Supplements to Prevent the Cold
Cold and flu season is in full force. From disinfecting high-touch areas to getting more sleep, there are many things you can do it avoid the cold and flu. One easy thing you can start doing today is taking supplements. Some help fight the illnesses by improving the immune system. Thankfully, you don’t need to take handfuls of pills every day to get protection. There are a few easy-to-find remedies that do the job.
As always, Midwest Express Clinic recommends seeing a provider before starting any supplementation plan.
Vitamin D
One of the most popular supplements on the planet, vitamin D helps with many health issues. During the winter, most people are inside. This means that getting natural vitamin D is harder during these months because of the lack of sunlight. From anxiety to increasing bone density to improved calcium absorption, the supplement is important for any diet. However, the biggest effect of vitamin D is improving the immune system.
Zinc
We don’t suggest taking zinc supplements every day. Multivitamins, which everyone should be taking daily, already provide enough of this nutrient. However, zinc has been shown to reduce the length of illness in some cases. If you start to feel the symptoms of the cold or flu, take a zinc lozenge. This may help with fending off the worst effects of the illness.
Green tea
Yes, technically this isn’t a supplement. However, green tea has been drunk for hundreds of years for its antioxidants. It helps keep the immune system healthy and defend against the flu and cold. In fact, it’s thought that green tea can even stop the virus from interacting with the cells in our body.
Garlic
No, we are not telling you to eat garlic every day. However, it does support the immune system. A compound in the garlic, allicin, has been shown to help white blood cells fight diseases like the cold and flu. Thankfully, you don’t need to start adding garlic to all your meals. Allicin can be found in pill form.
While these supplements — and many others like elderberry and medicinal mushrooms — can help prevent the cold and flu, Midwest Express Clinic recommends following basic rules. Wash your hands frequently, exercise a few times a week, get plenty of sleep, and eat a healthy diet.
If you have questions about supplementation or want treatment for the cold or flu, check in online at your closest Midwest Express Clinic location.
