Common Cold:

rhinoviruses being the most common agents. Signs and symptoms are nasal discomfort, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, malaise, headache, and cough. Fever is unusual. Common cold generally lasts for 4 – 9 days and it is self-limited.

Possible contributing factors for developing common cold:

1. Compromised immune system.
2. Stress.
3. Sleep deprivation.
4. Fatigue.
5. Nutritional deficiencies.
6. Toxic overload.

Nutritional Supports:

Restricted Foods:

1. Processed foods.
2. Fried foods.
3. Sugars and sweets, as they weaken the immune system.
4. Foods that increase production of mucus: sugars, chocolate, dairy products, caffeine, bananas, eggs, wheat products, pastries, and beer.
5. Red meats.
6. Allergenic foods.
7. Cold or iced drinks.
8. Frozen foods.

Recommended Foods:

1. Water: 2 liters or more a day, as dehydration may exacerbate symptoms.
2. Chicken soup or broth. It contains a high level of amino acid cysteine, which thins out mucus.
3. Hot barley soup.
4. Fish.
5. Legumes.
6. Flaxseeds.
7. Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially onions, garlic, ginger, horseradish, and mustard.
8. Cayenne pepper, as it contains capsaicin that it may relieve airways irritation and congestion.
9. Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C: lime, lemon, grapefruit, orange, tangerine, tomato, and potatoes.
10. Foods high in flavonoids: berries.
11. Fruits and vegetables high in volatile oils: guava, grapefruit, lime, lemon, orange, tangerine, basil, celery, coriander, parsley, peppermint and spearmint. Volatile oils have antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities.
12. Green tea.
13. Camomile tea.

Recommended Supplements:

1. Vitamin C: 3 – 4 grams a day.
2. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 200 – 300 mg a day. It is a powerful antioxidant that boosts immune system.
3. Zinc: 50 – 100 mg a day, or zinc lozenge (providing 15 – 25 mg of elemental zinc) as instructed. This mineral supports immune system.
4. Grape Seed Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day.
5. Andrographis Extract: 500 – 2000 mg a day. This herb has anti-viral and immune boosting properties.
6. Colostrum: 1000 – 200 mg a day. It has an immune-enhancing activity.
7. Echinacea: as a capsule or pill, 300 – 900 mg a day, or as a tincture, 3 – 9 ml a day.
8. Licorice: 1000 – 2000 mg a day, or 1 ml of the tincture 3 – 4 times a day. Licorice alleviates irritation of the respiratory tract.
9. Astragalus: 1000 – 2000 mg a day, or 3 ml of tincture 2 – 3 times a day. Astragalus supports immune system against infections.
10. Oregano Oil (containing over 50% carvacrol): as a capsule, 500 mg – 1000 mg a day or as a liquid, 0.5 ml twice daily.
11. Propolis: 500 – 1000 mg a day.
12. Multivitamins – Multiminerals: A high potency product.

Miscellaneous Suggestions:

1. Aromatherapy with eucalyptus or lavender.
2. Hydrotherapy with hot baths and showers.