It’s that time of year again: cold and flu season...don’t wait until you’re sick to take action!  Many of our clients have found they are sick less often and less severely if they use immune-boosting herbs throughout the winter season.  Additionally, if you start taking natural remedies at the onset of symptoms, you can often kick the bug before it gets a good hold, and avoid being sick altogether.  Aside from optimizing your vitamin D level (50-80 ng/mL), here are our favorite formulas:

Prevention (choose 1 or 2 of the following depending on your susceptibility):

   Nat-Stim by Future Formulations is a one-a-day formula designed by Dr. James Wilson, author of Adrenal Fatigue, for Bulgarian factory workers that have a high incidence of respiratory conditions due their cold, damp work environment. Use throughout the winter (1 per day) and every time you fly (2-3 per flight in divided dose if possible). This one reaches maximum strength after the first 2 weeks.

Metagenics’ ImmuCore packs a punch with 1,000 mg of buffered vitamin C per serving, along with zinc, selenium, and a concentrated mushroom extract.  Patients come back again and again for this new powerful immune-boosting formula.  Take 3 tablets per day in divided dose with meals.

Metagenics’ Thymic Synergy supplies 300 mg of vitamin C per tablet, along with other immune boosting nutrients.  This formula increases the natural killer cells in the body.  Take 1-2 tablets per day as a preventative, and increase the dose to 4-6 per day if you catch a bug.

Cold and flu already got you down?  Try some of these tried-and-true remedies:

Metagenics’ Essential Defense is especially indicated for bugs that crop up with weather changes.  In Ohio, this applies to a pretty good chunk of fall, winter and spring.  Take 2 tablets every 30 minutes within the first 24-48 hours of the onset of symptoms, and after a few doses, you may start to forget to take it because the symptoms have disappeared.  This is definitely one you’ll want to have on hand. Back off the formula once symptoms resolve and save it for the next battle.  This formula is especially effective with children.  Just give 1/4-1/2 of the adult dose, based on the size of the child.

Metagenics’ Andrographis Plusis indicated once you’ve lost the battle and the bug really has you.  This aggressive herbal immune formula supports liver, respiratory and immune health.  Take 2 tabs every 1-2 hours until symptoms improve significantly, then 2 per meal until symptoms resolve.

Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic formula that reportedly decreases the severity of symptoms and shortens the duration of the flu.  This formula is best used when the very first symptoms appear, so it’s one you will want to have on hand.  Great for adults and children and tastes great.  Take one vial of powder under the tongue every 6 hours.  If you’re not sure if the symptoms are the flu, take the first vial and by the time the second one is due, you should know whether or not you are dealing with flu.

Additionally, we suggest increasing your vitamin C intake to 2-6 grams per day in divided dose.  Back down the dose if you experience loose stools.  You can use time-released, buffered, powdered or tablets.  This is truly up to a client’s preference and what seems most effective for them.  My personal favorite is the Acai flavored Emergen-C packets. 

AS A GENERAL PREVENTATIVE, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY AND REST AS NEEDED.  AVOID REFINED

CARBOHYDRATES, HYDROGENATED OILS, JUNK FOOD AND CAFFEINE.  EAT LOTS OF FRESH VEGGIES AND FRUIT, DON’T SKIP MEALS AND GET PLENTY OF SLEEP.   –Patty Shipley