Fighting Colds - What Cold Remedies Work?

While recently reading the February 2008 Issue of Shape Magazine, I found myself drawn to the article discussing cold remedies. You see, I've been battling a severe cold for over 2 weeks now, that began with strep throat and has since evolved into one whopper of an illness!

So here's the skinny on the following 4 common cold remedies:

1. Echinacea - This herb has been studied extensively but up until now, echinacea has gotten mixed reviews. However, a recent review of several studies with over 1,300 subjects in Lancet Infectious Diseases, has finally put the debate to rest. It appears that echinacea can in fact reduce your risk of catching a cold by 58%! I'll be sure to take it next winter before the first sign of a cold hits!
   
2. Ginseng - In a recent study, Canadian researchers have shown that North American ginseng (2 x 200 mg capsules daily) reduced the incidence of colds by 27%, when compared to a placebo. Hooray for ginseng!
   
3. Vitamin C - A recent review in the Cochrane Library found that vitamin C decreased cold risk for people who put their bodies under stress (e.g., long-distance runners). I don't know about you, but I am often under stress and it has nothing to do with running a marathon!
   
4. Zinc - Using a zinc gel nasal swab, according to researchers at Stanford University, decreased the length of a cold and lessened its severity. Another great find.
   

There you have it. Four great cold-fighters to the rescue! As soon as I get better, I will be arming myself appropriately. How about you?

Have a great night!

Sandy Huard, President, Women's Health Supply International

8 Recommended Supplements to Include in Your Diet

I wanted to talk today about some of the supplements you may want to consider including in your diet due to the benefits they have been shown to provide in numerous studies over many years.

1. Ginseng - Enhances energy and vitality and is believed to increase alertness and physical performance. American and Asian ginseng are of the same genus and have similar ingredients and similar benefits.
2. Guarana - Enhances mood, increases energy and fights fatigue. Contains alkaloids and has a similar stimulant effect as the caffeine found in coffee and tea.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Heart-healthy. May help lower triglycerides and increase HDL (good) cholesterol and help thin the blood to improve circulation. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish oil and flaxseeds/flax oil.
4. Capsaicin - Helps to sooth sore muscles, provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. Capsaicin is a compound found naturally in hot chili peppers.
5. Psyllium Husks -Prevents constipation and aids in digestion. Taken in powder form with 8 ounces of water, psyllium is a natural, water-soluble fiber that helps keep you regular. Also believed to lower blood LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
6. Ginger - Calms an upset stomach, relieves gas and indigestion and may relieve menstrual and stomach cramps. Ginger is a plant originating from Southeast Asia that has been used for centuries in Chinese herbal medicinal practices.
7. Probiotics - Help to restore proper balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics are the healthy bacteria (living microorganisms) that keep our digestive system working effectively. They are also believed to boost immunity, helping to prevent illness.
8. Andrographis - Boosts immunity, helping to fight colds and flu. It is also believed to aid in proper digestive functioning and to protect against certain cancers. Andrographis is an annual plant that flourishes in South-East Asia, China and India.

Give the supplements a try. As always, be sure to read the labels carefully. If in doubt, the Internet is a great place to perform additional research.

Here's to your health!

Sandy Huard, President, Women's Health Supply International