If you use public transport and shopping centres and share public office space, elevators, or gyms, then you know how scary it is to hear those first sounds of winter… the sound of coughing, sneezing, sniffing & wheezing, indicating that it’s the time of year when cold and flu bugs are around.
There is no cure for a cold or flu – building up your immune system is your best defence.
The common cold is an infection of the nose and throat that can be cause by any one of more than 300 constantly mutating viruses, while the flu is a more severe infectious disease caused by a family of viruses which affects birds and mammals. The best way to build up your immune system is through the consumption of various vitamins and minerals. Many of these can be factored into your everyday diet, however, with our busy lifestyles which sometimes mean we don’t eat the best foods it is often difficult to make sure all of the essential nutrients are included or even included at the necessary doses. Some of the most beneficial nutrient supplements that you can take to help you achieve winter wellness are:
Vitamin C
A superb immunity booster, Vitamin C increases white blood cell production. Taken regularly, Vitamin C may prevent the common cold as well as shorten the duration of the symptoms.
Olive Leaf Extract – the best flu defence…
Olive Leaf Extract has anti-oxidant effects that are even more powerful than Vitamins C and E. Olive Leaf Extract also contains Oleuropein, which has a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect on a number of viruses, bacteria & fungi. It is regarded as one of the best supplements for preventing and fighting the common cold.
Garlic
The naturally occurring chemicals (such as allicin) in garlic are anti-bacterial and help to regulate mucus production and may be helpful for reducing congestion.
Echinacea (for relief of cold & flu symptoms – get over the flu fast)
Echinacea is a potent stimulant of the immune system. It stimulates the body to produce more infection-fighting compounds such as interferon’s and interleukins that combat the viruses that cause the common cold. It also stimulates the production of every type of white blood cell that destroys cold-causing viruses
Zinc
Believed to promote a strong immune system by processing the essential fatty acids that encourage healing, when Zinc is taken at the first signs of a cold, Zinc can minimize its duration and severity.
Cod Liver Oil
Cod Liver Oil is a rich source of Vitamin A which is essential for lung and mucous membrane repair and also omega-3 fatty acids which are soothing to inflamed respiratory tissue.
PLEASE NOTE: All supplements should be taken only at the prescribed dosages and in moderation or as prescribed by your Natural Health Provider. The information provided above is as a guide. Please see your doctor if your cold or flu symptoms persist or if you are undergoing medical treatment for other problems.
Sources
Hulisz D.”Efficacy of zinc against common cold viruses: overview”J Am Pharm As. 2004 Sep-Oct;44(5):594-603. Caruso TJ, Prober CG, Gwaltney JM Jr. “Treatment of naturally acquired common colds with zinc: a structured review.” Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Sep 1;45(5):569-74. Epub 2007 Jul 20. Shah SA, Sander S, White CM, Rinaldi M, Coleman CI. “Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold: a meta-analysis.” Lancet Infect Dis. 2007 Jul;7(7):473-80.
Linde K, Barrett B, Wölkart K, Bauer R, Melchart D. “Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Jan 25;(1):CD000530. Schoop R, Klein P, Suter A, Johnston SL. “Echinacea in the prevention of induced rhinovirus colds: a meta-analysis.” Clin Ther. 2006 Feb;28(2):174-83.
Winkler P, de Vrese M, Laue Ch, Schrezenmeir J. “Effect of a dietary supplement containing probiotic bacteria.