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|  Just about everyone suffers from a cold or the ‘flu at some stage. Unfortunately, some of you may get infected continually and never seem to be able to shake them off.
These types of viruses are more prevalent in winter (although there are strains of cold viruses that thrive during the summer) and are highly contagious – being passed on by tiny droplets in the air and hand contact. It’s not just the weather that makes winter months the peak time for these complaints; central heating systems dry up your nasal mucous – your front-line defence against invading viruses – and leave a perfect viral breeding ground. Both colds and ‘flu are respiratory infections, but the way they present themselves is very different; a cold takes hold gradually and gives you congestion, a sore throat and sneezing bouts. These symptoms generally last for about 3 to 4 days, although the cold itself will last for about a week. ‘Flu, on the other hand, has far more severe symptoms of congestion, sneezing and sore throat, but additionally, you will suffer from muscle aches, headaches, extreme fatigue and fever. An attack of ‘flu can last for up to 10 days - with the accompanying fatigue continuing for a further 2 or 3 weeks - and can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. The symptoms of a cold or ‘flu attack are not caused by the virus itself, but by your own immune system trying to stave off the attack by flooding the area with white blood cells to fight the infection.
Useful supplements:
Cat’s claw is a herb derived from the bark and roots of a vine found in the Amazon and has been used by South American Indians for at least 2,000 years. It is has powerful anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties and recent studies have shown that it acts as an immune boosting agent – increasing your body’s immune function by up to 50%! Ecinacea is a safe and powerful immune booster that helps to fight colds, ‘flu and other infections. It is classed as a natural antibiotic and so helps to kill bacteria, viruses, fulgal infections and other microbes. It also boosts the production of interferon – a protein produced in your cells that helps prevent viral reproduction. When taken at the first signs of infection, Echinacea can help prevent a cold or ‘flu attack from developing. Elderberry extract, also known as Sambucol ® , is a natural anti-flu supplement developed in 1991 by a world renown virologist, but has been known of and used for centuries. Studies have shown it to be particularly effective at reducing the symptoms and duration of attacks of ‘flu types A and B, to the extent that those taking the supplement get over flu in half the normal time. Garlic has been used to treat just about every type of ailment at one time or another. It is known to have antibacterial properties derived from allicin – a sulphur compound responsible for garlic’s smell as well as health benefits. Allicin blocks the enzyme responsible for giving organisms the ability to invade and damage tissues. It should be noted that garlic oil capsules generally don’t contain allicin due to their manufacturing process and rely on your body being able to produce it once the capsule has been swallowed. This is entirely dependant on the stomach conditions and can take several hours to be accomplished. Oil of Oregano is a natural substance obtained from the leaves of the wild oregano plant growing on the mountainsides of the Mediterranean. It is a potent anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. In recent tests in the USA it was found to have the ability to kill viruses – in fact it had a 98% kill rate on a ‘flu virus. It is particularly effective with colds that have traveled to the chest. Vitamin C provides an environment in which viruses cannot survive. Studies show that taking 1000mg a day results in fewer colds with shorter duration and less severity. However, a daily intake of 2,000mg to 3,000mg will give the cells sufficient vitamin C content to prevent a virus from invading them. Vitamin C works as a preventative, so should be taken regularly during the winter months. Studies have shown that just taking it at the onset of a cold has little or no benefit. Zinc is thought to reduce the levels of the substances responsible for producing the 10 specific symptoms of a cold - sore throat, nasal discharge, nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, scratchy throat, hoarseness, muscle ache, fever and headache.
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