As Summer winds down and Fall begins, it’s time to start thinking about what you can do to boost your immune system for the upcoming cold-and-flu season. Looking through the Immune section at your local supplement store, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices you’re presented with. The purpose of this article is to narrow things down for you, so you can more easily find what you need to feel better.
There are a few questions you need to ask yourself before trying to decide on a good remedy. Are you looking for something for prevention so you don’t get sick in the first place, or are you already fighting something off? If you are already feeling sick, are the symptoms acute or chronic? And how long have you had the symptoms?
There are quite a few great products that are designed for acute symptoms. Anything containing elderberry, andrographis or echinacea would be good to try. Quick Defense from Gaia Herbs is a great formula that contains all three. Yin Chiao is a formula used in traditional Chinese medicine that is great for onset. Phytocillin from Herbs Etc is great as well, especially for lingering conditions that don’t seem to resolve on their
own. Respiratonic is another great formula from the same company that is specific for acute lung conditions. Oscillococcinum is a well-known homeopathic remedy that is great for onset too. All of these products work best when taken immediately upon feeling symptoms. The earlier you catch it, the better off you’ll be. For chronic respiratory conditions, Herbs etc’s Lung Tonic would be a good choice, as would Clear Lungs by Ridgecrest Herbals.
Of course, none of these remedies should replace a trip to the doctor if you are dealing with a serious infection. But for milder symptoms, there are some great options available.
Finally, there are many products that can be taken for prevention. Many of them are designed for people to start using at the beginning of Fall. That way the immune system will be strong enough to fight off all the things it will be exposed to in the coming months. Some of our most popular products in this field would be Super Immuno-Tone from Integrative Therapeutics, Whole Body Defense from Gaia Herbs and Immuno-Shield from Irwin Naturals. There are also many mushroom-based products that are great for strengthening the immune system. Host Defense is a line from mushroom expert Paul Stamets. He has two formulas for general immune support: Stamets 7 and Mycommunity.
Even with all these great products, we have hardly scratched the surface. But hopefully it will be easier for you to narrow things down. Of course if you have any questions about these items or any other supplements, we here at Willner Chemists in Atlanta will be happy to answer them for you. Just stop by or call us at 404-266-9115.
