Welcome Cold and Flu Season!

by Jon Fiume
September 19, 2005

Fall is in the air, and that means so is flu and cold season. We see it go around from person to person or in cycles. We may find ourselves down and out for a few days, or if need be, taking those ever-wonderful antibiotics. Well, there are a few things that you can do preventatively or, if you feel that you are coming down with something, shorten its duration.

From a natural perspective, echinacea usually finds itself on the top of the list, even in the midst of media controversy over its effectiveness. It has been used for years to shorten the duration of a cold and to boost the production of the immune system's T-cells. The trick though, is to make sure you are taking a quality product that contains the appropriate amounts of the active chemical constituents of the echinacea plant. These chemical constituents include polysaccharides, alkylamides, and cichoric acid. In addition, it is crucial to take the suggested dose in order to reach a therapeutic level. Quite often this could mean many capsules throughout the day, so compliancy is a must. Without that, the product, and therefore your body, may not be as successful.

Also available on the market are many combination formulas that contain herbs such as echinacea as well as garlic, goldenseal root, astragalus, and the hot pepper cayenne. These formulas will also contain a healthy dose of vitamin C, vitamin A, and the minerals zinc and copper, which are all targeted toward strengthening the immune system. These are great formulas to support the body during the flu and cold season, as well as to take once those initial feelings come on that your system is going down. Again, it is crucial that you understand what is stated on the label and that you work with a reputable provider to insure you are taking a quality product.

From the homeopathic side, there are also many combination formulas for both the flu and the cold. The ingredients in these products are aimed toward initiating an immune system response similar to that of a vaccine. In other words, by introducing to the body a small amount of the cold or flu virus, immunity is created. These products can also be taken for preventative measures throughout the flu and cold season. One of the most popular homeopathic flu products is Oscillococcinum® by Boiron®. This product, known as Oscillo for short, contains an ingredient that mimics the same symptoms as the flu. Some homeopathic physicians even recommend taking one pellet per week for flu prevention. This is something to consider, especially if you are one who usually receives a flu shot but may not be able to this year, due to Centers of Disease Control guidelines.

Lastly, if you find yourself unfortunately taking an antibiotic, make sure that you are taking the friendly bacteria known as acidophilus. You may already know of it as an ingredient in yogurt that states "contains active live cultures". However, typical yogurt does not contain a therapeutic amount of acidophilus. And if you are one who experiences yeast infections as a side effect to antibiotic therapy, commercial yogurts will not work, because the high amount of sugar serves as a buffet for the yeast. In addition, acidophilus strengthens and supports the immune system. One final note: to be effective, acidophilus is best taken 2 hours apart from the antibiotic.

To hopefully avoid colds and flu's all together practice some simple rules:
- Eat right.
- Obtain enough rest thus preventing the body to be worn down.
- Take the ever important supplements including a multivitamin, calcium and magnesium, essential fatty acids, and an immune system support formula.
- Wash hands often and for a sufficient amount of time. Someone once said that you should wash your hands to 2 renditions of "Happy Birthday" so enjoy some singing even if it is not your birthday!

Here's to a "healthy" flu and cold season!

This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of your current healthcare program or advice from you healthcare professionals.