I know many of you know that antibiotics are only good for bacterial but not viral infections. We used to think there was nothing you can do for viral infections. However, based on several studies, there are inexpensive supplements that can actually fight the viruses that cause colds and the flu. If taken at the first sign of symptoms, both the duration and severity of the viral infection typically decrease. It is also recommended that you continue taking these supplements for an additional 48 hours after symptoms cease. Keep these five supplements on hand during the cold and flu season so that you can start them the moment they are needed. You can order these supplements online or get them at your local health food store such as Whole Foods, Mrs. Green’s or Vitamin Shoppe.
1)Black Elderberry Extract Syrup: 4 tablespoons a day while ill. I prefer either Sambucus Syrup or Sambucol Syrup.
2)Umcka Cold Care Syrup:It is an extract from the roots of a plant called Pelargonium sidoides. Take 1.5 teaspoons three times daily.
3)Vitamin C: Take 2000-4000 mg a day with food while ill (if the dose you are on causes stomach upset then cut back). I have patients purchase a brand that has mixed bioflavonoids so that it is absorbed better by your gastrointestinal tract.
4)Zinc: I take 60 mg daily while ill with food. I prefer “Zinc Supreme” from Designs for Health or Zinc Acetate lozenges by Advanced Bionutritionals. Zinc stimulates the immune system and makes it difficult for virus to replicate and affect our cells.
5)Vitamin D3: 2,000-4,000 International Units while ill. Vitamin D3 has been found to stimulate our immune system making it less likely you will contract a cold or the flu. Vitamin D3 is important enough that I typically test everyone’s Vitamin D3 levels. It is made in our skin as we are exposed to sunlight. Since we have as a society been more aware of avoiding the sun our levels have dropped. Based on the results of that blood test I will pick your supplement dosage. However, if you are in a pinch and have not had a chance to have your blood levels tested, you can start at 2,000-4,000 International Units or IU.
Please be aware that it is not safe to megadose on vitamins. More is not always better. I typically have patients on a low maintenance dose which I increase when they are ill.
