Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

Get lots of vitamin D which has been repeatedly demonstrated in studies to be one of the most vital immunity nutrients. (It's far more important than vitamin C which studies have been unable to consistently show having any significant effect on combating illness.) Vitamin D is considered vital for treatment of immuno/inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS and psoriasis. It's being heavily studied for its apparent cancer treatment and preventive qualities. I was put on relatively high doses for psoriasis, and have seen incredible improvement in my condition.

Cod liver oil is by far the best dietary source of vitamin D (available in capsules if you can't tolerate the taste), but fatty fishes like salmon, mackerel, sardines, etc., are also excellent. Even eggs are a pretty good source, though not nearly as good as fish.

Hope you feel better soon!

Garlic is what you need! Linguine aglio olio, and throw in some broccoli to make it better. Pecorino grated on top. Eat lots of this, you'll feel better soon.

a guinness! seriously!

Lots of liquids! OJ does double duty cause it also has vitamin C. But any clear ort mostly clear liquids will help you. I am partial to lemon honey water (hot). Which BTW does triple duty cause honey sooths the throat too.

lWarning about vitamin D: Because it's one of the fat-soluble vitamins (the others are A, K and E), the body stores any extra in body fat, and excess levels can be toxic. Getting vitamin D can be done by going out in the sun without sunblocker for 10 minutes a day. Lotsa fluids and sleep are my suggestion.

Another vote for chicken soup here!. Also, plenty of tea with lemon (or lemon and honey), and lots of fresh garlic in everything that is not tea with lemon:-).

Yes to lemons' point about vitamin D being fat-soluble and potentially toxic. Sunlight is definitely the best way of getting it, but not everyone can do that in winter. If you can expose large areas of skin to sun, the equivalent of 10,000-12,000 IU of vitamin D can be produced in about 30 minutes during the summer months. It's considerably less in winter, or with minimal skin exposure, if you are very dark-skinned, etc. That's why deficiencies are so much more prevalent in far northern regions, especially amongst those of African descent.

The current recommendation is 200 IU per day for adults, increasing to up to 600 IU per day for those over age 70. Many studies have administered 2,000 IU per day before certain participants' deficiencies were helped. There were no reported instances of toxicity in those studies. Much recent research indicates the recommended dosage should be raised to at least 1000 IU per day.

Of course you should absolutely consult a physician before taking any vitamin supplements, because some really ARE contraindicated with certain risk factors (e.g., drug interactions, hyper-sensitivity, pregnancy, childhood, diseases, etc.).

The best way to deal with a cold or flu is to get as much extra rest as possible -- don't underestimate the value of this one simple step. Do a little less, get to bed early, etc. Drink lots of fluids, especially water, and eat high-nutrient foods. Soups are great because the steam is a soothing decongestant. Spicy foods have a similar effect. Increased amounts of dark green leafy vegetables and fatty fish, such as salmon, will help too. Getting outside for some fresh air and sunshine, if possible, is also very valuable.

It is not a cure, but it is liquid and it is delicious, and gives you a nice warm feeling inside when you are sick.

One can of chicken broth
4 Bay Leaves
1 whole head of Garlic
Little Olive Oil

In a sauce pan put the oil and garlic in and cook until the garlic gets a little browned. Add in the broth and bay leaves and let it simmer of low to medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the garlic is the consistency of boiled potatoes.

Take out the Bay Leaves and sip the broth and eat those garlic cloves up :)

Also...
As mentioned... Tea Toddies are just awesome.
Really the best thing you can do once you feel symptoms is get REST and drink ALOT of fluids (juice, non-caffeinated tea and water).

Taking loads of Vitamin C and Vitamin C rich foods really does not "heal" you or cure your cold. Excess doses of Vitamin C just get flushed from your system when you go to the bathroom. Vitamin C is one of those things that if you want it to do any good you should take it daily via diet (or supplement if you don't get it in your diet) in order for it to work. You can't just start slamming the Vitamin C when you get sick... it's already too late for it to do you any good.

Before dosing up on Vitamins check with your Doctor first.

What LoCo has said about getting rest and eating good foods is the best and truest advice here. We all have our ole Wive's Tales Remedies, but if you are really sick your best bet is to seek professional medical attention.

Here's some more info on Vitamin C and colds:
http://www.everybody.co.nz/page-5423d158-0c56-4877-95ad-91363c330795.aspx

I swear by Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup for the sodium.

Also love Ginger Ale.

Try and drink/eat as many liquids as you can to "flush" the gunk out of your system.

And sleep man, sleep......Zzzzzz

I've never personally tried this, because I don't have his metabolism, but my boyfriend swears by eating every fruit and vegetable you have around. His thinking is that you are guaranteed to cover lots of nutrient bases!

i agree with the ginger tea with lemon and chicken soup. I use plain chicken stock in a box and just add lots of fresh garlic and a little ginger.