Why I Stopped Using DayQuil – and What I’ve Replaced It With
The flu hits everyone hard at some point in the year. Some of us get it worse than others – and right now, everyone is getting hit pretty hard. The CDC is reporting record-breaking numbers of influenza cases, with an outbreak that shows no signs of abating anytime soon.
The good news is that there are ways to mitigate the effects of the flu and reduce its severity. One common way people do this is by using over-the-counter decongestants such as DayQuil or NyQuil (as well as other brands, like Zicam). But what does this mean, exactly? Are these drugs safe for regular use? And if not, why aren’t they safe? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about DayQuil and why you might not want to use it regularly.
What Is DayQuil and How Does It Work?
DayQuil is the over-the-counter version of the prescription medication flu medication called “acetaminophen/dextromethorphan”. Acetaminophen is an active ingredient used in medications to relieve mild pain and reduce fever.
Dextromethorphan is an active ingredient that blocks certain chemical pathways in the brain stem, which helps reduce the inflammatory response of the brain and lungs.
DayQuil is meant to relieve the symptoms of a cold or flu and is often used as a sleep aid. For colds and flus, it is meant to reduce the fever, aches and pains, congestion, and coughing. It is also used to treat muscle aches and pains caused by exercise, injury, or arthritis.
Why Don’t We Recommend Using DayQuil Regularly?
DayQuil is a synthetic drug that can be addictive when taken regularly. It is one of the common medications used to treat coughs caused by the common cold and flu, but it should not be used as a cough suppressant on a regular basis.
The main reason people should not use it regularly is that the medications’ active ingredients acetaminophen and dextromethorphan can be toxic to the liver over time. Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used drugs in the United States.
While it is safe when taken as directed, it can be toxic to the liver when taken in larger quantities over a long period of time. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins out of the body, so when it is forced to process more toxins than it can handle, it can cause damage to the organ.
The Safer Alternative to DayQuil
People who are not sure if they should use DayQuil should consider using Robitussin, a cough suppressant that is less likely to cause liver damage. While it doesn’t provide the same knock-out effects as DayQuil, it is a much safer alternative. Robitussin cough suppressants are designed to soothe irritated throats, coughs, and sneezing caused by the common cold or flu.
Robitussin does not treat the underlying cause of your cold, but it does treat the symptoms for a short period of time. It does this by numbing the throat and providing temporary relief from coughing, sneezing, and a running or stuffy nose. Since it does not treat the cause of the illness, Robitussin does not actually shorten the length of the illness.
Zinc Supplementation for the Flu
Zinc supplementation is a great addition to any cold or flu fighter kit. When taken in combination with vitamin C, zinc is one of the best immune boosters known to man. It is one of the most important nutrients to fight off cold and flu symptoms.
Zinc is a healing agent and promotes wound healing. It helps fight off bacterial and viral infections. It also helps to heal coughs and sore throats.
Zinc lozenges are one of the best ways to take zinc. There are many brands of zinc lozenges available over the counter. The recommended daily amount of zinc is 15 milligrams per day. Frequent use of lozenges can cause your body to become immune to their effects, so it is important not to exceed the recommended daily dose.
Horseradish Root for the Flu
Horseradish is used in many cultures for treating a variety of ailments. Horseradish has been thought to have anti-fever properties; it is also highly anti-inflammatory. In addition to being a great immune system booster, horseradish has also been shown to be effective against both bacterial and viral infections. Horseradish has been used for hundreds of years as a folk remedy.
It has proven to be one of the best home remedies for the common cold and flu. Horseradish can be eaten raw in salads or added to sandwiches, or it can be taken in a tea or tincture form. It can also be taken in tablet form. Horseradish is best consumed raw in order to gain the most benefits from it.
Ginger for the Flu (and Its Side Effects)
Ginger is another great home remedy for the flu. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant; it has been shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive system. It is also believed to have anti-viral properties. Ginger can be taken in a tea, eaten in food, or taken in a tablet form. Ginger can cause nausea and heartburn in some people, so it should be taken in small amounts.
Ginger can be taken while you are sick, but it is best if it is taken in small amounts. It is not meant to be used as a cough suppressant. Ginger can be taken every few hours to help with nausea. Ginger is best taken in small amounts throughout the day.
Nasal Irrigation Solution (and Other Natural Alternatives)
Nasal irrigation is a great way to flush out the sinuses and reduce the symptoms of a cold or the flu. It is a simple way to reduce congestion and the risk of developing bacterial infections in the ears, sinuses, and lungs. For the best results, nasal irrigation should be done at least once a day.
There are many over-the-counter nasal irrigation solutions available. There are also many natural ingredients that can be used for this purpose. Apple Cider Vinegar is a great way to fight off a cold or the flu. You can mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with eight ounces of water. This can be taken every few hours, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Final Words
While we hope the flu will eventually go away, it doesn’t look like that is going to happen anytime soon. With so many people experiencing symptoms of the flu, it is important to stay healthy and minimize the effects of the virus.
It is okay to take a few days off work or school to recover, but it is important to keep hydrated and take care of yourself as best you can. It is okay to take over-the-counter medications to treat flu symptoms, but it is important to follow the instructions on the packaging.
It is important not to take more than the recommended dosage, as this can be toxic to the liver. If you have the flu, proper hydration, rest, and nutrition can help you get better faster. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy foods. If you follow these tips, you should be able to get through the flu in only a few days.
