What is the Common Cold?

The common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection that is caused by a virus. Typically, the individual with a cold will experience general malaise, fever, headache, and upper respiratory tract congestion. Initially, there is usually a watery nasal discharge and sneezing, followed by thicker secretions containing mucus, white blood cells, and dead organisms. The throat may be red, sore, and quite dry.

What causes the Common Cold X?

The common cold can be caused by a wide variety of viruses that are capable of infecting the upper respiratory tract (the nasal passages, sinuses, and throat).

What dietary factors are important in the Common Cold?

Increasing fluid consumption maintains a moist respiratory tract that repels viral infection. Drinking plenty of liquids will also improve the function of white blood cells by decreasing the concentration of compounds that are in solution in the blood. The type of liquids you consume is very important. Studies have shown that consuming concentrated sources of sugars, such as glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey, or orange juice, greatly reduces the ability of the white blood cells to kill bacteria. Before being consumed, fruit juices should be greatly diluted. Keep daily intake to 4 to 8 ounces of undiluted fruit juices.

What nutritional supplements should I take for the Common Cold?

Foundation Supplements. There are three products from Natural Factors that I think are critical in supporting good health:

• MultiStart (age and gender specific multiple vitamin and mineral formulas). Follow label instructions.
• Enriching Greens - a great tasting "greens drink" containing highly concentrated "greens" like chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass juice, barley grass juice, etc., and herbal extracts. Take one serving (one tablespoon) in 8 ounces of water daily.
• RxOmega-3 Factors - A true pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement. Take two capsules daily.

Vitamin C has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of symptoms and the duration of the common cold in over twenty double-blind studies. Take 250 to 500 mg every two waking hours for maximum benefit, lower dosage if diarrhea, excessive gas, or gastrointestinal irritation occurs.

Zinc lozenges are one of the most popular natural approaches to the common cold as there have been several double-blind studies showing zinc lozenges are effective in reducing the severity and. Use lozenges that supply 15 to 25 mg of elemental zinc. If you feel a cold coming on, dissolve them in your mouth every two waking hours after an initial double dose. Continue for up to seven days.

Anti-V from Natural Factors contains the following concentrated extracts:

• EchinamideT - a patented, clinically proven, super-extracted Echinacea purpurea liquid that guarantees high levels of the three key active groups of compounds responsible for echinacea's actions on the immune system.
• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) - the most famous herb in Chinese medicine for strengthening the immune system that is now backed by scientific evidence.
• Lomatium (Lomatium dissectum) - this herb garnered attention during the Spanish influenza in 1917, after it was discovered that Native Americans were recovering from this flu much quicker than everyone else.
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) - referred to in Chinese medical texts as 'the mushroom of immortality,' reishi is valued by modern herbalist for its ability to promote resistance during times of stress.
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) - a valued, time-tested herb noted in recent scientific investigations for its anti-viral properties.

The dosage recommendation for immune support during acute viral infections is to take 50 drops in water or two capsules every two to three hours. For long-term support or prevention the recommendation dosage is to take 50 drops or two capsules two times a day or as directed by your health practitioner.

Comment:

We are all constantly exposed to many of these viruses, yet the majority of us only experience the discomfort of a "cold" once or twice a year at the most. This situation implies that a decrease in resistance or immune function is the major factor in "catching" a cold. In my opinion, maintaining a healthy immune system is the primary way to protect yourself against getting an excessive number of colds. If you catch more than one or two colds per year, it may be indicative of a weak immune system. To strengthen your immune system, please follow the recommendations given in Low Immune Function.

How do I know if the program is working?

With a healthy, functioning immune system, a cold should not last more than three or four days at the most. Even if you utilize a wide variety of natural healing methods, once a cold is well underway, it is difficult to completely throw it off within two days. Do not expect immediate relief in most instances when using natural substances. In fact, since most natural therapies for colds involve assisting the body, as opposed to suppressing the symptoms, the symptoms of the cold may temporarily worsen. Of course, the illness is generally much shorter-lived as a result.

Feedback:

Please let Dr. Murray know how this program has worked for you by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Condition Center Caution:

• Dr. Murray’s recommendations and protocols for nutritional support are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care.
• The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
• If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your doctor prior to using the recommendations given.
• Do not self-diagnose. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician, preferably a naturopathic doctor (N.D.), nutritionally oriented medical doctor (M.D. or (D.O.), or other health care specialist. Please go to www.naturopathic.org to find a qualified naturopathic doctor (N.D.) in your area to help you.
• Make your physician aware of all the nutritional supplements or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid any negative interactions with any drugs you are taking.
• If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you absolutely must work with your doctor before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen.