My Anti-Cold Strategy
My personal health history includes a LOT of colds. I have been able to dramatically decrease the number and intensity of colds over the last 30 years. It has taken much experimentation with some temporary success but my current strategy has proven itself over time.
I will give you the high points before the explanation. Because of my own physiology, I need supplementation of vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, NAC and the surprise, melatonin.
Now for a bit of background, about 50% of colds come from the rhinovirus. Over 200 viruses have been linked to colds but the rhinovirus is number 1. Coronavirus is the other major category of cold-causing viruses.
I have mentioned in other blogs that I worked for a time at the Institute for Medical Research in San Jose, CA. We were fortunate to have different researchers come and give talks where I learned a lot since I was just out of my undergrad studies. A couple of talks pointed to the importance of Vitamin C. One was Irwin Stone who authored several books on the topic. Also speaking were Drs Kalokerinos and Dettman about their research into sudden infant death and vaccinations and vitamin C.
Armed with that information (mid 1970s) I began taking my vitamin C. I didn’t have much money at that point just getting out of college and not having a trust fund but fortunately, vitamin C was and remains relatively inexpensive.
I was disappointed that my high incidence and severity of colds improved a little but not the degree I was expecting. I used to get a bad flu once a year and that calmed way down year by year until it just disappeared. So that is why I quit getting a flu shot.
On a side note, I am not anti-flu shot for everyone, just people like me who can (for the moment anyway) control the rate of incidence with this or some other strategy.
In my chiropractic practice, patients would give me their helpful advice about how they would beat a cold. They would say things like a particular supplement (Garlicin or Wellness Formula). Some would say they would just drink a lot of water at the onset and the symptoms would go away. I tried all of these and more without much more than temporary help, that is, something might work for six months but then the old pattern would come roaring back.
Several decades ago, we learned about glutathione and how important it was for detox. Important is not a strong enough word. Without glutathione, we have little to no detox that your life depends on. We began to use LifeWave Glutathione Patches and those really did make a difference. Most people did not like the concept of a patch they put on their body but preferred a dietary supplement in capsule form. We learned that NAC or N-acetyl cysteine would help with this. I take a minimum of 1000mg/day in divided doses and a lot more if I am taking pain medication (long story for another day).
Next we learned more and more of vitamin D supplementation. We were taught by researchers that lab test results of about 80 was a healthy target. Most people we tested had a result closer to 25. So we added vitamin D to the mix. For some, that means 10,000 IUs per day. I personally take 10,000 4 days a week and 5000 the other three days.
I have been reading about the benefits of healthy zinc levels since about 1975. Study after study shows its role in a healthy immune response with respect to immune cells like T-cells, natural killer cells and macrophages. Even a mild zinc deficiency will impair a healthy immune response to viruses. I take 25mg of zinc along with 2.5 mg of copper as zinc tends to decrease copper activity. So the plus is copper.
Most are aware of the benefits of melatonin and sleep. Less understood by the general public is the immune function. Melatonin acts in at least 4 different key areas to support healthy immune function: circadian regulation, anti-inflammation, immune cell support and viral defense.
We sometimes consult with people who are taking 10mg or more of melatonin and still having trouble sleeping. For immune and sleep function, a little is good and more is worse in most cases. We usually recommend 2-3 mg before bed.
I suggest you use this as a guide to help you find your immune magic. Everyone is a little different and if you are having cold and flu issues, you might find these tips helpful.
DS 2025