4 Evidence Backed Natural Ways To Stop A Cold In Its Tracks

We all know the feeling: the slight scratch in your throat when you swallow or the start of a sniffle. These early symptoms often signal that a cold or virus is trying to take hold. But what if there were effective, evidence-based natural ways to stop it in its tracks?

The good news is, there are! By taking immediate action and using proven remedies, you can significantly improve your chances of stopping a cold or virus before it fully develops. From supplements like IMMUNE SHIELD to the benefits of rest, hydration, and immune-boosting foods such as turmeric and ginger, here are four scientifically backed strategies to help you fend off illness.

Rest: Give Your Body the Time to Heal

It may sound simple, but rest is one of the most effective ways to stop a cold or virus before it takes hold. Your body needs energy to fight off infection, and rest gives your immune system the boost it needs.

Why Rest Matters:

• During sleep, your body produces more cytokines, proteins that help fight infections and inflammation.
• A study published in Sleep found that individuals who get fewer than six hours of sleep per night are more likely to catch a cold than those who get seven or more hours. 

When you feel those first signs of illness, avoid caffeine so that you can prioritise rest and sleep. Go to bed earlier, take naps if possible, and avoid strenuous activities. Sleep is a natural immune booster that can prevent a cold from progressing.

 

Hydrate to Flush Out Toxins

Hydration is critical when fighting off a virus or cold. Staying hydrated helps your body flush out toxins and keeps your mucous membranes — which trap and expel viruses — moist and functioning optimally.

Benefits of Staying Hydrated:

• Thin mucus: Drinking plenty of water helps thin the mucus in your respiratory system, making it easier for your body to expel pathogens.

• Flush toxins: Hydration supports kidney and liver function, helping your body remove waste and harmful substances.

Aim to drink at least two litres of water a day, especially when you’re feeling unwell. Warm fluids, like herbal teas or water with lemon, are especially soothing and can provide added comfort when you’re battling a cold. The quality of your water is also important. Our recommendation is Crag Water, natural spring water from the Peak District. Crag is Doing Water Differently™ and they are England's largest re-user of glass bottles in the UK (reused – not recycled, an important distinction) and have been awarded (numerous times) by the Fine Water Society. Owner, Doran Binder, who is the founder of Crag Spring Water and qualified water sommelier, drinks 4 litres of water per day and says: “We can function dehydrated, but when you rehydrate the benefits are unbelievable.” 

Strengthen Your Immune System with Lactoferrin and Vitamin C 

When your immune system is functioning optimally, it can prevent viruses from taking hold. IMMUNE SHIELD, by Virustatic Shield, is a supplement designed to do exactly that, combining the powerful benefits of lactoferrin and vitamin C.

 

Lactoferrin: A Natural Immune Booster

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein found in milk, known for its immune-boosting properties. It supports immune function by:

• Enhancing the activity of white blood cells, helping your body’s natural defences fight infections.
• Promoting gut health, which is critical for immunity, as a healthy gut is linked to a robust immune response.

Research shows lactoferrin’s ability to prevent viruses from attaching to host cells, effectively reducing their ability to infect the body. A 2020 study in the journal Nutrients found that lactoferrin’s antiviral properties make it a useful agent in preventing viral infections, including respiratory ones.

 

Vitamin C: Proven Immune Defence

Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that plays a crucial role in immune health. According to a study published in Nutrients, regular vitamin C supplementation can reduce the duration and severity of colds by up to 8% in adults. It also helps repair damaged tissues and fight free radicals generated by infections.
IMMUNE SHIELD provides 300mg of lactoferrin and 240mg of vitamin C in enteric-coated capsules, ensuring these ingredients reach the gut intact for maximum absorption and effectiveness.

 

Nourish Your Body with Immune-Boosting Foods

In addition to supplements like IMMUNE SHIELD, eating the right foods can help bolster your immune system and speed up recovery from illness. 

 

Turmeric: The Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse

Turmeric, known for its active compound curcumin, has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Immunology highlighted that curcumin can modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, which helps the body fight off infections. Turmeric may also improve your body’s natural defences by enhancing the activity of immune cells, making it a powerful ally against colds and viruses.
For maximum absorption, combine turmeric with black pepper, as it contains an alkaloid called piperine, which increases curcumin’s bioavailability by up to 2,000%. However, it is important to stress that culinary turmeric (both powdered and the fresh root) are just as effective – if not more – than expensive turmeric or curcumin supplements. Add just ¼ tsp per day of powdered turmeric or a centimetre of fresh turmeric root to food or smoothies. 

 

Ginger: A Natural Cold-Fighter

Ginger is another immune-boosting food with powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. A study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that fresh ginger has the ability to inhibit the growth of respiratory viruses. Ginger also helps reduce inflammation and soothe sore throats, making it an excellent remedy for colds.
To harness the benefits of fresh ginger, add it to teas, soups, or smoothies. Ginger tea with honey and lemon is a classic cold remedy that combines hydration, immune support, and soothing relief.

 

Other Immune-Boosting Foods to Add to Your Diet:

• Citrus fruits: High in vitamin C, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits help reduce the severity of colds.

• Garlic: Known for its antiviral properties, garlic contains allicin, which supports immune function.

• Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and other greens are rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, which protect your cells from damage and support your body’s natural defences. 

Conclusion: Take Action Early to Stop a Cold in Its Tracks

Stopping a cold or virus before it takes hold is all about giving your body the right tools and support. By boosting your immune system with IMMUNE SHIELD, getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and nourishing your body with immune-boosting foods like turmeric and ginger, you can give yourself the best chance of staying healthy.

Ready to give your immune system the support it needs? Try IMMUNE SHIELD today and take control of your health before a cold or virus gets the upper hand.