It’s the time of year for cozy fires, playing in the snow, and contemplating the upcoming year. It’s also a time for catching colds.
Have you caught a cold yet this year? The American Lung Association states that adults get an average of two to four colds per year. Children get an average of six to eight colds per year.
Let’s consider a few complementary approaches for avoiding or reducing the symptoms of a cold.
Zinc
Zinc is a nutrient that people need to stay healthy. Zinc is found in cells throughout the body. It helps your immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses. (NIH, 2022) 
Honey
Taking a small amount of honey by mouth at bedtime appears to reduce coughing spells in children aged 2 years and older. Honey appears to be at least as effective as the cough medicine dextromethorphan. However, it is not clear if honey reduces cough in adults. (Medline, 2023)
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant. Large doses of vitamin C may help reduce how long a cold lasts but does not protect against getting a cold. Vitamin C may also be helpful for those exposed to brief periods of severe or extreme physical activity. (Medline, 2022)
I have been taking this for years and I have not had a cold or flu in 10 years, at least. My husband has had the same experience. It is a whole-vitamin (not a synthetic) so you can take it on an empty stomach without tummy upset. We highly recommend this Vitamin C.
D.S., Customer Review
Probiotics
Taking probiotics regularly can lower your chances of getting a cold. And, if you do catch a cold, probiotics may help reduce the severity of your symptoms and shorten how long they last. (Mayo Clinic, 2013)
Stay healthy this season by keeping some zinc, honey, vitamin C, and probiotics in your cabinet. Find these products and others traditionally used during cold and flu season here.
Questions? Consider contacting one of our Nutritional Consultants for more information regarding this topic or another health concern.
Now go and make the most of this fun and contemplative time of year!
Resources:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/738.html
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002145.htm
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/probiotics-may-be-effective-in-preventing-the-common-cold/#:~:text=But%20taking%20probiotics%20regularly%20can,not%20help%20prevent%20a%20cold.