I agree with Lisa N. I don't think carbs will heal you any faster. Lots of fluids and rest, and you'll be fine.

Viruses like colds and the flu run their course in 7-10 days no matter WHAT you do.

As someone who grew up with a grandmother that fed you anything you wanted when you were sick, I can understand the temptation to stray off the path. I doubt, however, it will help much.

Have lots of chicken broth, its excellent for keeping the juices flowing.

If you have a cold, get some zycam -- it gets rid of a cold quicker than anything else I know of.

Also, as silly as it sounds, put something like mentholatum on the bottom of your feet and pull on some socks before you go to bed at night. It will open your head right up.

I recently came down with a cough similar to what you described. And to be honest, it seemed to go quicker now then before I was Atkins. I am eating more Veggies and taking more vitamins than I did before the diet.

In my case it took 4 days to get over it.

--nw