Cold/Flu: What is it to do?

tomhanks · #1 14th Nov 07, 12:35 PM

I try to stick to my schedule in order to prepare for a 10k run my company is hosting but I keep on getting sick. I m a bit disoriented with that! I eat fruits in the morning to get as much vitamin C as possible but still I am getting sick. A friend a of mine suggested I use Sambucol which is made of of black elderberry and which is full of natural antioxidants. I was wondering if anybody knows about this product and/or if anyboday has any miracle suggestion?

Thanks. Tom.

Trinity · #2 14th Nov 07, 04:24 PM

Echinacea! Go get some from Holland and Barrett and take it every day. It will boost your immune system.

Some people say you can run so long as the cold is in the head and not the chest. But I believe that if your body is trying to fight off a cold, whether it's in the head or the chest, then you shouldn't put any more stress on it with running. Taking a few days off to allow your body to recover will mean that it's back to full strength much quicker.

**richardsimkiss** · #3 14th Nov 07, 11:39 PM

Possibly against all science, knowledge and common sense, but if I have a cold/man flu it makes me even more determined to get out for a run, and I'm sure I feel better for it afterwards!

If I feel like I can run, then I will, it's only if I truely feel awful that i'll stay in.

GET WELL SOON TOM!

Katten · #4 15th Nov 07, 12:12 AM

If I go for a run on the tail end of a cold, it actually clears out my system pretty well.

Anyway, get better soon

**richardsimkiss** · #5 15th Nov 07, 12:17 AM

[quote=Katten]If I go for a run on the tail end of a cold, it actually clears out my system pretty well.QUOTE]
Glad to hear it's not just me

tomhanks · #6 15th Nov 07, 12:25 PM

Thanks for the tips !
I guess running through it helps get ride of the toxins. Will try that

along with some Echinacea and Sambucol to give me the energy and boost the immune system. Maybe we got the miracle remedy!

Thanks. Tom.

Trinity · #7 15th Nov 07, 12:58 PM

Sorry, but running through a cold/flu does not get rid of toxins, it actually makes it harder for the body to fight the virus

luthor1 · #8 15th Nov 07, 02:19 PM

Yeah, let's not run when we are ill... my friends' dad knows someone who raced pushbikes, and did so whilst getting over the 'flu and he died due to increase load on the heart. Not good everyone.

Prolonged use of Vitamin C (1000mg a day) can have adverse effects, so don't overdose.

More likely it's due to insufficient Iron. You should be looking at aruond 30-36mg a day, but to absorb it properly you need 5 parts Vitamin C which puts your Vit C requirement up from 60mg (RDA) to arounf 180mg. Lack of iron can lead to anaemia, and supressed immune system.

Just a thought? Get a good multi-vitamin/mineral supplement and use it for a couple of weeks to see if you have any improvements.

Granty · #9 15th Nov 07, 03:05 PM

I have to confess that I generally feel OK after a run with a cold, unless like others have said it on the chest whereupon I can't breathe very well and don't run.

Dave · #10 15th Nov 07, 04:02 PM

General rule seems to be........

If the symptoms are above the neck,carry on running.

If they are below the neck,rest.

Thats not to say that I follow the rules..........

**richardsimkiss** · #11 15th Nov 07, 05:00 PM

To be honest I think you'd probably find the above rule is self implementing... as has been said, if you have a cold in the chest your body will tend to discourage you from going out anyway!

I often wonder if the feeling better after running with a cold is perhaps a psychological thing? i.e. getting out and being active rather than sitting at home feeling sorry for myself?

Steve · #12 20th Nov 07, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richardsimkiss

I often wonder if the feeling better after running with a cold is perhaps a psychological thing? i.e. getting out and being active rather than sitting at home feeling sorry for myself?

I shall test this theory tonight...feeling like death warmed up...but from neck up only!

Trinity · #13 20th Nov 07, 06:05 PM

Tsk....

a virus is a virus is a virus... you shouldn't run with one wherever it is in your body

Steve · #14 21st Nov 07, 11:16 AM

Well I did 8.5m with my man flu ,in wind and rain too, and felt fine throughout. Went slowly due to the groin injury so that would have helped no doubt.

Still feel like death today though!

Sympathy anyone?

Thought not!!

Trinity · #15 21st Nov 07, 04:36 PM

You may have felt fine but you have just prolonged your man-flu because you put your body under more stress while it was trying to fight something.

So no sympathy from me I'm afraid