What are the causes
of the common cold?
Many different viruses
can cause the common cold. Each virus may have a slightly different pattern
of symptoms and severity. Well over 100 types of cold viruses have been
identified. Infection may be facilitated by excessive fatigue, emotional
stress and other factors that weaken the body's immune defenses. Bacteria
and viruses are everywhere. They even live in the nose and throat and can
gain a foothold when the body is physically or emotionally stressed.
The Symptoms
Colds usually begin
suddenly. Throat discomfort is often the first sign, followed by sneezing,
runny nose, nasal congestion and an overall achy and "run down" feeling.
Fever is unusual for adults, but children and infants may have fever up
to 102 degrees. Chest symptoms may vary, and when they are present, this
is referred to as a "chest cold". Mucous becomes thick. Coughing, if present,
can last up to three weeks.
What To Do If You Get
A Cold
The key to treating
a cold is to make your body comfortable while it fights the infection.
Only your body's own defenses can combat a cold. Antibiotics don't help.
Fortunately, there is an entire arsenal in the form of natural medicine
to help treat the common cold.
Nutrients
1. Vitamin C
has many uses, but most importantly is its ability to treat infections.
Ascorbic acid seems to increase the production of lymphocytes (white blood
cells important in antibody production) and in coordinating the cellular
immune functions. It has also been demonstrated that higher amounts of
Vitamin C may actually increase interferon production and thus activate
the immune response to viruses. Vitamin C also supports the hormonal system.
It assists the adrenal gland in its production of the hormones epinephrine
and norephinephrine which help the body deal with cold and flu infections.
And it also helps to stimulate the thyroid hormone T4. Many people report
increased energy when taking large amounts of Vitamin C, and perhaps this
is due to hormonal influence. Each "cold carrying" person has a different
tolerance for Vitamin C. Some people will find that 250 mg six times daily
is perfect, while others will take as much as 1,000 mg ten times daily.
Perhaps the most important thing to know when using Vitamin C is that it
is best taken in intervals.
2. Zinc,
a vital trace mineral, is involved in more body functions than any other
mineral and unfortunately is often lacking in the modern American
diet due to soil losses and food processing. This deficiency will often
produce a variety of symptoms, including the common cold. Zinc has been
shown to improve white blood cell functions and increase T lymphocyte production.
Zinc will aid in decreasing the duration of a cold as well as the symptoms.
3. Vitamin
A, Retinol, and Beta-carotene are all useful in resolving infections
and protecting mucus membranes. Any excess of Vitamin A in our bodies is
stored in the liver. During a cold, your Vitamin A storage is drawn upon
and must be replaced. Interestingly, the body must have Zinc in order to
release and make thorough use of Vitamin A. Some individuals who are prone
to repeated colds may be deficient in both Vitamin A and Zinc.
4. Vitamin
B6 & B12 to build inner strength and energy.
Helpful
Herbs
Echinacea:
is considered one of the great American "wonder herbs." It has been used
for at least 200 years to treat all sorts of infections including the common
cold. It is most effective when taken in small, frequent doses.
Pleurisy Root
and Yarrow help support the immune system and the lungs.
Garlic and
Cayenne which have been used for centuries to fight infection naturally
and to detoxify the body.
Pau d' Arco
herbal extract is especially good for natural support of the immune
system.
Other Helpful Nutrients
Propolis
which is nature's own antibiotic. It is obtained from beehives and is a
product that honey bees produce to protect the hive from infectious invaders.
Bee Pollen
has the reputation of supporting the immune system.
Cat's Claw (Una de Gato) is rapidly gaining attention and
popularity as the wonder herb of the 90's, and is one of the most important
plants in the Peruvian Rainforest. Research conducted around the world
shows that phytochemicals in the inner bark provide natural
immune-supporting,
anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-mutagenic and antioxidant properties.
Doctors around the
world are recommending quality Cat's Claw supplements for the
nutritional support
of many body processes in the fight against many known heath problems.
Aloe Vera Juice - The internal use of Aloe Vera is well documented.
Major universities and research groups have published volumes of reports
regarding internal applications. The findings of the continuing research
are truly impressive. As a Dietary Supplement, many individuals will find
Aloe Vera to be of interest in maintaining normal healthy stomach lining,
digestion, cell growth, and as a general overall tonic. Studies
in animals suggest possible beneficial effects on maintenance of normal
healthy function of the kidneys, heart muscle, clot formation, general
cell growth and support of normal healthy cell proliferation, blood sugar
levels, the immune system and even longevity.
How Can You Prevent
Colds?
Why is it that some
of us may catch several colds a year and others never seem to be plagued
by this common ailment? In Chinese medicine they say that your "wei qi"
or "defensive energy" is not strong enough to protect you from the various
viruses to which you are exposed daily. So, it stands to reason that one
would be much better off strengthening the immune system and preventing
a cold, rather than battling it once it arrives. What are some of the steps
we can take to prevent colds?
Good Diet
- Eat nutritious foods and eat in moderation.
Exercise
- There are numerous studies demonstrating the benefit of aerobic exercise
and its part in the treatment and prevention of obesity, depression, diabetes
and coronary artery disease. One such study concluded that 15-60 minutes
of running, jogging, walking, bicycling, swimming or other endurance sports
for 3-5 days each week (at 60-90% maximum heart rate) will undoubtedly
enhance health and natural resistance.
Nutrients
- Adding extra Vitamin A or Beta carotene, Zinc, Vitamin C, and the other
nutritionals listed above during the cold/flu season will most certainly
help to protect against infection. It is not wise today with depleted soil,
polluted air, and processed and treated foods to depend on getting all
your nutrients solely from food alone.
Rest
- Crucial for regeneration
Positive outlook
- It does help!
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For information
about using specific natural products as safe and effective cold remedies
which have all the ingredients listed on this page as well as information
about a reliable factory-direct source for obtaining them,
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