Preventing Colds and Flu

12.11.08

Here in South Florida we do not experience extreme cold weather but we do get sick periodically. Today will discuss how to boost your immunity naturally and keep you well throughout the winter months.

Vitamin C:

• Regular intake of at least one gram of Vitamin C per day may reduce the length and severity of flu’s and colds.
• Prevention with vit. C has been demonstrated effective with Vit. C deficiencies or those undergoing extreme physical stress, such as marathon running or military training.

Zinc Lozenges

• Lozenges containing zinc gluconate, zinc gluconateglycine or zinc acetate, formulated without citric or tartaric acid flavorings, delivering at least 13mg of zinc every two hours, starting at the very first symptom, have been shown effective in treating upper respiratory infection. A brand I use is called Cold-Ez.

Echinacea:

• Helpful for prevention and treatment of the common cold.
• To achieve the best results, use liquid preparations of E. purpurea, begin treatment at the first sign of symptoms and take frequent doses during the first 24 hours.

Garlic:

• Garlic has been used as a health food for more than 5,000 years and touted for its antibiotic properties and effect on allergies, cancer and general immunity.
• A recent study found that consuming an allicin-containing garlic supplement for 12 weeks significantly reduced the number of colds compared with a placebo (24 colds vs. 65) and speeded recovery.
• Contact your physician if you are taking anticoagulants before taking a garlic supplement.

Red Onions:

• Eating raw or cooked red onion will deliver quadruple the amount of quercetin (also found in apples, blueberries, broccoli, spinach and lettuce). This powerful antioxidant, which is more effective in cooked onions, has been proven to decrease the likelihood of obtaining cold or flu.

Tea:

• Both green and black teas show positive effects on the cardiovascular system and cancer in studies.
• Participants in a Harvard study who drank more than 5 cups of black tea a day exhibited an increase in interferon levels. This is a powerful immune defense hormone.

Stress Reduction:

• Chronic stress, such as unemployment or interpersonal difficulties with family and friends that last at least a month, may substantially increase the risk of catching cold and flue.
• Many chiropractors have also noticed that adjustments have helped prevent or reduce the duration of their patients' cold.
• Evidence shows that chiropractic manipulation may increase immunoglobulin A levels and that it decreases the levels of glucocorticoid cortisol, a major component of stress.