Any good remedies???

[doc]

Has anybody else experienced a constant run of colds, chest infections followed by more colds and chest infections? I'm starting to get hacked off, every time I get rid of one or the other then another one hits me. Have tried all sorts of potions and lotions & none seem to work much. (except raw garlic which sees me shifted to the back room!!!!). Anybody got any good remedies that they have found worked for them. Gettin' desperate at this point. Can't get on my bike much at all & starting to crack up!!!!

[adrian]

Drugs wise I would recommend Echincea (sp?) and a good multi-vitamin, but of course nothing can substitute a decent diet. Stress and fatigue can also be a contributing factor - so when you're sick make sure you're getting enough sleep and plenty of fluids and give your body enough time to recuperate. Last year I had a real run of the colds and flu but have been going well ever since...typing this will jinx me now.

Without sounding like too much of an OCD victim I also keep a bottle of anti-septic gel in my work bag. You're probably catching your bugs from touching other people and you're most vulnerable after a hard session on the bike (when you're body is weak).

[doc]

Cheers adrian, think i'll give that Echinacea stuff a rattle, can't do any harm, at this point i'll try anything. Been doing a lot of extra hours the last few months so it's maybe all just catching up on me.

Thanks again.

[StephenP]

Professional cyclists are paranoid about catching a cold/flu/chest infection and some of them won't even use their hands to press the button of the lift in a hotel (they use their elbow). Hand sanitisers like the Cutan mousse they use in hospital corridors is what I use after working in places where the public have been or after being near somebody who is coughing etc. I haven't had a cold since coming back from training camp in Majorca in April 2008. That time the plane home was full of coughing cyclists with run down immune systems after cycling for a week.

[thephilipboyle]

It is cold and flu season. Viruses are doing their rounds-keep your hands clean with an alcohol based gel. Avoid public door handles and computer keyboards, telephones. The viruses are spread through the air from people coughing, sneezing and breathing.
If you need a supplement, echinacea is a good immune system booster. Also consider vitamin C and zinc. You can speak to a pharmacist about these (you may be on other medication/have a medical condition etc). Don't overtrain in the winter-damp/cold air and viruses. Keep your diet right and make sure you rest plenty (and I don't mean be lazy!).
If you are training, always make sure you remain hydrated-your body will still sweat in the cold even though you may not feel it.

[doc]

Gavin gave me a some sound advice the other day and i got some echinacea and solgar multi-vits from the health shop. feeling a lot more like myself i can tell you(near time).
cheers for the assistance.

[Deek]

Just ride your bike...no great distance or speed required...and do as often as you can...best cure there is

[adrian]

As well as having a positive effect on reducing the effect of a cold, Echinacea has been found to increase endurance.

www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/health-is-echinacea-the-wonder-herb-its-claimed-to-be-29341

[fritz]

so thats wot the posse are all takin for increased endurance , a banned substance me thinks !!

[johnb4]

can you put it in a roll up