What natural remedies can help me fight colds and flu?

Our susceptibility to infection is essentially dictated by the efficiency of our immune system. The strength of the immune system is itself intimately related to lifestyle factors, including what we eat.

Studies have shown that sugar has the capacity to disable the immune system. For this reason, I would suggest that you eat as little sugar as possible, especially during the early stages of an infection.

Several natural agents have been found to be effective in treating the colds and other viral infections, probably the best known of which is vitamin C.

Vitamin C has several immune strengthening and anti-viral actions in the body. In practice, taking 1 - 2 g of vitamin C every two waking hours at the first sign of an infection until a day or two after the symptoms disappear often seems to stop a cold or flu in its tracks.

Another useful nutrient for combating viral infections and sore throats is zinc. Zinc inhibits the virus responsible for the cold infections (rhinovirus).

Sucking a zinc gluconate lozenge every two waking hours has been shown to reduce the average duration of colds by seven days compared to placebo (inactive medication). Look for zinc gluconate lozenges in your local health food store.

Finally, the herb Echinacea has gained quite a reputation over the last few years as a potent infection fighter.

There are two main species of Echinacea used therapeutically - purpurea and angustifolia. For maximum effect, I always suggest my patients use a blend of both types of echinacea.

Echinaid is a range of echinacea products which includes tablets and tinctures containing both purpurea and angustifolia forms. You will find Echinaid in independent health food stores.

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