IN ANY YEAR , 70 per cent of people suffer from colds, 9 per cent with flu, 57 per cent with coughs and sore throats and 46 per cent with stuffy noses – quite a catalogue of discomfort.
Research indicates that certain vitamins may increase your resistance to and reduce the duration of the common cold.
A strong immune system is the best defence against “catching” a cold in the first place. Eating a well-balanced diet should provide all the vitamins and minerals
important to the immune system, but to ensure intake, a multi- vitamin and mineral formula is a simple way to help meet the nutritional needs of those who do not manage to consume a healthy diet.
Recent studies have confirmed the use of multinutrient formulas as a support for the immune system.
Two particularly important nutrients are Vitamin C and the mineral Zinc which have been shown to play important roles in relieving the symptoms of the common cold. These nutrients are vital for optimal immune function and both possess anti-viral activity. Taking additional Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration of the common cold by nearly one full day. Sucking zinc lozenges can soothe sore throats and relieve other cold symptoms, such as coughing and nasal congestion.
The greatest benefits can be seen when these are taken at the earliest signs of a cold.
In addition to a healthy diet, plenty of sleep and rest are vital to fend off a cold. Sugary and refined foods all compromise the immune system and should therefore be avoided. Drinking plenty of fluid will also help to moisten the respiratory system and airways, which is important when you have an infection.
It has been suggested however, that drinking milk may encourage the formation of mucus in some individuals, so you may wish to avoid milk while you have a cold.
