9 Natural Ways to Help Win the Battle Against Colds and Flu

This cold and flu season has been a tough one for so many with viruses and bacterial infections spreading like wildfire. All of us will come in contact with these germy infections at some point this winter. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to build up a strong resistance to win the battle. Even if you do fall prey to a cold or that nasty flu, these natural remedies perform well as powerful allies to help manage symptoms and get your health back on track. 

I've attached a few links to products I've researched and highly recommend

Vitamin D

Vitamin D comes to us in abundance from the sun. It makes sense that vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in the winter because people tend to spend less time outdoors in the winter. If we are outside, we’re covered up head to toe. It is believed, one of the leading causes of increased incidences of the flu and cold in the winter months is due to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for the expression of hundreds of genes in the body. Research has linked low vitamin D levels to higher contraction rates of the flu, colds, and other respiratory infections.

  2. Phytonutrients (Plant-based Foods)

A diet rich in vegetables, fruit and whole grains is high in antioxidants and phytonutrients. Antioxidants are known to reduce the risk of stroke and enhance immune defense, which lowers the risk of cancer and infection. Phytonutrients are linked to increased immunity and faster healing. Aim for seven servings of fruits and vegetables and at least three servings of whole grains per day. Nutrient-packed choices include Hawaiian noni berry, broccoli, red onion, blueberries, grapes, and green tea.

  3. Vitamin C (Lypo-spheric)

Vitamin C is a very effective way to boost the immune system to help reduce your defenselessness to viruses like the cold and flu. Additionally, vitamin C supports the production of white blood cells which help fight off malignant cells. Vitamin C is best when consumed through fresh fruits and vegetables, though it can be taken as a supplement as well. However, most ordinary forms of oral vitamin C - tablets, capsules, powders, liquids and even the vitamin C from your diet - are not processed and absorbed efficiently by your body. When you take 1,000 mg or more of regular oral vitamin C, more than half of it is passed as waste by your body. Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C encapsulates the C molecules in liposomes made from Essential Phospholipids, which protect the vitamin C from destruction in the digestive system.

Within minutes of taking Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C, liposomes filled with vitamin C are transported directly into your bloodstream, and into your cells.

  4. Elderberry

Elderberry is a power-packed herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown elderberry can actually “deactivate” the flu virus and naturally boost the immune system. Both the flowers and berries of this herb can help to treat the cold and flu, boost the immune system, and relieve sinus pain.

Plus, studies have shown elderberry seems to reduce bronchial inflammation as well. A preliminary study found elderberry reduced both the severity and duration of flu symptoms when it was given at the first sign of illness.

  5. Zinc

An examination of several studies revealed that zinc supplementation reduced the length of a cold, especially when taken within 24 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold. Most colds are triggered by the rhinovirus, which prospers and multiplies in the nasal passages and throat (upper respiratory system). Zinc works by preventing the rhinovirus from multiplying. It may also stop the rhinovirus from lodging in the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. Zinc may be more effective when taken as a lozenge, which allows the substance to stay in the throat and come in contact with the virus.

  6. Garlic

Garlic has many medicinal benefits including antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. In addition, it is a natural antibiotic. Fresh garlic is the most effective in treating illnesses such as the cold and flu.

  7. Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is another popular natural remedy for various illnesses and is often thought to be one of the most versatile essential oils. It has several medicinal benefits, such as antimicrobial, antiemetic, analgesic, and anticancer properties. Because of these health benefits, peppermint oil is very effective in reducing the severity of many symptoms of the cold and flu.

  8.  CBD Hemp Oil

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an extremely versatile natural remedy for a variety of health conditions. It is found in high concentrations in hemp plants, and it is not psychoactive. CBD has natural anti-bacterial properties which can help fight against the common cold and the flu. CBD may also help fight the pain, such as sinus pressure, associated with colds. CBD is an anti-inflammatory which can work to open up the sinus passages and increase ease of breathing. CBD may help lessen pain and help people to fall asleep, allowing the body to rest and self-heal from the illness. CBD can also be extremely helpful at reducing headaches and migraines, both which are common symptoms that people experience with their colds and flu.

Additionally, CBD has numerous health benefits and has been shown to provide relief for a multitude of symptoms.

Initial studies have shown CBD to offer the following health benefits:

Antiemetic (reduces nausea and vomiting)

Anti-inflammatory

Antioxidant

Antipsychotic

Anticonvulsant (suppresses seizure activity)

Anti-tumoral/anti-cancer

Antidepressant

Anxiolytic (combats anxiety)

Analgesic (relieves pain)

9.  Wash Your Hands

Our hands come in contact with hundreds of items every day. These items are touched by many others who may be infected with a cold or flu. The grocery store shopping cart, ATM, the gym, any door you open may be infected.

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Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22625422

https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/eyes-ears-nose-throat/5-best-home-remedies-for-flu-treatment-backed-by-scientific-studies/

https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/treating-flu-at-home#1

https://draxe.com/flu-natural-remedies/

https://wellnessmama.com/207/flu-remedies/

https://wellnessmama.com/1499/natural-remedies-for-illness/

https://www.livonlabs.com/qkwidev

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/03/how-to-prevent-the-flu-easy-as-1-2-3.aspx

https://www.webmd.boots.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/treat-colds-flu-naturally

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/zinc-for-colds/faq-20057769

https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58079e6aeee4eb000b34edd3/does-cannabis-cure-the-common-cold