Autumn’s yellows and reds, as lovely as they are, foreshadow another change that occurs at this time of year. This change in weather usually means you are at a much higher risk of catching the common cold or flu. Luckily for you, we’ve got the vitamins and supplements you need to boost your immune system and beat the cold and flu season!
The best course of action is to bump up your immunity as soon as possible. If you suspect that a cold or flu germ has already infiltrated your home, you and your family members can take action to minimize the severity and duration of the infection.
Supplements to prevent the common cold & flu
Don’t you just hate it when your allergies worsen, your nose becomes stuffy, your throat begins to burn, and your drowsiness intensifies? Yes, the cold and flu season has arrived.
There is an overwhelming amount of natural approaches that people use to combat or prevent colds and flu, but not all of them are supported by clinical evidence. However, most studies have shown that the following supplements and herbal remedies can help prevent or shorten a cold.
Echinacea
You’ve exhausted every option. Cough drops, decongestants, nasal spray, panadols. But the sneezing and drowsiness will not go away. Echinacea is one of Europe’s most popular herbal remedies for reducing the likelihood of catching a cold or flu, and it also appears to relieve symptoms if you’ve already caught it! This is because Echinacea increases the amount of white blood cells which are important for fighting infections.
Dosage: Take 2 capsules daily
Zinc
Zinc helps to maintain a healthy immune system. In fact, it is the second most essential mineral in our bodies after iron. However, because our bodies cannot produce zinc, we must obtain it from nutrition or supplements. Taking zinc supplements can boost your immunity, shorten the duration of a common cold and help protect your body against COVID-19.
Dosage: Take 1 tablet with a meal daily
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Now Foods Zinc Picolinate 50mg€11.00 -
NOW Foods Zinc 50mg€14.99
NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine)
If you’re unfamiliar with NAC, it’s an amino acid which our bodies use to produce antioxidants. NAC is well-known for replenishing glutathione, your body’s most potent antioxidant. It’s an important supplement to take during cold and flu season because it can shorten the duration and severity of the flu.
Dosage: Take 1 capsule twice a day
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NOW Foods NAC 600mg€21.99
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is without a doubt the most well-known and widely advertised immune supplement. Llike zinc, it is essential for immune system function. In addition, it can help reduce the duration of a flu and minimise symptoms. It works even better when taken consistently throughout the year, rather than just during cold and flu season.
Dosage: Take 1 capsule daily
Vitamin D3
People who are not deficient in vitamin D are unlikely to benefit from supplementation. When vitamin D is given to people who are deficient, which is the case for many people, it does incredible things such as lowering the risk of the flu and respiratory infections such as pneumonia. You’re more likely to have a deficiency if you don’t get enough sun and don’t eat a lot of dairy or other vitamin D-rich foods. People with dark skin, the elderly, and obese people are more prone to vitamin D deficiency.
Dosage: Take 1 capsule daily
The importance of taking your supplements right away
It is critical to begin or increase the dosage of these supplements on the first day you notice any symptoms. It is far less effective to wait until the second or third day. This is because virus concentration levels have skyrocketed by then, and your immune system, which is responsible for many of your symptoms, has gone into overdrive.