Supplements to SAIL You Through Cold and Flu Season

Many vitamins and supplement manufacturers claim their products are beneficial for dodging illness during cold and flu season.

But how much of a difference do they really make?

Let’s take a closer look at what the science actually says about four popular supplements for battling back against cold and flu.

First up is elderberry. This ancient remedy has experienced a well-deserved surge in popularity in recent years.

Elderberry syrup, elderberry lozenges, ad elderberry supplements can easily be found anywhere supplements are sold.

There’s a good reason so many people swear by the stuff…

It works.

One study showed that taking elderberry syrup four times a day reduced the number of days with the flu by four whole days. And anyone who has suffered through a bout of influenza knows how HUGE of a benefit that is.

Another study found that taking elderberry shortened the common cold by two days. It also reduced the number of symptoms, making the illness easier to bear.

Vitamin C is one of the MOST common natural cold remedies in use today… but does it live up to the hype?

Studies are mixed on whether or not C reduces your risk of getting a cold. However, there’s solid evidence that regularly taking vitamin C can shorten the duration of a cold if you get sick.

Zinc can ALSO shorten the duration and severity of the common cold.

But unlike vitamin C, this is one that you should NOT take regularly. Instead, zinc is most effective when taken within 24 hours of the onset of your first symptoms.

I’d also steer clear of zinc-based nasal sprays, as they can potentially lead to a permanent loss of smell.

Finally, echinacea is on most cold remedy lists. While the research isn’t as strong as other nutrients, there’s still plenty of evidence to support its spot in your medicine cabinet.

Studies show that echinacea stimulates the production of immune cells, and it can reduce your risk of “catching a cold” up to 20 percent.

At the end of the day, your overall lifestyle is your biggest ally in staying healthy this winter.

But since no one is immune to the cold or flu, these four supplements are great to have on hand throughout winter.

I give them two thumbs up.

P.S. I’m not a fan of flu shots. Never have been, never will be. But that doesn’t mean that you should be unprotected this flu season. As usual, nature has a better way.

SOURCE:

“Sorting Out Supplements for the Common Cold,” US Pharm. 2017;41(4):8-10.