of herbs you can safely take during pregnancy, some can be taken safely to boost immunity. Of all the germ fighting herbs, Echinacea is the most widely studied and has consistently been shown to strengthen the immune system and fight viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Echinacea can be found in health food stores in many different forms. However, Echinacea angustofolia is the type considered by herbalists to be the most effective (many commercial brands use another type, echinacea purpurea). Taking 2-4ml of tincture in a little water three times daily has no known adverse effects for pregnant women. But, like all immune stimulating herbs, it is most effective when used as needed and not as a general daily tonic.
You can also eat your way to better health during a cold. Providing you are not suffering from nausea, try using more highly flavoured herbs and spices in your cooking. Among these, good old garlic has the most widely proven immune boosting properties. Garlic, is rich in a chemical called allicin as well as other compounds, and has been used world-wide throughout history to treat a wide variety of conditions, especially infections. The best way to take it is fresh, in your diet. However, if you are going to take supplements opt for those made from dried powder (and follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions); oil-based products tend to have fewer active ingredients. New data also shows that common kitchen herbs and spices can also have germ-fighting properties. One recent study of 72 different herbs and spices showed that spices like cardamom, cinnamon and cloves – which can easily be worked into your diet – were particularly potent. If all else fails have a curry which will give you the best of most of these! For sore throats Try making a simple gargle out of 1 tsp salt in a cup of hot water. Lozenges made from propolis can also be useful in easing throat pain. If you have a humidifier use it to keep the air warm and moist. This has been shown to be helpful in relieving nasal symptoms. Otherwise, simple steam inhalations are also effective. Certain essential oils, such as tea tree, peppermint and eucalyptus are safe and effective to use with steam inhalations during pregnancy to ease nasal congestion. If your mouth feels dry, especially at night, keep a glass or bottle of water handy and take frequent sips. Try also keeping your lips moisturised with lip balm or cream. In the mean time, you might also want to consider cutting down on foods that can increase nasal secretions such as dairy products. Although these are often considered essential in pregnancy, there are other good sources of protein (such as dried pulses) and calcium (such as green vegetables), which will ensure that you are well nourished while relieving pressure on your sinuses.
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