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Again we find ourselves at the opposite side of the solar system, 186 million miles from where we were six months ago—and who says we don’t get around. With this change in relative position to the sun we can expect cooler days, longer nights and the onset of yet another cold and flu season. Though vaccinations and bottles of alcohol gel would seem to be our greatest hope for survival, the flu vaccine does not cover for the myriad of other viruses that cause flu-like syndromes and limiting contact only offers so much protection. In actuality, the best defense is a healthy immune system. Healthy people recover quickly when they do get sick and are less apt to get sick in the first place, therefore providing reduced opportunities to pass disease on to others.

So, instead of just filling your cabinet with cold medicines, dousing yourself with disinfectant and lining up for the flu vaccine, consider a complementary strategy.

• Get your vitamin D level checked. Vitamin D is essential for optimal immune function and spending increased time indoors is associated with suboptimal levels of vitamin D. At the very least, take 1000 to 2000 international units of vitamin D daily during the winter months.

• Get outdoors whenever possible, especially if you have access to a rural location with clean air. Open water and pine forests are associated with high concentrations of negative ions, particles found in air that inhibit microbes and enhance wellness.

• Follow good health habits. Plenty of sleep, healthy food and reduced stress go a long way to improve resistance to viral infections. Extra vitamin C and the zinc provide an extra boost.

• Add extra protection. There are actually many natural substances known to enhance immune function and many of them also are known to provide antimicrobial activity against bacteria and viruses. Of the natural cold & flu products available, two products stand out above all others. A patented form of andrographis, an herb native to India, and a special patented form of garlic, are each independently backed by placebo-controlled double-blind studies demonstrating a significant reduction in symptoms related to viral illnesses such as the common cold. They can be taken together and they can be taken in small doses throughout cold & flu season for prophylaxis or larger doses for acute illness. Side effects with these natural supplements are quite rare.

Both of these special supplements are available through The Vital Plan, Andrographis Extract and Allimax. Our patients have been using them clinically for the past several years with very promising results. In the very near future, our own supplement containing these special patented ingredients will join The Vital Plan lineup of quality supplements.

Categories: Disease Prevention, Disease Recovery, Everyday Supplements,