Important updates about Immunity, Colds and the Flu

Your child's throat is sore, the office is a symphony of coughing, and your head is pounding: It must be cold and flu season! It's estimated that there are about one billion colds each year in the U.S. On average, influenza kills 36,000 Americans, while 115,000 check into the hospital for treatment. The period from November to March finds cold and flu rates much more pronounced, as the weather forces more people to stay indoors, exposing them to drier conditions and already-infected individuals. Luckily, medical studies indicate easy precautions, lifestyle changes, diet and/or all-natural nutritional supplements may provide benefits for most of us.

But how can you tell if you have a cold or the flu? While not everyone may have the same symptoms, there are common guidelines for cold and flu:

• Fever: Rare with colds; common for flu, lasting for three to four days, with high temperatures (102-104°F).
• Headache: Rare with colds; common with flu.
• General aches and pains: Not serious with colds; common and severe with flu.
• Fatigue, weakness: Mild with colds; May last up to two to three weeks with flu.
• Extreme exhaustion: Unusual with colds; with flu, common and found to start early.
• Stuffy nose: Common with colds; may appear be present with flu.
• Sore throat: Common with colds; may appear with flu.
• Chest discomfort, cough: With colds, mild to moderate discomfort possible; common and potentially severe with flu.

Cold symptoms rarely last longer than one to two weeks. Contrary to popular opinion, they're NOT caused by cold weather, diet, exercise, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids (although these factors may weaken the immune system). Such factors as allergies, psychological and physical stress, and menstruation may contribute to cold susceptibility. Because colds are caused by viruses, they generally prefer colder, drier weather, as well as lower levels of relative humidity. Colds are transmitted in various ways, including touching your eyes or nose after touching infectious respiratory fluids on skin, or by inhaling airborne particles or droplets of infected liquid.

So what can you do to prevent colds? Well, common sense and cleanliness are your greatest weapons. Wash your hands often and be careful not to touch your eyes or nose. If possible, avoid being around sick people. And if you're already infected, cover your mouth when coughing and sneeze into a tissue, then throw it away quickly. It's also a good idea to use rubbing alcohol to disinfect any surfaces that you come into contact with. Plus, try to rest, get plenty of fluids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.

The flu initially seems like a bad cold, but quickly worsens. Many symptoms, including high fever, headaches, muscle aches, and cough, are much more dramatic. If untreated, flu can lead to more serious conditions, including dehydration and bacterial pneumonia, and it can cause chronic medical conditions (congestive heart failure, asthma, diabetes) to worsen. Certain individuals - those 50 or older, health care workers, those with weakened immune systems, or conditions affecting the kidneys, lungs or heart - may be at higher risk. Children may also be susceptible to ear infections and sinus problems.

To defend against flu and infection, you should follow many cold prevention steps, including frequent hand-washing with hot water and soap for 15 seconds, not touching your eyes or nose, using tissues, and covering your mouth when coughing. The influenza virus can live on a plastic or metal surface for days, and can be caught by mere touching. It can also be caught by sick people sneezing or coughing. The CDC recommends the 3M N100 mask as being highly effective in a study it conducted. This mask can reduce airborne bacteria by >99% if you must be around sick people. As with colds, flu-stricken patients should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.

While cold and flu medications are not cures, they may relieve some symptoms. However, they can cause unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, or upset stomachs. Antibiotics are useless against the common cold, as they don't kill viruses. (And never give aspirin to children or teenagers with flu-like symptoms - especially fever - without consulting your doctor, as this may lead to a dangerous medical condition known as Reyes syndrome.)

Studies indicate the over-consumption of simple carbs and sugar can destroy immune function. Eliminating them is an excellent idea! Avoiding fried foods, which many experts consider highly toxic to the body, is also recommended. Fortunately, a variety of foods, herbs and all-natural supplements are available that may help boost immunity and, in some cases, shorten the duration of flu. A good multi-vitamin, one with proper amounts and forms of nutrients such as zinc and vitamin C, is an excellent tool for closing the nutritional gap and promoting general health. In addition, various supplements and foods, including vitamins, minerals, herbs and antioxidants, may hold specialized benefits for promoting an optimal immune system functioning.

Supplements and foods with studies supporting immune health:

• Mushroom Extracts: Various mushrooms promote a healthy immune system. Four types - shiitake, maitake, cordyceps and reishi - have been shown to promote healthy white blood cell functions. For these varieties, it is advised that taking 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg total of these standardized extracts may be beneficial. One excellent product recommended by medical doctors on the Vitacost/NSI Science board is the NSI MGC-5, containing all four of these standardized mushroom extracts and beta glucan. NSI also offers MGC-6 and MGC-7 that contain everything in MGC-5 plus the addition of L-theanine in the MGC-6 and L-theanine plus CoQ10 in the MGC-7. Studies indicate these nutrients also may promote healthy immunity.
   
• Beta Glucan: Derived from the cell walls of baker's yeast, fiber from oats and barley, and medicinal mushrooms, this nutrient promotes immunity. Essentially, it can increase production-, mobilization- and killing-capacity of various immune cells.
   
• AHCC: AHCC is a powerful compound produced by cultivating several species of mushroom-and it consists of polysaccharides, amino acids and minerals. AHCC (or Active Hexose Correlated Compound) may promote enhanced immunity by increasing natural killer (NK) cell activity. AHCC may also possess antioxidant properties, increase macrophage activity and support healthier functioning of the liver.
   
• Zinc: This mineral is backed by numerous studies indicating that it's essential for a healthy immune system. Experts recommend 15 to 30 mg be taken daily. L-Opti-Zinc is a superior form that's up to a 20X superior antioxidant when compared to other forms of zinc.
   
• Vitamin C: This amazing vitamin has been the subject of thousands of published medical studies. Studies suggest that 500 mg to 2,000 mg daily may be more effective for benefits when compared to the DV of only 60 mg. Ester-C is a superior non-acidic form of vitamin C highly recommended by the medical doctors on the Vitacost/NSI scientific advisory board.
   
• Elderberry: Clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of this extract at reducing duration and severity of feeling bad. One study found that people given this extract recovered in 3.1 days compared to 7.1 days for those given placebo. It is suggested that adults take between 2 teaspoons and 2 tablespoons twice daily, while children may take between 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon twice daily. We also strongly recommend Nature's Way Sambucol, as this product was utilized in clinical studies proving benefit.
   
• Oscillococcinum: Typically, the influenza virus runs its course in one or two weeks. However, one study suggests the homeopathic remedy Oscillococcinum may effectively reduce symptoms and duration of feeling bad in as little as 48 hours. This study, published in 1998 in the British Homeopathic Journal, sought to determine if this product could eliminate symptoms faster or improve overall conditions to a greater degree than placebo. At the study's 48-hour mark, it was shown that 19.2% of those taking Oscillococcinum (as 1 dose of 200 globules taken sublingually three times daily for three days) displayed no flu symptoms, with 43.7% showing clear improvements. At 7-10 days, it was found that 80.1% displayed no flu symptoms. For optimal effects, it's recommended that adults and children two years and over dissolve the entire contents of one tube in the mouth every six hours, up to three times a day.
   
• Selenium: This potent antioxidant is essential for healthy immune functioning. Optimal dosage recommended by most physicians is 200 to 400 mcg daily.
   
• American Ginseng: This herb's major constituents are thought to hold immune-stimulating properties and help the body deal with stress. It's advised that 1,000 mg of a standardized 80% ginsenosides extract be taken daily.
   
• Garlic: This herb has displayed properties that provide numerous health benefits including displaying the ability to kill bacteria and viruses. As a supplement, studies have shown the effectiveness of taking 600 to 900 mg daily. Also, look for a high level of standardization for alliin.
   
• Probiotics: Studies show that supplements of these "friendly bacteria" may promote a healthy immune system and GI tract. High-quality products contain a blend of friendly strains with a minimum of three to five billion units taken daily.
   
• Fish Oil & Flax Oil: These are healthy essential fatty acids (EFA) and provide numerous benefits to the human body. It's recommended to replace vegetable oil and saturated fats from animal products with this life promoting healthy EFA foods and supplements.