The Superfood Survival Guide for Cold & Flu Season
Sep 16th 2016
September 18, 2016
By: Molly W.
Nutritionist B.S., M.S., Superfood lover, Sunfoodie
The Superfood Survival Guide for Cold & Flu Season
Fall is upon us and that means changing weather (yes the weather still changes here in San Diego ;) just less than everywhere else), cool crisp nights, autumn leaves, pumpkin spice everything, and unfortunately germs. Lots of them.
Especially if you’ve got kiddos going to the germ factory every day, bringing home all their classmates coughs, sniffles, and runny noses.
Each year millions of people catch those pesky cold and flu viruses at least once, with many of us experiencing the unpleasantness of these little germs more often.1
I’ve compiled a list of my favorite natural solutions that help combat sniffles, coughs, colds, and the flu!
10 Natural Solutions for Cold & Flu Defense
Raw Honey – Better than cough syrup
This delicious superfood is no ordinary sweetener. Chalked full of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants essential for optimal immune function this tasty treat is a must have in your cold fighting tool kit.
One study found that children who were given a dose of honey before going to bed felt more relief from their cough compared with the over the counter drugs dextromethorphan (DM) and diphenhydramine (DPH).2
Honey also promotes healthy gut bacteria, those little guys that play a pivotal role in helping your immune system function properly.3,4
Camu Camu – Oranges got nothin’ on this Vitamin C
A small tropical berry that is one of the highest sources of vitamin C in the world, with the whole fruit having around 30 times more than an orange!
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant known to aid immune cells in the fight against viruses and bacteria. Several studies showed that consuming 1g of vitamin C per day shortened the duration of colds in both children and adults.5
Mix 1-2 tsp in your favorite juice or smoothie when you’re starting to feel under the weather.
Silver – Old School is New School
An old tried but true go-to of many naturopathic doctors, silver has been used for centuries in aiding the ill.
Our Super Nano Colloidal Silver is the most potent, safest, easiest to absorb from of silver in the market. You can add it to any drink, soup, or smoothie you want without diluting its potency.
One recent study suggests that silver might have an inhibitory effect on a variety of viruses.6
Try Super Nano Colloidal Silver
Chia Seeds/ Sacha Inchi Oil – Omegas put inflammation in its place
When we get anything from the sniffles to a full on lung infection our body becomes inflamed.
While the inflammation process is healthy and normal, all too often when we get sick our bodies go a little overboard.
One of natures best defense mechanisms against unwanted inflammation? Omega-3 fatty acids!
Both Chia seeds and sacha inchi oil are wonderful sources of this mighty fat, which when taken regularly helps to promote a healthy inflammation response by the body helping fight back against colds and the flu.7
Mangosteen – Xanthone fights for you
Native to the South Pacific, this tropical fruit is the most potent source of xanthone, a powerful phytochemical that has been shown to enhance the activity of immune cells in the human body.8
While the mangosteen fruit is delicious and sweet, the nutrient dense rind produces a tart, tangy flavor.
Adding a teaspoon to your favorite tropical smoothie or atop a creamy non-dairy yogurt can help jump start your immune system!
Sun Is Shining Supergreens – Major greens reporting for duty
A dynamic whole food formula made up of 19 raw, organic, wild-crafted green superfoods including algae, sea vegetables, and potent herbs.
The dark leafy greens in this formula actually have been found to allow one of the bodies major immune cells, called intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IELs), to function properly.9
Another bonus, it contains a natural probiotic and enzyme complex that can be beneficial for individuals dealing with digestive issues as a result of the flu.
Oceans Alive 2.0 Marine Phytoplankton – Strength from the sea
The main hero in this bottle is actually a molecule that has lived on this planet for almost 3 billion years—phytoplankton.
SuperOxide Dismutase (SOD) is the reason this microalgae packs a powerful immune boosting punch. SOD is an antioxidant enzyme that is part of the body’s first line of defense against illness.10
Remember a little goes a long way. Just add one to two drops in your favorite beverage and reap the benefits of this wonderful alga.
Try Oceans Alive 2.0 Marine Phytoplankton
Spirulina Crunchies – Enhance immunity with algae
An ancient superfood coveted by the Aztecs, spirulina is a microscopic freshwater vegetable that gets its name from its tiny spiral shape.
This green plant is loaded with compounds called carotenoids that enhance immune function.11, 12
Bee Pollen – Little nuggets of nutrients
We have our cute and friendly bees to thank for this one!
Bee pollen is an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin A and the mineral zinc both of which strengthen the immune response.13
These fluffy granules are best served sprinkled on oatmeal or smoothie bowls.
Sunfood's "Natural Solutions" does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.
References:
1) Seasonal Influenza, More Information. Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm#people. Updated August 3, 2016.
2) Shadkam M, Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Mozayan M. A Comparison of the Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan, and Diphenhydramine on Nightly Cough and Sleep Quality in Children and Their Parents. J Altern Complement Med. 2010;16(7):787-793.
3) Purchiaroni F, Totora A, Gabrielli M, et al. The role of intestinal microbiota and the immune system. EurRev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2013;17(3):323-333.
4) Kajiwara S, Gandhi H, Ustunol Z. Effect of honey on the growth of and acid production by human intestinal Bifidobacterium ssp.: an in vitro comparison with commercial oligosaccharides and inulin. J Food Prot. 2002:65(1):214-218.
5) Hemila H. Vitamin C and common cold-induced asthma: a systematic review and statistical analysis. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2013;9(46).
6) Lara H, Garza-Trevino E, Ixtepan-Turrent L, Singh D. Silver nanoparticles are broad-spectrum bactericidal and virucidal compounds. J Nanobiotechnology. 2011;9(30).
7) Calder P. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: nutrition or pharmacology? Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013;75(3):645-662.
8) Tang YP, Li PG, Kondo M, Ji HP, Kou Y, OuB. Effect of a mangosteen dietary supplement on human immune function: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trail. J Med Food. 2009;12(4):75-763.
9) Li Y, Innocentin S, Withers D, et al. Exogenous Stimuli Maintain Intraepithelial Lymphocytes via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation. Cell. 2011.
10) Pham-Huy L, He H, Pham-Huy C. Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health. Int J Biomed Sci. 2008;4(2):89-96.
11) Selmi C, Leung PS, Fischer L, et al. The effects of Spirulina on anemia and immune function in senior citizens. Cell Mol Immunol. 2011;8(3):248-254.
12) Hughes DA. Effects of carotenoids on human immune function. Proc Nutr Soc. 1999;58(3):713-718.
13) Komosinska-Vassev K, Olczyk P, Kazmierczak J, Mencner L, Olczyk K. Bee Pollen: Chemical Composition and Therapeutic Application. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015.