|
Americans struggle through some one billion colds every year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Children chalk up an average of six to eight colds a year, while adults average two to four colds annually (those who have young children catch even more).
There are many natural tools that can help your body prevent the common cold. First, take an inventory of the factors that may be compromising your immune system and take steps to correct them. Two of the most common immune suppressors include stress and an incorrect diet, especially a diet high in fat and refined processed foods. Allergies may also make you more vulnerable to sniffles, so it’s a good idea to bolster your immune system if any of these conditions affect you.
Weakening of the immune system results in increased susceptibility to virtually every type of illness. Some common signs of impaired immune function include fatigue, listlessness, repeated infections, inflammation, allergic reactions, slow wound healing, chronic diarrhea, and infections that represent an overgrowth of some normally present organism such as oral thrush, systemic candidiasis or vaginal yeast infections.
By understanding some of the basic elements of the immune system and how they work, plus the overall role the immune system plays in your health, you can take responsibility for your own health.
In its simplest terms, the task of the immune system is to identify those things that are “self” (that naturally belong in the body) and those that are “nonself” (foreign or otherwise harmful material), and then to neutralize or destroy that which is nonself.
The following herbs and supplements will strengthen the immune system and help your body to ward off the common cold or to shorten the duration of a cold.
Astragalus:
Native to northeast China is one of that country’s most valued medicinal herbs. Research shows that astragalus root pushes infection fighting white blood cells from their nesting state into heightened activity and stimulates the production of interferon, a protein that slows the multiplication of viruses and boosts the activity of the body’s killer cells. It also generates anticancer cells in the body. It is also a powerful antioxidant and protects the liver from toxins. Also effective for chronic lung weakness.
Should not be taken in the presence of a fever. Take 40-60 drops in water three times a day.
Echinacea:
In North America, the medicinal plant that has gained the greatest respect among native Americans and is used for more illnesses than any other plant. Boosts the immune system and enhances lymphatic function. Stimulates certain white blood cells and have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Useful for colic, colds, flu and other infectious illnesses.
Goldenseal:
Acts as an antibiotic, cleanses the body, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, strengthens immune system, promotes functioning capacity of the colon, liver, pancreas, spleen and lymphatic and respiratory systems. Cleanses mucous membranes, counters infection. Good for any infectious disease. Used at the first sign of possible symptoms, it can stop a cold, flu or sore throat from developing.
Garlic:
Detoxifies the body and protects against infection by enhancing immune function. Aids in the treatment of asthma, cancer, circulatory problems, colds, flu, sinusitis, ulcers, liver disease. Good for virtually any disease or infection.
Take one tsp. of crushed garlic in a little water or two caps with each meal.
Additionally recommended are vitamin C, zinc, vitamin A, and bioflavonoids, such as quercetin, to ward off, as well as treat, a cold. You can take 1 to 4 grams of vitamin C daily, in increments of 500mg. to 1 gram, spread over the course of the day.
Research supports the use of zinc lozenges for preventing and treating the common cold and sore throat. Be careful not to take too much zinc, however, because more than l00 mg daily can actually suppress immunity. Zinc possesses direct antiviral activity.
Dissolve in the mouth every 2 waking hours after an initial double dose. Continue for up to seven days if needed.
Do not use zinc lozenge containing sorbitol, mannitol and citric acid as they are not effective. The best lozenges are those that use glycine as the sweetener. You can take vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant in doses of l5,000-25,000 a day or drink freshly squeezed carrot juice.
Studies have shown that consuming concentrated sources of sugars like glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey or orange juice greatly reduces the ability of the white blood cells to kill bacteria. This impairment appears to be due to the fact that glucose (blood sugar) and vitamin C compete for transport sites into the white blood cells. Decreased vitamin C levels due to excessive sugar consumption may result in a significant reduction in white blood cell function. Drinking concentrated orange juice during a cold probably does more harm than good.
Avoid Sugar:
Sugar consumption even if derived from “natural” sources like fruit juices and honey can impair immune functions. The type of liquids consumed is very important.
The symptoms of the common cold are the body’s way of mounting a response to the viral invasion. You don’t want to suppress the symptoms with over the counter cold medicines because masking symptoms doesn’t prevent, cure, or shorten the duration of the illness. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections such as the common cold.
Instead, I recommend supporting your body in its fight against the virus. Start by eating less during a cold so that your body has less work to do in terms of digestion and can focus instead on attacking the cold virus. I recommend a simple diet of fluids, including soups, broths, and alkalinizing vegetables, such as cucumbers and cooked broccoli. Hot water with the juice from half a lemon, plus a dash of cayenne pepper can help jump-start you in the morning and get secretions flowing. Because dairy and wheat products tend to increase the mucus in your system, exclude them altogether during a cold.
|
