A Naturopath’s Top Cold and Flu Fighters
By Sarah Kunze, practitioner educator at BioCeuticals
The best way to fend off of a cold is to nip it in the bud at the first sign of any symptoms and before it has a chance to take hold writes Sarah Kunze.
The fundamentals of a good whole food diet, plenty of water and rest, and exercising outside in the sunshine and fresh air are all vitally important. However, sometimes we need a little helping hand during those times of increased stress or fatigue when, despite our best efforts, our immune system succumbs to the bugs that are doing the rounds.
These are some favourites to help when you notice the first signs taking hold:
Echinacea, Andrographis and Olive Leaf are all herbs that have antiviral activity as well as immune system stimulation effects. They work beautifully together and can be taken at the first sign of a sniffle as well as prophylactically thereafter to ensure your immune system stays strong during cold season.
Elderberry is packed with quercetin which is an antioxidant with antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to help with symptomatic relief of the common cold, including sinus congestion and nasal catarrh.
Zinc is a mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Unfortunately our soils are very depleted of this essential nutrient so supplementing with zinc within 24 hours of the start of symptoms helps shorten your sniffle.1
For more information on zinc deficiency, or to find the zinc supplement that is ideal for your individual needs, ask your healthcare practitioner for their recommendation.
Vitamin A is essential for a normal healthy immune system and the proper functioning of a range of immune cells, as well as playing a pivotal role in the body’s first line of natural defence against invading bugs and minor infections of the respiratory tract.
Vitamin C – we can’t talk about the immune system without mentioning vitamin C. As well as its role as an antioxidant, this powerful vitamin may reduce the duration and severity of the common cold due to its role in modulating different aspects of the immune system. Vitamin C also plays an important role in supporting the adrenal glands to function properly which are often under increased pressure during times of infection or illness. In addition, your stores of this vitamin are depleted during times of increased need and it therefore makes perfect sense to increase our intake at the first signs of coming down with something.
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Sarah Kunze, practitioner educator at BioCeuticals.
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