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Cold Comfort, Naturally

Most of us sniffle and sneeze our way through two to four colds per year. Is there anything gentle and natural that you can do to keep from getting sick in the first place? There are lots of possibilities, but which really work? Here, a rundown:

Cold Blocker: Vitamin C

Research Findings: 2,000 milligrams or more per day doesn't help most of us but may prevent colds in marathoners, skiers, or soldiers in subarctic climates.

The Verdict: Megadoses of C can upset your stomach, so stick with the RDA of 75 mg for women per day.

Cold Blocker: Exercise

Research Findings: In a year, sedentary women who only stretched had three times the risk for colds as those who walked briskly 45 minutes a day, five days a week.

The Verdict: There's no other proof of this, but given its many other health benefits, it's worth trying.

Cold Blocker: Zinc Gluconate Lozenges/Nasal Gel

Research Findings: Most studies have been flawed, says a major review. No unflawed study found a benefit from lozenges; only one saw a benefit from nasal gel.

The Verdict: The jury is still out on its value, plus zinc can cause a sore mouth or an upset stomach.

Cold Blocker: Echinacea

Research Findings: Some products cut the odds of catching a cold 58 percent and shorten colds by 1.4 days, says a recent analysis. Other studies are divided.

The Verdict: It may help. Take at first sign of a cold. (Check with your doctor -- it may be risky with some drugs.)

Cold Blocker: Washing Hands

Research Findings: A 2001 study found that Navy recruits who washed their hands at least five times a day had 45 percent fewer colds.

The Verdict: Use soap or a sanitizer, especially before eating and after being with someone who has a cold.

Should you toss your toothbrush after a cold?
No. Cold expert Jack Gwaltney, MD, of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, in Charlottesville, says cold viruses usually do not infect through the mouth. If you rinse the brush after use, it wont have much virus on it.