If you just can't shift the sniffles, zinc could be the answer you've been waiting for. According to a new study, taking zinc syrup or lozenges within one day of the start of your cold symptoms could help reduce and even prevent infections. It's thought to work by coating the virus and preventing it from entering your body through the thin lining in your nose. Laboratory tests at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh in India also show that the virus can be stopped from reproducing.
ZEST SAYS: The dosage, timing and formulation of taking zinc is still uncertain. Plus, there are worries over the toxicity of zinc when used long-term and in high doses, as it may cause stomach upsets, nausea, and vomiting. For now, stick to what we are sure of: keep wrapped up with a big scarf, even pulling it up over your face to help stop airborne bugs. 'Cold air slows down the flow of mucus that raps viruses and can also reduce the white cells that fight them,' says Professor Ron Eccles, director of Cardiff University's Common Cold Centre. Just remember to wash your scarf regularly at 40°C or more to destroy germs, and you could be germ-free until spring.
Top tips to fade stretch marks
Most of us have them, but there's plenty of easy steps that you can take to reduce stretch marks now and prevent them in the future, too
When your weight fluctuates it's stressful enough - without adding stretch marks into the mix.
7 in 10 girls developed stretch marks during puberty, and nine out of 10 women get them during pregnancy. Most of us will have them at some point in our lives. Unfortunately stretch marks never fade completely, but there are some things you can do to improve their appearance and prevent more developing in the future.
What causes stretch marks?
When the skin is stretched rapidly over a short period of time, the middle layer of skin can break in places, forming red or purple streaks that gradually fade to a silvery white colour.
A stretch mark is essentially the same as a scar, so maximising the skin’s ability to heal and strengthen itself is key to reducing their appearance.
You are what you eat
Luckily, this could be as easy as tweaking your diet; plenty of foods can protect against stretch marks.
Firstly, essential fatty acids can help restore moisture and elasticity to the skin, so try to include foods such as avocados, olives, salmon, mackerel, nuts and olive oil in your meals.
Silica, which is found in cucumbers, whole grain bread and rice, carrots, and leafy greens, can help the skin to repair and become more supple.
Getting enough zinc in your diet is crucial to help wounds to heal, so try to include some lean red meat and chicken, or beans, nuts and seeds if you’re vegetarian.
Vitamin C can help to produce collagen, a protein in the skin which helps improve strength and resilience; citrus fruits, tomatoes and red peppers are all great sources.
Finally, the more hydrated your skin is, the more likely it is to withstand stretching without scarring, so drink plenty of water .http://www.zest.co.uk
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