Nutritional & Therapeutic Considerations for the Common Cold

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The common cold can be caused by a variety of viruses that can infect the upper respiratory tract such as the nasal passage, sinuses and the throat. We are constantly exposed to dozens of viruses daily, but most people only catch a cold once or twice a year. The main reason we catch a cold is that our immune system becomes incapable of fighting off these viruses.

Most people who catch colds will experience a soar throat, a runny nose, fevers and headaches. Sometimes it may be difficult to distiguisg the difference between a cold and the flu. However, the flu usually starts off with cold like symptoms but then becomes more severe with higher fevers, an aching body and headaches that almost feel like migraines.

Keeping the immune system healthy is the primary way to protect yourself from colds, viruses and other infections. Here are a few ideas you can try if you should happen to catch more colds than the typical one or two per year.

If you happen to catch a cold, you can speed up the recovery time. However, once a cold has set in, there is no magic cure that will make you well in two days. Here are a few tips that can however, reduce the duration of the cold.

Get plenty of rest

Drink plenty of water 10 - 12 glasses (8oz) per day

Drink plenty of vitamin rich naturally made juices (see our juicing blog)

Take Vitamin C 500 - 1000 mg every two hours. However, try to consume the vitamin drinking homemade juiced vitamin c rich vegetables

Take zinc lozenges

Take echinaccea up to three times per day

Avoid sugar

These are simple and easy to do tips if you catch a simple or common cold. But again, the best way to avoid a cold is by making sure your immune system stays healthy.

The Everything Juicing Book: All you need to create delicious juices for your optimum health (Everything Series)

Complete Book of Juicing: Your Delicious Guide to Youthful VitalityComplete Book of Juicing: Your Delicious Guide to Youthful Vitality

The Juicing Book: A Complete Guide to the Juicing of Fruits and Vegetables for Maximum Health (Avery Health Guides)The Juicing Book: A Complete Guide to the Juicing of Fruits and Vegetables for Maximum Health (Avery Health Guides)

The Juicing Bible


Be sure to read our blogs on the immune system for more tips. As always, your comments and questions are welcomed and appreciated. To leave a comment or ask a questions, simply scroll to the bottom of this page. And, as always, we have added some resource links and videos for your enjoyment. Feel free to click on any of the links or banners provided to find products, tools and other resources.

Vitamin C Rich Foods (Video)




Zinc 101 - Why is Zinc Important

Naturally Supporting & Stregnthening the Immune System

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The immune system protects the body against infection and against the development of cancer. Those who get colds and infections often are signs of a weakened immune system. There are ways to support the immune system naturally.

A person's emotional state has a huge impact on the immune system. Reducing stress and developing a positive mental attitude can greatly improve one's immune system. Other factors that can negatively impact the immune system are the abuse of drugs and alcohol, cigarette smoking, unhealthy diets and obesity. However, nutrient deficiency is the most common cause of a suppressed immune system. Our bodies require a certain amount of vitamins and minerals to function properly. If the immune system is not working well, this will cause a great deal of other unhealthy problems.

A naturally enhanced diet supports and stregnthens the immune system and keeps us from being obese. Those who are obese suffer from more infections than those of normal weight. The white blood cells in overweight people were less able to destroy bacteria. This increases the levels of cholesterol and other fatty substances.

The best way to support the immune system and to stregnthen it is by eating a well balanced diet wich in vitamins and minerals. Some of the best vitamins for the immune system are shown below.

The Antibiotic Alternative: The Natural Guide to Fighting Infection and Maintaining a Healthy Immune System

Complete Book of Juicing: Your Delicious Guide to Youthful Vitality

The Juicing Book: A Complete Guide to the Juicing of Fruits and Vegetables for Maximum Health (Avery Health Guides)

The Juicing Bible




Vitamin A - Vitamin A plays a vital role in supporting the immune system. It maintains the surface of the skin, the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract and other tissues. These are surface systems that act as a barrier to microorganisms. Some of the best Vitamin A rich foods are naturally specific vegetables and fruits:

Carrots
Kale
Sweet Potatoes
Spinach
Watercress
Mangoes
Apricots

However, the herb rich in Vitamin A might come as a shock:

Paprika

Other Vitamin A rich foods include:

Liver
Eggs
Hard Cheese
Cod Liver Oil

Vitamins and Minerals Handbook (Natural Care Handbook)

Natural Prescriptions, Natural Treatments and Vitamin Therapies for more than 100 common ailments


Vitamin C is probably the most well known when it comes to stregnthening the immune system. Many people go overboard on the Vitamin C when they catch a cold or infection. However, getting your proper daily dose of vitamin C will keep the immune system strong and healthy. Vitamin C can enhance the white blood cell response and function. Vitamin C can help fight viral infections and cancer.

Here are some Vitamin C rich foods:

Oranges
Lemon
Rosehip Extract
Guava
Strawberry
Kiwi
Clementine
Grapefruit
Raspberry
Nectarines
Mangoes
Peppers
Broccoli
Peas
Kale
Cauliflower
Tomatoes
Cabbage

Vitamin E is a great immune system enhancing vitamin. Vitamin E has shown tremendous immune system enhancement in the elderly. Vitamin E enhances the cells and the antibodies. In addition, the skin benefits from Vitamin E in a major way. One of the best tips ever given to me was from an old woman who told me to use pure Vitamin E oil on my skin. Many people use all sorts of skin care products and various manufactured products to help fight aging, reduce acne and fight other skin problems. However, pure Vitamin E oil applied directly to your skin works better than anything on the market. Its natural and healthy. Using Vitamin E oil on the skin and ingesting it by eating foods rich in Vitamin E gives you that extra added benefit.

Foods Rich in Vitamin E (suprisingly, they are mostly nuts):

Pine Nuts
Brazil Nuts
Walnuts
Avocado
Sweet Potatoes
Almonds
Squash
Turnip Greens
Tomatoes
Wheat Germ

Well, this concludes the first part of Naturally Supporting & Stregnthening the Immune System. We will return tomorrow with the other vitamins that work well with the immune system. Be sure to leave comments or ask your questions below. We will gladly reply. Please be sure to review our other blogs as they contain great information related to the immune system and natural, healthy nutrition.

As always, we try to leave you with plenty of resources to get you on your way to complete physical, mental & social wellness. Be sure to check out some of the book resources we have provided for you. And, we are happy to announce that we have added extra resources specifically related to women's health and natural nutritional healing. Don't forget to watch our videos at the bottom of this blog, which contains lots of natural nutritious tips and instructions. Make a resolution for the new year to get control of your life and your health.


Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind, and Spirit

Heal Thyself: For Health and Longevity

The City of Wellness: Restoring Your Health Through the Seven Kitchens of Consciousness

Overcoming an Angry Vagina: Journey to Womb Wellness



Instructional Videos & Tips

Home Made Green Juice - Immune System Booster



Healthy Food choices for Vitamin C



Healthy Food Choices for Vitamin E