Natural Solutions to Quick Recovery from Common Cold

Natural Solutions to Quick Recovery from Common Cold

Common Cold is the infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by a variety of cold viruses. The respiratory symptoms usually include a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and coughing. Other general symptoms of headache, body ache, fever, and fatigue may be experienced during cold as well. However, if any of these symptoms appear in a severe form with exhaustion could be indicative of Flu caused by a Flu virus which is very different from a cold virus. The common cold is the main reason for medical visits and missing days of work or school.

Treatment of the common cold is generally to reduce the duration and severity of the symptoms. There is a wide variety of over-the-counter drugs to address the symptoms associated with cold, however often many create side effects and interaction with other medicines. Such side effects may include drowsiness, lack of concentration, indigestion, skin irritation, liver and kidney reactions, or sensitivity. Furthermore, ingredients used in these medications appear as toxins for our organs and immune system, and that interrupt and weaken the body's natural ability to recover even further. Fortunately, there are clinically proven natural medicines that are shown to reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms that actually could benefit our immune system rather than weaken it.

The common cold pattern of progress in the body starts when the virus comes in contact with the mucus membrane of our respiratory tract or eyes. The response of the immune system to the virus results in inflammation and the appearance of common cold symptoms. Even though the infection begins with the virus, the symptoms occur due to the Immune response within 1-3 days. Once the cells are infected, the virus multiplies itself rapidly and the symptoms progress further. So the most effective way to treat the common cold is to start at the onset of the symptoms, instead of waiting until the symptoms are unbearable. Also, strengthening the immune system during the cold and flu season prevents the frequency of the colds and the symptoms will be less intensive.

Clinical studies have found a direct relationship between the level of blood Vitamin D3 and the frequency and duration of certain infections such as cold. Supplementation with vitamin D3 increases the level of Cathelicidin which is a naturally occurring antiviral and anti-microbial. In addition, individuals with adequate levels of Vitamin D are less frequently affected by the seasonal cold. (Request a Vitamin D3 test at Health Palace.)

Vitamin C enhances the immune system in different areas so it can protect us against different infections. Vitamin C is shown to improve the production and function of white blood cells. For instance, Vitamin C enhances the ability of a type of white blood cell called Neutrophil to capture and destroy the virus. Vitamin C reduces the frequency of catching a cold and may reduce the duration of a runny nose.

Zinc plays an important role in modulating the immune system and it is shown to provide antiviral benefits. Zinc reduces the possibility of the virus attaching itself to the respiratory tract cells, so the virus will not be able to infect the cells and replicate. Zinc also provides anti-inflammatory properties by reducing histamine and other inflammatory markers. Large-scale studies have shown a significant reduction in duration and severity of common cold symptoms when supplementing with Zinc in particular zinc lozenges within the first 24 hours of infection. Also, Zinc Supplementation was found to reduce the risk of infection.

An Iron binding protein from milk which is called Lactoferrin is found to provide strong immune support as well as an antimicrobial benefit. Lab researches showed that lactoferrin interrupts the attachment of particular viruses to the cells.

Standardized Andrographis extract provides anti-inflammatory properties and it has been found to effectively reduce the cold's symptoms of the upper respiratory tract, in addition, it can provide some preventative benefits. Andrographis stimulates the immune function showing to reverse the action of immune-suppressive medications.

Sambucus Nigra (Black Elderberry) traditionally is used for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Standardized extracts of Sambucus berries and flowers are used for medicinal purposes. Elderberry also contains flavonoids with an antioxidant activity which may help prevent damage to the body's cells. Elderberry has a much higher flavonol content than blueberries, cranberries, goji berries, and blackberries. Elderberry extract is available in the form of syrups and lozenges. Studies suggest the elderberry Lozenges are helpful to reduce the symptoms when taken within the first 24 hours of infection, and other lab researches show the antiviral and antibacterial activity of the Elderberry extract in the test tubes.

Among herbs, Echinacea is one of the most studied and used for the treatment and prevention of upper respiratory tract infections. Standardized Echinacea Purpurea is shown to increase the number of white blood cells and their activity against the cold virus. However allergy to Echinacea is common in people with allergies to the ragweed family (Asteraceae) So, they should stay away from Echinacea.

Double-blind studies Suggest that a Compound called Beta Glucancan reduce the symptoms of a cold. Beta-Glucans can enhance the ability of the immune cells including macrophages and natural killer cells. Beta-Glucans are usually found in the cell wall of some plants, medicinal mushrooms, and microbes.

Garlic contains a sulfuric compound called allicin with antiviral properties. However, several clinical research show supplementing with allicin is beneficial in reducing the frequency of colds and the symptoms suggesting it may act more as a preventative for cold rather than a treatment. The results of the study indicated taking allicin daily for 3 months reduces colds by 65% in comparison with the control group.

Lifestyle habits such as having a good night's sleep show to reduce the frequency of cold and flu. Adequate sleep positively impacts immune regulations. Exercise and a diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants help to support the immune system and that will translate to overall better health with quicker recovery time. Keeping distance from others with cold and flu, frequent hand washing, and avoiding touching eyes and nose reduce the possibility of transferring virus and reduces the possibility of infection.

Articles and products featured by Health Palace are collected from a variety of sources and are provided as a service by Health Palace. These newsletters, while of potential interest to readers, do not necessarily represent the opinions nor constitute the advice of Health Palace. Presented materials are only for information purposes and do not intend to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References:

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22.Ulbricht C, Basch E, Cheung L, et al. An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower(Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Diet Suppl. 2014;11(1):80-120.

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