I'm Sick! What Kind Of Meds?

[*Daniella*]

Hello everyone! I have been gluten free for 2 months now. I am suffering from a cold for the first time since going gluten-free. Does anybody know which cold meds are gluten-free? Thanks!

[RiceGuy]

Well, from what I've heard, there are no cold remedies that actually work. But, there might be some that suppress symptoms, though I don't use any. Perhaps someone else can give you some tips on that.

As I understand it, the formulas can change at any time, so your best bet is probably to call the company and ask, or check their website for up-to-date info. Here's a list I found via Google: Open Original Shared Link

The best I know is plenty of rest, fluids, homemade chicken soup, garlic, and so forth. I think I heard lemon and honey helps too.

I've also heard a lot about ionic and colloidal silver. It seems the ionic silver is supposed to interfere with the nitrogen uptake of bacteria, and thus they die. Similar claims are made about colloidal silver too. This is basically why people used to put a silver coin in their milk bottles, as it would help keep the milk from spoiling.

[raisin]

In OTC meds category, I take tylonal cold & flu when needed, which I think is gluten-free but you may want to double-check. In herbal terms, Yin Chiao ^{chinese herb available at health stores} has worked wonders for my colds, and there are many brands available, so be careful and check the label.

[wschmucks]

I am pretty sure that Vicks Dayquil and Nitequil are gluten free. I had a cold a few months ago and I took them. Google it though first. Get better.

[Poppy Cat]

. This is basically why people used to put a silver coin in their milk bottles, as it would help keep the milk from spoiling.

EW! I hope they washed that coin first!

I just got over a cold, too. Since trying to stay gluten-free, though, that was the only cold I've had. Spectacular!! I was getting sick about every 3 weeks before. <-- not exaggerated.

Robitussin is okay, I believe. When all the companies got that mandate to replace pseudoephedrine with phenylephrine, cold medicine became worthless. (Really: a study found the replacement had no effect on congestion). So, unless you need something to suppress coughs, (Robitussin DM), use honey and lemon in hot water. You can add a little rum or something to help dry out your sinuses. Drink that frequently and take a nap.

Or this one:

Boil fresh peeled ginger, chopped raw garlic, red pepper flakes in a tea kettle or pot. Add some turmeric (also makes a great gargle!), honey, and lemon juice after you take off the heat. Very soothing drink, hot or cold.

you can adjust all the ingredients to suit your tastes.

[Fiddle-Faddle]

The first time I ever tried cold medicine was in college, because in the dorm they handed out free "dorm survival kits" which contained cheap toothbrush and paste, Noxema, and OTC meds--cold meds, Tylenol, Pamprin, and even sleep meds (like you need THAT in college???).

I tried the cold med the first time I got a cold, and I remain amazed that anyone likes the stuff. It did dry up the runny nose, but I was still stopped up and couldn't breathe very well through it, and I had that awful spacey feeling of having my head disconnected from my body. I went to my 8 am theory class, and zoned out. I woke up half an hour later, and the TA was sitting next to me, taking notes for me in my notebook!

I think there are probably occasional times when it IS a good idea to take something for a cold--for example, if you have to fly on an airplane, and you don't want to destroy your eardrums/sinuses. But otherwise, I honestly think that your cold will last LONGER if you use cold meds, because that awful runny nose is your body's way of actually fighting the virus. Squash the symptom=squash your own defense. Plus, the longer it lasts, the longer you will be infecting others (assuming you will be out and about).

Riceguy's and PoppyCat's tips work as well or better than any cold med. The colloidal silver thing is interesting, but keep in mind that colds are caused by viruses, NOT by bacteria.

Oh, I believe that milk and milk products are best avoided during colds, but I can't remember why.

I hope you can get some rest, and feel better soon!