"BEAT IT FLU! Try These At Home Supplements to Battle a Cold & Flu" By Karim Ramos (BLOG)

The Daily Grind Video

First off, just know there is no cure for the common cold, BUT what if you can help prevent it? Every year shoppers stock up on supplements and herbal remedies that claim to stop the cold virus in its tracks, but don’t you want to know what works and what doesn’t?

Flu season is in full swing, but the over the counter medicines are not your only option for getting better.

I’m going to identify the most common cold supplements and home remedies and how they measure up.

*Make sure you check with your physician before starting any type of over-the-counter supplement or home remedy.

Zinc

Recommended Dosage for treating the common cold: 4.5 to 24 milligrams of zinc (gluconate or acetate) as a lozenge taken by mouth every 1-2 hours during waking hours while cold symptoms are present.

Several studies have shown that zinc lozenges and syrups can reduce the duration of the common cold. Because the lozenge or syrup “sticks” to the mouth, the zinc can come into direct contact with the rhinovirus or common cold.

Vitamin C

Recommended Dosage for treating the common cold: females 1-3 grams daily³

Overall, studies done on vitamin C at doses of at least 200 mg/day did not reduce the incidence of the common cold in the general population. But, people exposed to extreme physical exercise or those deficient in vitamin C, such as the elderly and chronic smokers, could benefit from such intakes.

Nasal Irrigation

Nasal irrigation involves rinsing out nasal passages with salt water (saline) through a bulb syringe. Rinsing flushes out thickened mucus and irritants, such as dust and allergens, from the nose. While most people wait until they feel cold-like symptoms to start using this process, many do it on a daily basis to help keep nasal passages clean and clear. Saline nasal solutions and rinse kits (Neti-Pots) are sold over the counter. When using a sinus rinse kit, always follow label instructions carefully.

The best way to prevent catching the common cold is to get plenty of sleep and rest, steer clear of others who are sick, and wash your hands frequently for at least 15 seconds with warm, soapy water.

Editor’s Note:

Karim has been on a serious winning streak as some of his biggest dreams come to fruition. He has been featured on a number of CBS morning shows interviews and in numerous print ads for his national ad campaign with one of the world’s largest protein company’s, Isopure.