Does Everyone Around You Seem to Have A Cold? Some helpful tips!

Respiratory infections like colds and the flu can vary in degree, from just plain annoying to life threatening. Not only can these illnesses produce fevers, headaches, chills, congestion and sore throats, but they also account for significant time missed from work and school. These common viral ailments are not helped by the use of antibiotics and, in fact, many times those options are harmful.
Bolstering the immune system in preparation for winter can provide considerable prevention against potential infections. Adopting the principles of optimal wellness is the best line of defense. This foundation is built on adequate rest, healthy diet, proper techniques of stress reduction, fostering a spiritual life and possibly supplements to strengthen the immune system.
Frequent hand washing with soap is a must to prevent the spread of germs. Adequate rest is extremely important, as with an exhausted body, the immune system loses its potency. Stress has certainly been the kindling for a fair share of colds. Once people do get sick, rest is necessary to allow the immune system to mount a response to the invader.
Risk factors that might lead to more colds include: Frequent travel, heavy exposure to infected people (i.e. classrooms or meetings) and busy, irregular schedules. By taking time to evaluate the risk factors and lifestyle deficiencies that might affect the immune system, one will dramatically improve their chances of avoiding infection.
Diet has a strong influence on the immune system. For example, refined sugar intake from items like sweets and soft drinks is known to weaken the frontline defenders, called natural killer cells. These cells roam the body looking for invaders, as well as abnormal cells that could transform into early cancer cells. Also, a diet high in sugary foods almost always lacks vitamins and minerals from vegetables and fruits needed to strengthen our defenses.
Garlic is a potent and inexpensive food that has been used for centuries to fight off infections and bolster the immune system.

Typically, vitamin D is manufactured by the body in response to sun exposure. Winter and living at higher latitudes means less UV light the skin can manufacture into this beneficial vitamin. From October to April, only those in the southernmost states are able to receive adequate sunlight. Even during the summer, for proper production, the skin must be exposed for 10-15 minutes during bright sun hours (typically 9 a.m.-4 p.m.). For those in areas lacking a natural source, vitamin D is a very safe and cost-effective supplement to include in a winter supplement regimen.
Despite optimal health and wellness, people still get sick.   Below are supplements that help once you are fighting the cold or flu bug.

Supplements for Boosting the Immune System

Not all of the supplements here are necessary, but each offers a different benefit to the immune system. Most importantly, you should have these items available at the first sign of a cold or flu. The earlier you take them, the shorter the infection.

• Echinacea and astragalus: These herbs can be taken together or separately to help prevent or shorten the duration of a cold. Take up to 3 doses daily at the first sign of symptoms and continue until they subside. Most experts believe the herb is safe when taken daily for up to 6-12 weeks. Preventative strategy calls for 1-2 doses per day.
• Zinc lozenges: Most lozenges or mints contain too much sugar to be of any benefit, but zinc has the property of limiting a virus’ reproduction. Throughout the day, 3-4 lozenges can help shorten the duration of the illness.
• Oscillococcinum: Flu protection can be enhanced by the homeopathic supplement oscillococcinum. This is best used at the first sign of the flu. It can also be used if you are in contact with someone who is sick, or in places where you hear excessive coughing. It‘s a sweet tasting powder that is dissolved under the tongue. Use a second dose if symptoms persist.
• Freeze-dried garlic: The most helpful garlic supplements for the immune system are freeze-dried extracts. The purpose is to retain the beneficial immune defense properties of the garlic during processing. Freeze-dried garlic is great for prevention of colds, as well as bacterial infections. It should not be used as a stand alone treatment but it is a nice add-on, especially for those who cannot eat garlic.
• Beta-glucan: Beta-glucan is yet another example of Mother Nature’s prescriptions. This is a material from the cell walls of yeast that improves the fighting power of the immune system. Take with food, 1 capsule daily for prevention, or 2-3 capsules a day for treatment.
• Vitamin C: Any discussion of colds or flu wouldn’t be complete without mentioning vitamin C. When an animal is sick, its production of vitamin C goes up dramatically. Humans are unable to produce vitamin C, but the need still increases significantly. Vitamin C supplementation can help reduce the duration of colds. There is one side effect: loose stools. This occurs when the bowels can no longer absorb the amount of vitamin C coming into the gut. The dosage needed to achieve this effect varies. The common recommendation for vitamin C is 500-1,000 mg every 2 hours at the first sign of a cold. Continue this dosage until the symptoms abate or you have loose bowels. If you do experience this uncomfortable red flag, target a slightly lower dose of vitamin C the next day. As a preventative dose, 1,000-2,000 mg can be taken daily.

by the editors of PureHealthMD