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Trying to prevent colds and flu is one of the questions that I get in the pharmacy every day this time of year. While it may be impossible to prevent contracting a cold or the flu it is possible to ramp up your immune system to help it be as prepared as possible for the oncoming seasonal attack of the viruses. A healthy immune system may make the difference between a mild cold and one that causes longer term suffering.
Immune System
Your immune system fights off both colds and viruses using white blood cells like T-Cells, macrophages, B-Cells. These cells seek out foreign invaders, surround them and destroy them.
Supplements to Support Immune System
Bovine Colostrum – contains antibodies, growth factors, peptides, and nutrients that are passed from mother to child by nursing after birth that appears to build up passive immunity. Research has shown that it is believed to be effective in boosting the immune system for treatment of human infections and influenza.
Probiotics – the good bacteria that colonize our gastrointestinal tract and help us digest food. Probiotics like acidophilus bifidus, and other strains of bifidobacterium are essential to maintain balance in the GI tract to prevent fungal overgrowth. High sugar and fat diets, alcohol consumption, antibiotic use all destroy the good bacteria in our gut. The GI tract is the first line of defense to destroy foreign invaders in our body. If the balance of bacteria in our GI tract is off, opportunistic infections like yeast infections can occur. The same would be true for viruses and other infections. It is very likely that everyone can benefit from probiotic supplementation not only to boost the immune system but also to restore gut health.
Echinacea – this popular plant has been shown to boost macrophages in the immune system. Echinacea works even better in people that exercise regularly. It is important to use a high quality brand that uses independent laboratories to test for potency and purity. Don’t buy your echinacea at Wal-Mart. Remeber -they sell for less. It’s one thing if your buying a garden hose, don’t skimp on your health.
Black Elderberry – the brand name Sambucol is documented to shorten duration and reduce symptoms of Flu strains A and B.
Goldenseal – documented to be an antibacterial herb.
Vitamin C – Dr. Linus Pauling won a Nobel Prize for research on Vitamin C. It is documented that during times of stress and illness levels of Vitamin C are reduced in the blood stream. It is also an antioxidant that complements Vitamin E to have protective effects against free radical damage. While C may not reduce the duration of a cold, there is evidence to support reduced frequency of colds in patients taking Vitamin C.
Zinc – is an important mineral for tissue repair and zinc deficiency compromises the immune system T-Cells to mature and achieve optimal function . There is a very simple test to find out if you are zinc deficient. Obtain a zinc sulfate solution (your compounding pharmacist may be able to help you here) and taste it. If it does not taste bad, you are zinc deficient. If it tastes awful, congratulations! You are not.
If you are looking to boost your immune system for the coming season, you can use one or a combination of supplements above. Make sure you read the labels and take the products as directed. Some products could interfere with prescription medications and your pharmacist and physician should be contacted before consumption. You can also get a flu shot, although each year it is a gamble on how effective it will be.
What are your favorite remedies for beating the common cold or flu? Please Leave me a comment below.
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