How to Handle the Cold and Flu Season
Fall is here!, and, unfortunately, so is Cold and Flu season:
Year after year people ask, "How can I fight off common bugs and maintain a strong immune system during this time of year?"
The change in seasons is accompanied by a change in our exposure to the common cold and other viruses. On average, an adult with a healthy immune system will succumb to two colds per year and need to ward off countless others. Here's what you can do to prevent a winter full of sniffles and sneezes:
First, the facts:
- The common cold is a virus, not unlike other related viruses, including the flu. Viruses are transmitted from person to person through contact with fluids emitted by coughing, sneezing and coming in contact with the residuals left on door handles, countertops, telephones, etc.
- The immune system is bombarded with these constant attacks and recognizes viruses that it has come into contact with before and previously created antibodies to cope with the attack.
- The immune system is the body's primary defense against illness and disease. The strength of a persons' immune response to viral attackers will determine the length and severity of cold/flu symptoms and related illnesses.
- Viruses are constantly mutating which makes it that much more important to maintain the strength of your immune system.
- A weakened immune system leaves the body vulnerable to virtually every type of illness and disease, and new generations of viruses that cause coughs and colds. Factors that weaken the body's immune system include: poor nutrition, stress, fatigue, and exposure to environmental and industrial elements. All of which increases your susceptibility to infection.
- During the fall and winter months colder temperatures are not the reason for "catching" a cold. It is true that there is a seasonally higher prevalence of these viruses during the fall and winter months. However, the tendency for exposure to these viruses is exaggerated by our spending more time indoors, and thereby in close proximity to one another, and that results in more illness during the colder months of the year. Viruses are more easily transmitted from close contact, which is the reason for an increased number of infections during this time of year.
The Strategy:
Keep your immune system healthy and strong throughout the cold and flu season! There are many factors involved in keeping the immune system healthy and active; the most important include proper nutrition, adequate rest, and exercise. Frequent hand washing will also help reduce the amount of contact you have with these viruses, and remember, it is the scrubbing action not the anti-bacterial soap that yields the necessary effect. In addition, diet supplementation can also have an influential effect in boosting the body's immune system. Vitamin C and Zinc are well known and frequently used to support the immune system's efforts in fighting off viral attacks. Specific botanical nutrition such as the commonly known Echinacea among others, has also demonstrated immuno-supportive effects. So, help your body by getting plenty of rest, eating right and exercising throughout the cold and flu season. Don't hesitate to take advantage of vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements and don't forget…. plenty of hand washing!
The Ally:
Maximum Living's "mu-Boost®" has been specifically formulated to support the body's immune system by providing a mixture of botanicals, along with the minerals selenium and zinc. "mu-Boost" contains a superior blend of immune stimulating nutrients: including Reishi mushroom, Andrographis paniculata, Echinacea purpurea, Goldenseal, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Zinc and Selenium.*
Ingredient Information:
Reishi Mushroom - Reishi mushroom (Ganoderm lucidum) has been proven to stimulate the maturation of macrophages (immune cells), which digest infectious bacteria (example: staphylococci, streptococci, bacillus pneumoniae). It also can be utilized for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce pain. Reishi is also known for its immune system stimulating qualities and may have an antiviral effect by inducing interferon production.
Andrographis paniculata - Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as the "King of Bitters", has been shown to be a potent stimulator of the immune response, modulating its action by means of both the antigen-specific response, via the production of antibodies, and the nonspecific immune response, via the activation of macrophages (immune cells). (J. Natural Products 1993 56(7):995-99.) Scientific studies on Andrographis indicate a broad range of immune-stimulating effects, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antipyretic (fever reducer). Andrographis paniculata also contains compounds that serve to kill pain (analgesic), prevent blood clots (antithrombotic), break up blood clots and aid in blood sugar reduction. One study indicated a significant diminishment in symptoms following treatment with a standardized preparation of Andrographolides. The symptoms included tiredness, shivering, sore throat, and muscular aches; all (symptoms) correlated with a depressed or depleted immune system. (Burgos R.A., and D.D. Caceres. A double-blind study with a new mono drug: Kan-Jang: decrease of symptoms and enhancement of resistance in common colds. Research performed at the University of Chile, Departments of Pharmacology and School of Public Health, Santiago, Chile and funded by the Swedish Herbal Institute. August 1994.)
Echinacea purpurea - These two herb species, both Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea, are commonly used for the enhancement of the immune system. Echinacea contains antiviral and antibacterial properties, which in turn, have been associated with short-term viral resistance against influenza and other common illnesses.
Echinacea has also been shown to increase both the number and activity of the white blood cells (known as T-cells) and the natural killer cells. In addition its use has also demonstrated its ability to reduce the growth of herpes viruses, which cause genital herpes and cold sores (fever blisters). (The Vitamin Revolution, Michael Janson, M.D.)
Goldenseal - Goldenseal is an herb that contains an antibacterial chemical called berberine. Goldenseal a widely used, bitter herb, that soothes infections, lowers inflammation, and cleanses the blood. (Vitamins for Dummies, Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac., Elson Haas, M.D.)
Goldenseal has been described as anti-infective and may aid in soothing mucous membranes of the respiratory tract when this area is either congested or inflamed. As a result this herb may be beneficial in dealing with symptoms associated with sinusitis. (www.wholehealthmd.com)
Alpha Lipoic Acid - Alpha lipoic is an active biological antioxidant and also assists in antioxidant recycling activity and in enhancing biological energy production. Not only does it act as an antioxidant itself, it also directly recycles and extends the metabolic life spans of vitamin C, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10, and it directly renews vitamin E.
Alpha lipoic acid is also important in either cell metabolism or in the production of energy inside the cell. Without alpha-lipoic acid, cells cannot utilize sugar to produce energy and, as a consequence, they can and often do shut down.
Zinc - As an essential trace mineral, zinc plays an important role in immune health. Zinc is important for many biological functions, including immune and antioxidant function, growth, and reproduction. Zinc supplementation has been shown to enhance immune system activity as well as to sustain protection against a range of infections including colds and upper respiratory infections (such as bronchitis). Consequently, a Zinc deficiency has been correlated with susceptibility to infection.
Selenium - Selenium is an important component of proteins designated as selenoproteins. These proteins are classified as enzymes, are essential in the regulation of immune function, and also serve to protect against oxidative damage. Selenium also plays an important role in detoxification of both peroxides and free radicals.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.