Are You Suffering From A Cold?

I have a cold, a very bad cold - although flu shots and antiviral drugs are commonly recommended for preventing cold and flu, they are not always effective and they usually cause serious side effects. Natural supplements, on the other hand, are safe and can help boost your immune system. This article is an old man’s attempts to try to remember exactly the most effective vitamins, minerals, herbs and other natural supplements that have been previously been proven to prevent and/or treat cold and flu In me and mine.

Do you have a very bad cold too?

If your persistent case of the sniffles has now finally morphed into a full-fledged and painful ear/nose/throat infection like mine has. Here is a list of some of my best items from A-Z for a do-it-yourself fight against the common cold.

Aloe Vera: Who knew that this gorgeous green plant could be your best bud in winter as well as summer? Aloe Vera is a natural astringent and, when used as a mouthwash, will help calm that tickle in your throat. It can help to heal burns and colds/

Broth: You’re getting close to the point where you are consuming only fluids, and that can of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup is getting old fast. Get a few different broths, add in veggies and spices, and mix up your brothy routine.

Cannabis: Cannabis can help ease many symptoms of the common cold. CBD has natural anti-bacterial properties which can help fight against the virus itself. Cannabis can also help fight the pain, such as sinus pressure, associated with colds. CBD is an anti-inflammatory which can work to open up the sinus passages and increase ease of breathing. THC can help reduce pain and help sufferers to sleep, which allows their body to rest and self-heal from the cold. Cannabis can also be extremely helpful at reducing headaches and migraines, both which are common symptoms that people experience with their colds. Stopping Your Immune Response: Dr. Robert J. Melamede, the chairman of the Biology department at the University of Colorado at Boulder, has found that marijuana’s dampening effect on the immune system could make it a good choice for treating your cold. Similarly to how cannabis can be helpful at fighting autoimmune diseases, cannabis’ ability to reduce the immune system response could keep your system from over working. People often only have severe problems related to colds or flus when their immune system becomes over worked, which can lead to serious consequences like organ failures and even death.

Coconut Water and Cayenne Pepper: Both these C’s had to be listed because they’re super natural, and natural cleansers for anything that might be ailing you. Coconut water improves hydration through high concentrations of electrolytes, while cayenne pepper is particularly effective at clearing sinus passages.

Colloidal silver - COLDS AND FLU - Hold one to two teaspoons under your tongue for 30 seconds, then swallow. Repeat every hour or two, preferably on an empty stomach. SORE THROAT AND STREP—Gargle one to two tablespoons for two minutes, then swallow; repeat five times per day.

Dairy products - Phlegm is the thick, sticky mucus that drips down the back of your throat when you have a cold. Although drinking milk may make phlegm thicker and more irritating to your throat than it would normally be, milk doesn't cause your body to make more phlegm. So, cold sufferers should drink or eat dairy products such as cream-based soups, ice cream, pudding, or milk, as they are soothing on their sore throats and provide calories they otherwise might not eat while they are feeling so lousy. Ayurveda says that warm milk cures disease but cold milk causes it, ...

Vitamin C : In a study led by Dr. H. Clay Gorton, D.C., and published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 1999, more than 800 students were divided into control and test groups. Investigators then tracked the number of reports of cold and flu symptoms within each group. Those reporting systems in the control population were administered pain relievers and decongestants, while those suffering symptoms in the test group were treated with doses of 1,000 mg of vitamin C hourly for the first six hours and then three times daily thereafter. Those in the test group, not reporting symptoms, still received 1,000-mg doses of vitamin C – three times a day. Reported flu and cold symptoms in the test group following treatment with vitamin C were a whopping 85 percent lower when compared to the control group. Researchers concluded that vitamin C – in megadoses – administered either before or after the start of cold or flu symptoms successfully relieved and prevented the symptoms in the test population compared with the control group. Echinacea: Always a good herb to have around, echinacea is known for boosting your body’s general immunity by stimulating white blood cells, increasing production of interferon and other virus-fighting substances, and increases immune cells’ ability to destroy invading microbes.

Ginger: Adding a bit of ginger to soup or broth is a great natural way to soothe an unsettled belly. Bonus points for adding ginger to your tea to calm your body from head to toe.

Honey: Best in its raw form, honey not only soothes your throat but also reduces heartburn and indigestion. Mix a spoonful of honey in warm water or tea with a little bit of lemon. If you can’t sleep, add a pinch of whiskey to the mix. ;) I like Manuka honey!

Hydrogen peroxide - In 1928 Richard Simmons, M.D. hypothesized that colds and flu virus enter through the ear canal. ... In 1938 German researchers had great success using hydrogen peroxide in dealing with colds and the flu. Their data has been ignored (maybe suppressed) for over 60 years.

 Sometimes you just can’t drink any more water or suck on any more lozenges, so it is time to turn to ice. Ice cubes will soothe your throat and slightly numb it, so that tickle goes away at least for a little while.

Juice: Juice up! Ok maybe now is not the best time to do a full-on juice cleanse, but juice is the best way to get your body the nutrients it needs to help fight sickness. The old saying, "feed a cold, starve a fever," may be only partially good advice, according to experts. Starving a fever by eating fewer calories may actually make it more difficult for your body to fight off the flu virus. Proper nutrition is crucial in preventing and recovering from both fevers and colds.

Lemon: High in Vitamin C with the ability to decrease the amount of toxins in your body, lemon juice should be added to every other cup of water and/or tea you drink thru a straw. Combine with honey and hot water for a warm cup of throat-soothing goodness.

Neti Pots: We know there’s been a lot of mixed press concerning Neti Pots as of late, but when used properly they really can clear out a lot of the mucus-y gunk clogging up your nasal passages. Parents: Call home. Even if you’ve been out of the nest for over a decade, few things make you feel as comforted as a call to your parents. They won’t think you’re overreacting to the evil green goblin in your throat. If you’re brave and want a ton of sympathy points, make this call on FaceTime, Skype or GChat.

Quilts: Cover yourself in blankets all day long. The warmer you are, the stronger your body will be.

Ramen: When you tire of broth and need a little something more, you can always turn to ramen. We recommend tricking out your ramen with corn, spinach, tofu, ginger and sesame oil.

Saltwater Gargle: Turns out your elementary school nurse had it right. Saltwater gargles are a surefire way to soothe an aching throat and are best done right before bed for a cough-free sleep.

Serrapeptase, or serratiopeptidase, was original derived from silkworm moths and used in some parts of the world for inflammation and mucus.

Teas: Green, Earl Grey, Chamomile, Peppermint, you name it. Tea is a comfort as old as time, and is vital for getting through a few days of coughing and sneezing.

Uber: If you have to get anywhere during your spell with sickness, forget waiting around for public transportation and being that person (the one who’s coughing, sneezing, and looking feverish) and treat yourself to a ridiculously convenient Uber cab.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is the other commonly used supplement during the cold season. However, unlike zinc, the evidence to support its efficacy is not so strong. A Cochrane review found that vitamin C does not reduce the severity or duration of cold after the appearance of symptoms. However, the vitamin may provide some protection if taken regularly and preferably before the start of the flu season.

These studies also indicate that children and endurance athletes benefit the most from the use of vitamin C supplements in the prevention of cold. Therefore, to get the best benefit from vitamin C, you need to take it throughout the entire flu season. However, high doses of vitamin C may be required to boost the immune system enough to protect against cold and the flu. Multiple studies agree that doses between 1 – 6 g/day produce good results. On the other hand, prolonged use of megadoses of vitamin C should be avoided.

Wash Your Hands: Even if you’re the only one in your apartment, it is essential that you wash your hands frequently. Keep those germs away!

Yerba Mate Tea: A robust, earthy tea, Yerba Mate is rich in natural polyphenol antioxidants, as well as a good amount of vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and E.

Zinc: If you have not quite succumbed to the throes of your cold, you may still have time to preemptively strike with a dose of zinc. Though research is inconclusive, zinc is known to be effective when taken regularly at the first sign of a cold for no more than five days. (Zinc is one of the most common natural supplements used during the cold and flu season. It is the main ingredient of cold lozenges. Zinc is also sold in the form of nasal gel to help prevent and treat cold and flu-like symptoms.) But how can zinc relieve cold symptoms? By boosting the immune system and by its direct action on cold viruses. Studies show that zinc promotes the production of immune cells as well as antibodies to combat cold and flu viruses. In addition, it blocks the passage of cold viruses through the lining of the nostrils. Zinc also prevents cold viruses from docking to the surface of human cells. By blocking their adhering mechanisms, zinc blocks the entry of these viruses into cells and leaves them open to destruction by the immune system.

Lastly, zinc inhibits the replication of rhinoviruses. Since 80% of cold cases are caused by rhinoviruses, this action lowers the risk of coming down with common cold because zinc reduces the reproduction of cold viruses and, therefore, viral infection. A number of studies and reviews have confirmed the efficacy of zinc for preventing (lowers the risk of cold by 40%) and treating cold and flu-like symptoms. A Cochrane review confirmed that zinc reduces the duration and severity of cold as well as antibiotic use by sufferers. While both oral zinc supplements and intranasal zinc products are effective, only the former is recommended. This is because nasal zinc gels were found to be responsible for cases of loss of smell (anosmia).

Cold lozenges, on the other hand, are safe. Common side effects of the lozenges include dry mouth, nausea, constipation and a distinct metallic taste (especially with lozenges containing zinc gluconate). These lozenges should only be taken in prescribed doses. Overdose may cause restlessness, dehydration and severe vomiting.Vitamin D: There is a link between vitamin D status and the appearance of flu. Every year during the winter months, most people suffer from vitamin D deficiency just as they come down with the flu. And this is no coincidence. Vitamin D production is at its peak during the summer months when most people get adequate sun exposure. However, during the flu season, vitamin D production falls and the amount of sunlight reaching temperate regions reduce. But how is vitamin D linked to the flu? Vitamin D is an immune system booster. It promotes the production and activities of immune cells such as macrophages and leucocytes while reducing inflammation. In addition, studies show that vitamin D promotes the production of a class of natural antimicrobial agents known as cathelicidins. Therefore, main influenza viruses. The protection provided by vitamin D is lost when its production is reduced during the cold season. To maintain adequate serum levels of vitamin D, you need to eat foods rich in vitamin D and/or take vitamin D supplements. However, exposure to sunlight is still the best way to get vitamin D. This is because the body naturally produces sulfated vitamin D3 in the skin while the form of vitamin D3 found in dietary supplements are usually non-sulfated.Sulfated vitamin D3 is water-soluble and easily transported in the blood and distributed in the body. Therefore, the vitamin D produced naturally in the skin is a lot more bioavailable that oral supplements. Even then oral vitamin D3 supplements can definitely help prevent cold and flu by increasing the serum level of the vitamin. Vitamin D does not only help the immune system destroy cold and flu viruses, the immune boost it produces has also been proven to improve the efficacy of flu vaccines. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation is essential during the flu season whether you get vaccinated or not.

Astragalus – Astragalus is one of the herbs used for treating cold and flu in traditional Chinese medicine. It is known as an immune system booster. Specifically, astragalus stimulates the growth of immune cells, the production of interferon and the release of macrophages. Therefore, astragalus promotes the destruction of cold and influenza virus and can shorten the duration as well as reduce the severity of these diseases.

Echinacea - Echinacea is a North American plant also known as purple coneflower. This herb is traditionally used to treat cold and the flu. Recent studies show that echinacea boosts the immune system and may, therefore, help reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu. In a review of past studies, researchers from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy found that echinacea lowered the risks of catching cold by 60% and reduced the duration of cold symptoms by 1.4 days. Although effective and safe for most users, people with plant allergies or autoimmune diseases as well as those placed on immunomodulatory drugs should avoid this herb.

Elderberry - Elderberry or Sambucus nigra is one of the few herbs conclusively proven to be effective in the treatment of the flu. Different studies have confirmed that this herb is effective against multiple strains of influenza A and influenza B viruses. In a study in which elderberry extract was compared to Tamiflu (the leading antiviral drug prescribed for the flu), the results showed that people who took elderberry got better in 2 – 3 days while Tamiflu users took 5 – 6 days to get cured. The bioactive phytochemicals in elderberry block the adhesion of influenza viruses to cells and also prevent them from getting through the lining of the respiratory tract. In addition, elderberry blocked the replication of influenza viruses. Other mechanisms by which elderberry extract can help cold and flu include its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Elderberry is quite safe as long as you use the standardized extract of the plant. Care should be taken not to use other elderberry plants in the Sambucus family as they are known to contain toxic cyanide-based compounds.

Garlic - Garlic has a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It can help destroy bacteria, fungi, viruses and antigens that may cause cold and flu-like symptoms. Garlic is usually taken as an herbal tea preferably sweetened with honey or lemon juice. Garlic can also be combined with onion, a related medicinal plant. In addition, ginger and turmeric are medicinal herbs that are also helpful because of their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Marshmallow - Marshmallow or Althea officinalis is traditionally used to treat sore throat and cough. Besides its usefulness as a cough suppressant, it produces a mucilage that coats the throat and may soothe some of the gastrointestinal symptoms of cold and flu.

Mullein - Mullein or Verbascum densiflorum is traditionally used to treat cough. It is a decongestant and can, therefore, relieve lung congestion through its anti-inflammatory effect. Mullein is usually prepared as a tea flavored with honey. It can help relieve some of the symptoms of cold and flu.

Licorice Root - Licorice root or Glycyrrhiza glabra is an herb traditionally used for treating sore throat and cough. Its expectorant, antitussive, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and immunomodulatory properties make it ideal for treating the respiratory symptoms of cold and flu.

Peppermint - Peppermint or Mentha x piperita is also a decongestant and cough suppressant. Its main active ingredient is menthol which can make breathing easier and produce a soothing and cooling effect on the soft tissues of your respiratory tract.

Prayer – Never forget to ask for and then Thank Him for your healing!

Probiotics - Probiotics are live microbes that confer health benefits on the host. While most probiotics are bacteria, a few of them are also yeasts. Probiotics are no different from the microbes that make up a healthy gut flora. In fact, probiotics are meant to reintroduce beneficial microbes into the gastrointestinal tract. The state of the gut is important to the immune system. The gastrointestinal tract acts as a barrier preventing harmful microbes, toxins and undigested food from reaching the blood. Therefore, your gut preserves your immune system and ensures that it is not overwhelmed.

Besides their protective roles, probiotics also have direct effects on the immune system. They can stimulate the release of immunoglobulins, T lymphocytes and NK cells. Can the immune boost provided by probiotics help prevent cold and flu? Multiple studies and a Cochrane review confirmed that probiotics are indeed helpful both for preventing and treating cold and flu. These studies show that probiotics can reduce both the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms especially in children, shift workers, athletes and stressed individuals.

In addition, probiotics can improve the efficacy of flu vaccines. Because probiotics boost the immune system and represent a mild and constant challenge to the immune system, they represent a different kind of vaccination. Therefore, probiotics prime the immune system to quickly respond to the influenza antigens found in flu shots. This means that the body produces antibodies against different strains of influenza virus much faster and in higher quantities. However, not all probiotics are effective for prevent and/or treating cold and flu. The problem with studies that have found no benefits to probiotics is that researchers erroneously assume that all probiotics are equal. With regards to cold and flu, the most effective probiotics (and the ones commonly used in positive studies) are the strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

and Flu

? Lactobacillus acidophilus

? Lactobaciullus casei

? Lactobacillus paracasei

? Lactobacillus plantarum

? Lactobacillus gasseri

? Lactobacillus pentosus

? Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis

? Bifidobacterium longum

? Bifidobacterium bifidus

Skullcap - Skullcap is used to boost your immune system. It is a common herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cold and flu. Skullcap is known to enhance the activities of macrophages. Therefore, it can help destroy cold and influenza viruses.

Spirulina - Spirulina is a dietary supplement derived from blue-green algae belonging to the Arthrospira family. The most common cyanobacteria found in spirulina supplements are Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. Spirulina is a superfood. It is made up of 50 – 70% protein and all the essential amino acids are present. Also present are polysaccharides, essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. Besides its significance as a food, spirulina is also a medicinal supplement. The polysaccharides in spirulina can boost immune functions by promoting the release of immunoglobulins and interleukins. In addition, other bioactive fractions of spirulina can enhance the activities of macrophages, leukotrienes and NK (Natural Killer) cells. Studies also show that spirulina has a direct effect on enveloped viruses. It inhibits the replication of influenza A virus. Lastly, spirulina has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Although there are very few studies that investigated the benefits of spirulina for preventing and treating cold and flu, its medicinal properties and the proven in vitro antiviral activity against influenza A virus make it a safe and affordable alternative to prescription cold and flu medications.

Note: All of these suggestions are based on my personal use and an old man’s memory, and will not work for everyone. As any with any course of treatment, you should always consult with your health care provider beforehand.

BE WELL AND KNOW I LOVE YOU!!