Cold & Flu Prevention

Optimize your immune system by adhering to the following:

Diet

• Limit refined sugar and excess carbohydrate consumption - sugar depresses the immune system.
  Be extra vigilant in avoiding any food intolerances or allergies

Supplemental Nutrients (ask us which combination is best for you):

• Vitamin D3
  Dose depends on your vitamin D3 serum level.

• Andrographis
  Great to have on hand when you feel something coming on; has demonstrated significant activity in fighting common cold, flu, and upper respiratory infections.
  

• Zinc
  Zinc has always been an immune-boosting stalwart; topical fights sore throats at the source.
  

• Cod Liver Oil
  Most bioavailable vitamin D source; while integrally linked to every aspect of immune system activity, it is widely known that vitamin D stores drop in the fall and winter due to little sun exposure.
  

• Vitamin C with Quercetin
  Vitamin C has long been known for its immune-boosting capabilities; finding a low acid (such as Ester-C) and corn-free (sago palm) source is ideal; combining it with Quercetin, a bioflavanoid which has antiinflammatory properties and has recently been found to reduce respiratory infections, makes them a potent one-two punch.
  

• Monolaurin
  A component of human breast milk that provides immunity for newborns is also found in the ester of coconut; suggested use daily as an antiviral preventative.
  

• Nutribiotic (Grapefruit Seed Extract)
  Bioflavanoid that has potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties; suggested daily as a bacterial preventative.
  

• Probiotics
  It is well-known that harmonious gut flora balance is the key to a healthy immune system. Probiotics encompass a large heterogenous group of bacteria that are normal inhabitants of the human gastrointestinal tract.
  
  A study that evaluated the prophylactic effect of probiotics in healthy adults who took probiotics daily for at least 3 months documented a significant reduction in days with cold symptoms and in the severity of symptoms and fever.
  
  In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of children who were 3-5 years of age, participants who received either L acidophilus NCFM or L acidophilus NCFM in combination with B animalis subspecies lactis Bi-07 (vs placebo) twice daily for 6 months showed significant reductions in the incidence and duration of fever, cough, and rhinorrhea. Antibiotic use was also reduced by more than 65% and absences from daycare were reduced by approximately 30% compared with children receiving placebo.
  
  In a study of formula-fed infants whose diets were supplemented with L rhamnosus GG and B lactis Bb-12 or placebo from ages 2 months through 12 months, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of acute otitis media, recurrent respiratory infections, and antibiotic use among those receiving the probiotics.
  

Lifestyle

• Proper Sleep
  Your body needs down time in order to be able to fight the rigors of the modern daily lifestyle.
  

• Manage Stress
  Stress depresses the immune system.
  

• Proper Hygiene
  Refrain from touching your eyes, nostrils, ear canals, and mouth with unwashed hands; this allows pathogens to bypass the strongest immune deterrent: dermal tissue.
  

• Infrared Sauna Therapy (more information)
  Great way to detox deep from within the dermal tissue.
  

• BAX 3000 (more information)
  

• Exercise
  One of the best immune-boosters. However, this takes dedication because it always gets harder to exercise when it gets cold!
  

Medication and Diagnostic Tests accessed through NCI Well Connect subscription.