Tired of Cold and Flu? Let Nature Boost Your Resistance
With the change of seasons and the temperature dropping, many folks are experiencing an increase in the incidence of colds and flu. I have had numerous emails and calls regarding my opinions on flu shots, so I decided to write about some of the latest information on how to prevent colds and flu. I have written about this topic before but from a different angle. I will revisit some of the concepts in previous articles.
What is a Cold? What is the Flu?
There are over 200 viruses that can cause the common cold or influenza. The main differences are in the symptoms. An individual with a cold will exhibit general malaise, fever, headache, and upper respiratory tract congestion. A watery discharge, dry, sore throat, and thicker mucus secretion are typical. With the flu, you will have the same type of symptoms, but they will be more severe with body aches.
The flu also usually occurs as epidemics, which is why flu (influenza) vaccines are being promoted. Because there are so many strains of flu—swine, Asian, Russian, to name a few—how do you know that the vaccine you get will cover your specific type of flu? The safety and efficacy of flu vaccines is debatable. Viruses are divided into three categories: A, B, and C. You might get vaccinated for type A and still get the flu because it is a different strain.
Concerns About Flu Vaccines
Despite warnings of adverse effects of both trialed “live” and “killed” vaccines, flu vaccines have been gradually introduced to the market. Reported post-vaccine reactions include encephalomyelitis (acute inflammation of the brain), Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a form of paralysis), neurological illness, neuritis (inflammation of the nerves), and suspected autoimmune disorders. Analysis of some data shows that there is no difference in the incidence of flu in individuals receiving flu vaccines and those not receiving the vaccine. Trials demonstrated that the vaccine is ineffective in preventing disease and produces unacceptable reactions in children.
Of course, there are always going to be certain conditions that may warrant the need for a flu vaccine, specifically elderly individuals with cardiac weakness or immunological weakness such as cancer or AIDS. My recommendation is for you to do more research and make a decision based on that.
Underlying Issues with Colds and Flu
Let’s look at some of the underlying issues involved with colds and flu and how we can overcome some of the symptoms and even prevent it from happening.
The Role of Diet in Immune Health
Paying attention to the foods we eat can help avoid creating the imbalances and toxicity that lead to illnesses of all sorts. It is important to avoid foods that decrease immune functions. Research shows that the intake of refined sugars reduces the function of white blood cells. This includes white sugar, corn syrup, alcohol, and even natural sweeteners like honey, dried fruit, fruit juice, and concentrated fruit sweeteners. Excess toxins from animal foods and chemical preservatives and additives need to be reduced also.
Dr. Hibbs states that getting extra sleep, drinking more fluids in the form of herbal teas and clean water along with fresh fruits and vegetables will strengthen immunity as well as aid detoxification processes. Reducing dairy products during a cold or flu outbreak will help to reduce the amount of mucus being eliminated.
What To Do When Symptoms Start
Nutritional Supplements
There are numerous folk remedies that come to mind. Let’s look at some nutritional supplements and some herbal remedies that will enhance the immune system and reduce symptoms.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has long been touted for the common cold. Dr. Linus Pauling, the father of vitamin C research, recommends taking vitamin C at the onset of a cold or flu; doses of 500 mg to 1000 mg every two hours. This may seem like a lot—and it is—but research shows that vitamin C has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and immunostimulant properties. It enhances white blood cell production, increases interferon levels, and promotes thymic hormone release that activates total immunity. At this dosage level, however, some folks may experience stomach upset and loose stool. If one experiences these symptoms, it is recommended that they begin with a lower dose and increase over a slower period of time. Remember there is not any toxicity with the use of vitamin C.
Zinc Logenges
More recently research has targeted the mineral zinc in the form of a zinc lozenge that you dissolve in your mouth at the first onset of a cold or flu. Zinc aspartate is the form used and dosage is one 15 mg tablet every four hours for the first three days. Zinc maintains a healthy immune system and promotes thymic hormone activity. With the use of zinc, the duration of colds or flu has been shown to decrease. It also helps with accompanying symptoms like sore throat. One fact about using zinc lozenges is that for them to be effective, they must be ionized with saliva—this means you must suck on them! The lozenges you take must be free of sorbitol, mannitol, and citric acid. The best lozenges use glycine as a sweetener.
Herbal Remedies
Because cold and flu viruses implant at the throat site before moving into deeper sites in the body, I use a throat spray that includes a compound called beta 1-3 glucan. This compound has been shown to increase macrophage activity in the immune system thus reducing potential pathogens. I also use elderberry extract for this purpose; both substances have been thoroughly researched and proven effective.
The use of Echinacea—which I hope you are all aware—has been very effective in treating and preventing colds or flu spread. Research shows that fresh expressed juice from Echinacea purpurea flower tops, leaves, and stems was most effective—not just its root! The root variety Echinacea angustifolia has also proven effective when fresh pressed juice isn’t available.
Goldenseal (better known as yellow root) benefits immunity too! Goldenseal is anti-bacterial/anti-viral; many germs/pathogens cannot survive when it’s present due to its berberine alkaloid content—it’s also great for sinus inflammation relief.
Another plant familiar locally is elderberry fruit/flower; recent research shows elderberry extract prevents virus spread when taken early during symptoms onset! Elderberry flowers combined with yarrow/peppermint help break fevers & clear lung congestion.
I also prefer fresh ginger tea—it clears mucus while aiding nausea/vomiting relief! Slice 2–3 thin ginger root slices steeped 10 minutes boiling water works wonders; adding lemon juice enhances flavor!
One other remedy I use: Oscillococcinum—a homeopathic preparation proven via placebo-controlled British studies reducing symptom severity/duration effectively!
Conclusion
No one likes coming down sick; improving immunity via lifestyle adjustments remains key toward prevention naturally!