No matter what, that timeĀ of year rolls around time and again. When the temperatures drop and autumn, and then winter, roll on in, families may be preoccupied with heading back to school, decorating for Halloween, picking pumpkins, sipping gingerbread lattes, planning parties and baking cookies — anything and everything that has to do with the holiday season. But unfortunately, the latter half of the year isn't all about one fun holiday after the next. It's also the time when colds, flu, and all other manner of annoying and debilitating bugs can strike at a moment's notice. One minute, Mom's feeling awesome and handling the daily routine like a complete Superwoman. The next, she's laid up in bed sniffling and coughing up a storm.
The chances are pretty high that, at some point during the fall or winter, a common cold or flu virus will affect even the most health-conscious person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the common cold is the main reason children miss school and adults miss work. And every year in the US, there are millions of cases of the common cold. Adults end up having two to three colds per year, and of course, kids come down with even more.
Here's the thing: Although it may be tempting to just wave the white flag and admit that fighting off cold and flu viruses is inevitable year after year, there areĀ smart, effective precautionary measures one can take to boost immunity and ward off illness. Considering the wealth of immune-supportive supplements, foods, and other products on the market can definitely be overwhelming, but here are 20 natural options that actually have been studied and showed real, scientific promise.
Cayenne Pepper
Next time you feel a bug coming on, you might wanna add some spice with that chicken soup — cayenne pepper specifically. It's considered a powerful immune system enhancer for numerous reasons, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, plus it contains immune system-supporting nutrients such as beta carotene and vitamin C.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies and increases levels of interferon, the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses. According to Ask Dr. Sears, all you need is 200 mg a day — the equivalent of six servings of fruits and vegetables a day — to ward off colds.
Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract has been used all over the globe for centuries as a health tonic and all-purpose antioxidant with anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties that can help promote general health and stave off colds, flu, infection, etc.
Echinacea
Studies suggest echinacea's phenolic compounds stimulate cells in the body whose primary function is to fight invading particles and organisms. White blood cells and spleen cells increase in number when echinacea is taken. Core body temperature rises. Components of the root, leaves and flowers all contain the immune-stimulating compounds, too, according to Active.com. No wonder it's often prescribed by docs in Germany to battle colds and flu — and has become so popular here, too.
Garlic
Garlic's shockingly powerful cold and flu-fighting properties stem from its sulfur-containing compounds such as allicin and sulfides, which stimulate the multiplication of infection-fighting white cells, boosts natural killer cell activity, and increases the efficiency of antibody production. Garlic also works as an antioxidant to knock out free radicals in the blood.
Elderberry
Elderberry has been used to produce jams, syrups, and wine for years, but it only recently started taking off as the active ingredient in immunity-boosting products such asĀ SambucolĀ®. In vitro studies show that elderberries possess antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help quash colds and flu.
Honey
Honey may not necessarily work as a catch-all immunity-booster, but it sure is soothing and it has been research-proven to be more effective than dextromethorphan— the active ingredient in most cough medicines — by researchers at Penn State University. But one big disclaimer: Donāt give honey to a baby younger than 1 year old. Honey may contain spores of a bacteria that causes botulism, which an infantās immature immune system canāt handle.
Eleuthero Root Extract (Siberian Ginseng)
Research shows the adaptogen eleuthero root, also referred to as Siberian Ginseng, exhibits antioxidant properties and may help treat the common cold by stimulating the immune system. It's found in a lot of immunity-boosting supplements, such asĀ Source Naturals Wellness Formula.
Green Goddess Immune-Boosting Soup
This recipe from The View from Great Island incorporates several popular immune-boosting and cold/flu-fighting ingredients: spinach and other dark leafy greens that are high in vitamin C and antioxidants to fight infections, anti-viral garlic, and anti-inflammatory ginger, cayenne, and turmeric.
Zinc
Although some may say the jury is out on zinc as a cold fix, others believe it comes down to timing. AnĀ analysis of clinical trials found that oral zinc helps to reduce the lengthĀ of colds when taken within 24 hours after symptoms start.
Probiotics
Gut health is very much linked to the immune system, so it's no surprise that healthy gut bacteria calledĀ probioticsĀ — found in foods such as yogurt, fermented foods, and supplements —Ā have been studied for their ability to boost immunity and fight cold and flu viruses. Research shows some strains of probiotic bacteria may improve adult immune response and reduce inflammation, potentially helping to ward off sickness.
DIY Nasal Rinse
If you're suffering from sinus symptoms, irrigating your nasal passages with a salt water rinse can address congestion while flushing out bacteria and virus particles from the nose.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is celebrated for its high concentration of vitamin C, fiber, and acids that some believe may boost immunity. Others say it simply thins out mucus. Either way, it wouldn't hurt to add it to a gargle solution (with warm water) or drink with warm water and honey.
Vitamin D
Most people are deficient in vitamin D, and researchers at Queen Mary University of London assert in an analysis that the vitamin can help reduce the risk of respiratory infections, including colds and flu.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be useful in baking, cooking, even as a beauty product, but it also packs an antiviral punch, thanks to its medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), and their derivatives (e.g., monoglycerides). That said, adding it to one's regimen could keep colds and flu at bay.
Licorice
Research published in the journalĀ Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative MedicineĀ notes that powdered licorice can work like an expectorant to treat a cough, andĀ the roots of the plant have been used for throat and upper respiratory tract-related infections. What's more, animal studies have revealed its antiviral efficacy.
Green Tea
A cup of green tea packs a ton of immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory polyphenolic compounds and anti-viral catechins.
Ginseng
In Eastern Europe, ginseng isĀ widely used to boost immunity and ward off illness, especially the common cold. Some research has shown that it could offer some immunity to flu viruses as well.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a yellow-colored warm, inflammation-fighting spice often used in Indian cooking. Research published in BioMed Research InternationalĀ notes that a compound found in turmeric called curcumin offers an antiviral effect.
Pomegranate
Research published in the journal PhytomedicineĀ noted that pomegranate has been shown to fight off flu by inhibiting growth of the virus.