It’s that time of the year, as the temperatures change and the weather emerges from summer into fall, bugs such as the cold and flu start becoming more rampant. In fact, “common colds are the main reason that children miss school and adults miss work.” (CDC)
For most people, they recover from the flu and cold, but unfortunately between 290,000-650,000 people globally die from the flu annually.
Common Cold symptoms can range from, congestion, coughing, sneezing, with more than 200 viruses which could cause these symptoms. However, “coronavirus and rhinovirus are by far the most common culprits”
Four types of coronaviruses can be responsible between 10-30% of for these cold symptoms but they normally only producer milder symptoms. The flu virus has three types: A, B, or C. Although colds and flu can have similar symptoms, flus are usually accompanied with high fevers, muscular pain, and breaking out in a cold sweat. There are also those people who may be carriers of the cold or flu, but not manifest any symptoms themselves. Some reasons why it seems that more colds/flu start in the winter months could be due to a lack of sunlight as well as how the body responds to cooler weather. In cooler weather, our body is less able to expel mucous as it “cools the nasal passage.” Also, the rhinovirus (which can also cause colds) actually prefers cooler weather. Fortunately, besides our wonderful God-given immune system, there are natural solutions to help aid the body’s immune system during the challenging winter months.
1. BOVINE COLOSTRUM
Colostrum is a newer recognized supplement on the market that has proven beneficial to the immune system. “Colostrum is the pre-milk fluid produced from the mother's mammary glands during the first 72 hours after birth. It provides life-supporting immune and growth factors that ensure the health and vitality of the newborn.” 38 Research has shown that colostrum has powerful natural immune and growth factors that help bring the body to a state of homeostasis, or well-being. Colostrum has also been shown to help support healthy immune function, enabling us to resist the harmful effects of pollutants, allergens, bacteria, and viruses.
Colostrum, the Second Immune System
Apart from mother’s milk, the only known viable source of colostrum is from cows (bovine). As we age, our bodies gradually produce less immune and growth factors that help our bodies fight off disease and heal damaged body tissue. Because of the HGH (human growth hormones) in colostrum, it has the ability to help with tissue repair and healing and is especially helpful in cases of compromised intestinal tracks, like “leaky gut syndrome”.
Colostrum has the ability to help with tissue repair and healing.
“In the last decade, scientific research has shown that the molecular combinations of immune and growth factors in (bovine) colostrum are uniquely identical to human. Research has also shown that only bovine colostrum is not species specific and can work in humans and lower mammals.” 39
“Two randomized studies have found that taking bovine colostrum supplements decreases the incidence of upper respiratory infections (such as COVID-19) by 50%. Other studies have found that bovine colostrum can also reduce gastrointestinal damage linked to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin by 80%.” ~ newsmax.com By Dr. Oz and Michael Roizen, M.D.
2. VITAMIN C
your body uses Vitamin C in a variety of ways and a good source of Vitamin C is citrus fruits like oranges, berries etc… or dark leafy greens like spinach, kale etc., even broccoli, and cauliflower. It is water soluble, and our body needs it on a daily basis. Vitamin C is also great for immune system health, as it is a potent antioxidant. Protecting our body from free radical damage. Also helpful for some many different things like collagen production, immune support, wound healing, skin protection, even adrenal support. The adrenals are responsible for the flight or fight response in the body, they are a part of the endocrine system, and they can get fatigued during times stress or illness. Vitamin C converts to hydrogen peroxide in the body once it breaks down which means its great against foreign invaders and micro-organisms, some clinics use high doses of vitamin C in IVs to help those with chronic immune disorders or even cancer. Vitamin C is also great as a natural antihistamine. Which means it helps with allergies. The reason why we believe Vitamin C works as a natural antihistamine is because oxidative stress plays a key role in allergic responses by the body and Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, as well as a natural anti-inflammatory. A study done in 2000 suggested that those wishing to use Vitamin C as a natural antihistamine should consume 2 grams or 2000mg of Vitamin C per day. You can also get Vitamin C in a supplement form, a good dosage would be between 1000-2000mg on a daily basis, too much vitamin C can upset the stomach or cause loose stools, so aiming around those dosages is good.
3. VITAMIN D
There is a doctor from Boston University by the name of Dr. Michael Holick (professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at Boston University School of Medicine.) who has studied blood samples from quest diagnostics from more than 190,000 Americans from all of the 50 states here in the USA and in his findings, he found that those who were deficient in this important nutrient had a 54% higher COVID positivity when compared with those who had adequate levels of this vitamin. His response: People have been looking for the magic drug or waiting for the vaccine and not looking for something this simple,” He believes taking a sufficient amount of vitamin D can cut this risk by 54%. The study also showed that as the levels of vitamin D increased, the risk of getting corona also declined.
“The higher your vitamin D status, lower was your risk,” Holick said.
“Many people are vitamin D-deficient because there are only small amounts in food, Holick said. Most vitamin D comes from sun exposure, and many are deprived, especially during winter months.” It is suggested that the average adult needs around 2000 IUs of Vitamin D daily. The Dr. himself takes 6,000 IU daily for decades and is to be in great health. Vitamin D has shown to have benefits for the immune system. Research shows that those with lower levels of Vitamin were also more likely to report recent upper respiratory tract infections when compared with those who had adequate levels (Published w National Institutes of Health)
There was another study with more than 11,000 participants (British Medical Journal) which found that supplementation of Vitamin D reduced the risk of acute respiratory infection among those who participated.
“Vitamin D definitely improves your overall immunity to fight infections,” Holick said.
We suggest besides getting out in the sun for 10-15 min a day. To also take liquid Vitamin D as it is the easiest to absorb. Biotics Research is a good brand.
4. OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT
This powerhouse herb has been shown to be effective against virtually all viruses and bacteria on which is has been tested. Laboratory studies have suggested that olive leaf extract prevents viral infection from spreading or becoming rooted by rendering the virus incapable of infecting cells or preventing them from reproducing.
Olive Leaf renders the virus incapable of infecting cells or prevents them from reproducing.
Olive Leaf Extract is also beneficial in treating sore throats, sinusitis, and pneumonia, as well as fungal and bacterial infections. It has been shown to help prevent and protect against infection by viruses such as HIV, herpes, and influenza. Formula that is great for kids is here!
Great book to read on the benefits of olive leaf extract is the book by Morton Walker PhD- called “Olive Leaf Extract” can find it on amazon.com
5. TAKUNA
This is an extract made from the bark of the Cecropia strigosa found in South America.
Studies have shown this antimicrobial to have very powerful antiviral properties. Researchers in Israel have tested Takuna and have found it to be effective against the Asian bird flu. Some other medicinal properties include:
Antiviral
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Chronic Viral Hepatitis (Sexually Transmitted)
Herpes Zoster- Shingles
Chronic Epstein Barr
Chronic Cytomegalovirus
Acute And Chronic Viral Encephalitis and Meningitis
Help support your body this winter season with these five powerful supplements!
Boost your body this winter and help protect it all year long!
SOURCES:
Lyme and Co-infections, the Road to Recovery (2012) Michelle Tonkin ND
https://oliveleafhealth.com/protect-yourself-from-coronavirus-boost-your-immune-system-with-olive-leaf-extract/
https://onlinelearning.hms.harvard.edu/hmx/immunity/
https://www.renewedvitalitymd.com/chronic-viruses/#:~:text=Symptoms%20that%20are%20commonly%20seen%20with%20chronic%20infections,or%20lung%20infections%208%20Chronic%20yeast%20%28Candida%29%20infection