A healthy immune system is your best line of defence against colds and flu. Since it may take a few weeks to get your immune response in tip-top shape, the earlier you begin, the better your chances of nipping a cold or flu episode in the bud. Here are some pointers on how to prepare your body for the upcoming cold and flu season.
The more we learn about the immune system, the more we understand how very important it is to our overall health. The immune system protects us from bacteria, viruses, and other micro- organisms that could make us sick. These micro-organisms can invade the body through an external point of entry such as a cut or graze, or internally, such as when we ingest bacteria-laden food. As soon as the dangerous pathogen enters the body, cells of the immune system rapidly destroy it. They do this by either engulfing the micro-organism, or by secreting substances that kill it.
The immune system also ensures that cells that are not functioning properly - such as those undergoing cancerous changes - are quickly destroyed and removed from the body.
Stress and the Immune System
When we are fit, eating healthily and getting enough rest, the immune system works at the peak of efficiency. Unfortunately, many factors in our daily lives, such as lack of sleep, poor nutrition and ongoing stress weaken our defenses. In the side bar entitled Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System, we have outlined ways in which you can enhance your immune response and help protect yourself against the viruses that cause cold weather ills.
Fighting Colds and Flu
The white blood cells are probably the most important part of your immune system. There are many kinds of white blood cell including natural killer cells (NKs) and macrophages, which play an important role in fighting the viruses that cause colds and flu.
When an invading virus meets a white blood cell, the cell secretes substances known as antibodies. Each antibody is created to “match” the specific antigen (virus, bacterium or toxin) that poses the immediate danger. The antibody quickly disables the antigen, rendering it harmless.
Recently, researchers have discovered that naturally occurring plant sugars, known as oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, can boost the action of the immune system’s macrophages and NKs, and also increase the production of antibodies.
Effective Cold and Flu Relief
Cold-fX®, a new product containing oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, is now available from London Drugs.
Cold-fX® has completed several successful trials and clinical studies. One trial, involving several nursing homes in the United States, showed that use of the product reduces the risk of contracting a cold or flu by 89 percent¹.
Due to its efficacy, Cold-fX® is being used by hockey players and other athletes throughout North America. Now, you too can benefit from its immune- enhancing effects.
Cold-fX® is non-drowsy and each capsule is standardized to provide consistency of dosage. Cold-fX® may be used by adults and children 12 years of age or older.
Please note that, although there are no known contra-indications regarding use of this product, you should check with your doctor if you have an existing medical condition.
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Get enough sleep. Sleep is crucial to the health of the immune system. Aim for 7 to 9 hours a night.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that will help you fight cold and flu viruses.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Manage stress effectively. Mismanaged stress is a known immune suppressant. Learn to balance stressful activities with those that please you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Exercise! Not only does exercise help you grow strong and healthy, it also causes the brain to produce “feel good” chemicals called endorphins. These help reduce stress.
Pay attention to your spiritual needs. Praying, meditation, or just appreciating the beauty of nature, all help release tension and improve immune response.
1. McElhaney, Janet. E., MD, FACP, CMD, Gravenstein, Stefan, MD, MPH, FACP, Cole, Sharon K., BSN, CCRC, Davidson, Edward, PharmD, MPH, FASCP, O’Neill, Dennis MD, CMD, Petitjean, Sharon, MD, Rumble, Barry, RPH, FASCP, Shan, Jacqueline, PhD. A Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Proprietary Extract of North American Ginseng (CVT-E002) to Prevent Acute Respiratory Illness in Institutionalized Older Adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, January 2004.