Getting Rid of That Pesky Cold!

by: AndreaDow
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Word Count: 465

Thursday, March 16th

Well, I think just about everyone in the country has had enough of winter. I don't know about you, but we have had bitter cold temps, blizzard warnings and lots of snow. No one can complain more than the folks in Buffalo, New York that had to get on the roof to shovel off several feet of snow.

With the snow and cold undoubtedly come the dreaded late winter colds. I love hearing my clients talk about their tricks for cutting down cold time....echinacea, garlic, Airbonre, zinc, chicken noodle soup and Zicam. Besides rest, what does really work? Thanks to Nutrition Action Healthletter, we have some answers and go straight to the bottom line of several OTC remedies.

Cold-fx: is a standardized extract from the root of the American Ginseng plant. Ginseng is thought to have a positive effect on our immune systems. Although more research needs to be done, Cold fx was the only remedy that Nutrition Action Healthletter found any evidence that it may improve your chances of getting through winter without a cold.

Airborne: is a mxture of 17 vitamins, minerals, herbs and megadoses of vitamins A & C. Unfortunately, there is not very good evidence that Airbone can protect you from getting a cold. Consumers have made this product so popular that all the airports have Airborne available for purchase. I have used it before and thought it has helped, but this could easily have been the result of the placebo effect. Women be careful as there are 5,000 IU of retinol in each tablet. Too much retinol can lead to liver damage, birth defects and increased risk of hip fracture.

Vitamin C: will not prevent colds, but taking 1,000 mg per day before and while your are sick might make your cold milder and shorter by half a day. Yes, half a day does make a difference!

Multibionta: is a blend of beneficial bacteria along with a multivitamin. Taking it regularly will not prevent colds, but one study found that users had shorter colds and fewer cold symptoms.

Echinacea: the leaves and flowers of the purpurea strain of this herb might be effective at treating colds. Taking echinacea regularly will not keep you from getting a cold but start taking it at the first sign of sneezing and you may relieve cold symptoms and dry your runny nose.

Orange Juice: OJ is a healthy beverage when consumed in moderation (110 calories per 8 oz). Unfortunately, drinking the juice will not prevent you from catching a cold.

Cold-Eeze: this zinc tablet claims to cut cold time nearly in half. Two major studies have been done- one shortened cold time from 7 to 4 days while the other study showed no effect of Cold-Eeze on lenght of colds or symptoms.

For more information on supplements and herbs:
www.mayoclinic.com
www.consumerreports.org/mg
www.herbalgram.org

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