Article: How to make the common cold uncommon

[Guest guest]

Seems that lots of folks are getting colds these days - Well, I sure

hope everyone is feeling well today - and stays that way ...

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

 

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

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How to make the common cold uncommon

By Michael T. Murray, N.D.

 

http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/sc/0210/sc0210-doctor.html

 

Researchers tell us that it is " normal " to catch a cold four to six

times per year. That may be normal, but it certainly doesn't have to be

that way. Have you wondered why some people never " catch " a cold, while

others seem to suffer from a cold often?

 

We're all constantly exposed to many of the viruses that can cause a

cold, yet for most of us it's only when our resistance is low that we

come down with the symptoms. This implies that a decrease in the

effectiveness of our immune system is the major factor in catching a

cold.

 

If you catch more than one or two colds a year, it's an indication that

your immune system needs some support. If so, this article will provide

you with the information that you need to bolster your immune system.

Like most health conditions, it's far easier to prevent a cold than to

treat a cold.

 

Here are some guidelines for what to do, if you catch a cold.

 

Build a healthy immune system

Consistent with good health, optimal immune function requires a healthy

diet that (1) is rich in whole, natural foods such as fruits,

vegetables, grains, beans, seeds, and nuts (2) is low in fats and

refined sugars, and (3) contains adequate, but not excessive, amounts of

protein.

 

Since the immune system requires a constant source of virtually every

nutrient, a high-potency multiple-vitamin and mineral formula is a key

step in supporting the immune system, as it will address any underlying

nutritional deficiencies.

 

Deficiencies of virtually any nutrient can result in significantly

impaired immune function, especially deficiencies of vitamins C, E, A,

B6, B12, and folic acid. Minerals that are especially important are

zinc, iron, and selenium. In addition to a multiple, some specific

nutrients helpful in boosting immune function include vitamin C, vitamin

E, and vitamin A.

 

What to do once a cold is caught

In the event that you do " catch " a cold, there are a number of natural

measures that can speed up recovery - reducing both the severity and

duration. First, start with the basics: eat right, get lots of sleep and

rest, and drink plenty of liquids (preferably diluted vegetable juices,

soups, and herb teas). Doing so helps the immune system respond to the

common cold virus.

 

As far as specific supplements, vitamin C can be effective at a dosage

of 500 milligrams every two waking hours. Zinc lozenges can help, too,

but the recommendation that I have the most confidence in is using a

high quality echinacea product. Started soon enough, echinacea can stop

a cold dead in its tracks.

 

Echinacea and the immune system

Modern research has shown Echinacea to exert significant effects on

immune function in more than 300 scientific investigations. However, not

all of the clinical studies have been positive. Mixed results from

clinical studies with Echinacea are most likely from lack of or

insufficient quantity of active compounds. The effectiveness of any

herbal product is determined by its ability to deliver an effective

dosage of active compounds.

 

Chemical analysis of commercial Echinacea preparations has demonstrated

tremendous variation in the levels of key compounds, even within the

same product from batch to batch. Many manufacturers are not using the

quality control tests necessary to insure that the Echinacea is being

grown properly and harvested at the precise time for maximal levels of

all active compounds.

 

Since Echinacea contains a wide assortment of chemical constituents with

confirmed immune enhancing effects, it's important for manufacturers to

insure sufficient levels of all these active compounds. The best

assurance for consumers to get the full benefit of Echinacea is to use a

product from a trusted manufacturer that guarantees the level of active

ingredients.

 

Safety information

When used at the recommended doses even for indefinite periods, there's

no danger of toxicity. No studies have reported acute or chronic

toxicity reactions due to Echinacea extracts. Echinacea use usually is

without side effect, however, allergic reactions have been reported in

people who are allergic to other plants in the same family (daisy,

ragweed, marigolds, etc.).

 

Echinacea appears to be safe even for children, as well as for pregnant

or lactating women. Based upon both animal studies and evaluation

studies in women using Echinacea during pregnancy, it shows no harmful

effects.

 

Michael T. Murray, N.D., is regarded as one of the world's leading

authorities on natural medicine. He is a graduate, faculty member, and

serves on the Board of Trustees of Bastyr University in Seattle,

Washington. He is co-author of " A Textbook of Natural Medicine " and the

best-selling " Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. " Dr. Murray is Director

of Product Development and Education for Natural Factors.

 

http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/sc/0210/sc0210-doctor.html