Cold and flu season – what to do to raise your immunity

Colds and flu season is fast approaching. Now is the time to start thinking about giving your immune system a boost. Most illnesses, after the initial time our bodies become better equipped to deal with them. There are over 200 viruses that can cause cold and flu like symptoms. These include influenza and rhinovirus. This is why it is important to help your immune system get ahead. Dealing with viruses is part of our everyday life. There are more than 400 viruses that cause infections in your body.

Influenza and Viruses are hard to prevent

The problem with viruses is that they are different to bacteria, fungi, and parasites which are living organisms. Viruses can’t grow on their own. They make their way into cells of living organisms and reproduce using the cells to feed off.  Often the immune system is not strong enough to stop the virus. A strong immune system and natural herbs and supplements will help fight off viruses.

Cold and flu season herbal remedies

There are many natural ways to treat a cold and flu. You don’t need antibiotics unless it is an infection. These are normally very safe and have little side effects. They work against the virus in different ways. They help boost the immune system and stop it spreading. A combination of the right herbs and supplements boost your natural immunity. Add some of the following vitamins to your daily routine to boost your immune system this winter. A qualified naturopath can help you with the right herbal mix.

Vitamin C, Zinc and Echinacea for cold and flu

Vitamin C gives the immune system a boost as it is an antiviral. It is good to take 2000 mg a day as a preventative. It is safe to use it with other supplements. The more natural supplements you use in combination to fight colds and flu the faster they will disappear. This is found in most supermarkets. Zinc is a powerful immune support. To help your immune system you should make sure you are getting enough zinc into your body on a daily basis.

Zinc helps your body by increasing a protein called human cytokine interferon alpha. This protein’s role is to stop the replication of viruses. Buy the highest mg of Zinc you can find and take one a day.

Echinacea reduces your risk of getting a cold. This herb reduces the recurrence and complications of respiratory infections which are a complication of cold-causing viruses. For daily immune support you should add echinacea tea into your diet. In cold and flu season take 5000 mg of Echinacea daily for about three months. If you are already sick double the dosage.

Ginger, Beta-glucan and olive leaf extract

Ginger boosts circulation and immune activity preventing the build-up of toxins. A build-up of toxins can make you more susceptible to infections of the respiratory tract. Regular ginger intake will lower inflammation. This will allow the immune system to function more effectively. It’s recommended that you either drink 1 to 2 drops of high-quality ginger edible essential oil in a cup of water. Or that you add fresh ginger ground into your diet daily. Ginger and Lemon tea is a pleasant daily tea that you can buy from your supermarket.

Beta-glucan can modulate the immune system. This makes it a powerful immune support for colds and flu viral infections. Viruses cause your immune system to become compromised. This results in systemic inflammation. Inflammation has many unpleasant side effects. Beta- glucan helps balance your immune system by fighting infection. They bind to the virus – targeting white blood cells called macrophages which seek out foreign pathogens and disarm them.

Olive leaf is powerful and the extract possesses antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Oleuropein, the active ingredient in olive leaf extract has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and disease-fighting benefits. It helps target your cold and also gets rid of underlying infections. You can buy olive leaf in your local chemist. Buy the highest mg dosage capsules you can find.

Coconut oil and Yarrow

Coconut oil is converted into monolaurin in the body. Monolaurin is helpful in disrupting lipid-coated bacteria and viruses. It has antimicrobial properties. It helps with HIV-1, influenza, rubella, and the herpes family. Coconut oil contains lauric acid which can prevent colds if used daily.

Yarrow is an herb with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral benefits. It can help improve fever. It does this by helping the body induce perspiration. This supports the body’s own response to fighting off colds. Yarrow is found in a herbal tea often mixed with ginger and other cold and flu fighting herbs. These are great for daily support to prevent colds and other illnesses.

A good mix to get optimal dosages of immune fighting nutrients involves using Quercetin, resveratrol, vitamin D, vitamin A, selenium, zinc, vitamin C, N-Acetyl Cysteine, vitamin K2 and magnesium. It is possible to find these in some Ayurvedic type supplement mixes. These ingredients support the body’s natural immune mechanism to help maintain good health. Ask you naturopath about them to be prepared for a healthier you this winter.