Hi friends!! Every year I give you a run-down on the most up-to-date information that will keep you and your family healthy during cold & flu season. These are not the only supplements I recommend, but these are the ones I really want to focus on today. It's important to start these supplements and protocols today so you can build up your immune system and be ready for what's ahead this winter!
Cat's Claw
Cat’s claw is a woody vine that grows wild in the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of Central and South America. Its thorns resemble a cat’s claws. The two most common species are U. tomentosa and U. guianensis. Most commercial preparations of cat’s claw contain U. tomentosa. Using cat’s claw for health dates back to the Inca civilization.
Its historical uses have included for contraception, inflammation, cancer, and viral infections, and to stimulate the immune system.Today, cat’s claw is used as a dietary supplement for a variety of health conditions including viral infections (such as herpes and HIV), Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, arthritis, diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, parasites, and leaky bowel syndrome.
Cat's Claw is fantastic for reducing the strep bacteria that harbors in the body and the sinuses. The bark and root of cat’s claw are used to make liquid extracts, capsules, tablets, and tea.
The highest quality brand out there now is Vimergy brand. They do not use any alcohol, citric acid, fillers or natural flavors (there is normally MSG lurking in natural flavors) in their formua.
Safety of Cat's Claw
Few side effects have been reported for cat’s claw when taken in small amounts.Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should avoid using cat’s claw because of its past use for preventing and aborting pregnancy.
Zinc
Zinc is considered an essential nutrient, meaning that your body can’t produce or store it. For this reason, you must get a constant supply through your diet. Zinc weakens the cell wall of viruses, so it's best to take zinc in daily amounts to build up your immune system and also in larger doses when you feel a virus coming on.
Zinc Protocol
The Medical Medium recommends "Zinc Shock Therapy" when a cold or flu is coming on. At first signs, take 3 droppers full of Zimergy Zinc and hold it in the back of your throat for 30 seconds. Repeat every 3 hours that you are awake for 2-3 days.
Zinc is required for numerous other processes in your body too, including:
Gene expression
Enzymatic reactions
Immune function
Protein synthesis
DNA synthesis
Wound healing
Growth and development
Zinc is naturally found in a wide variety of both plant and animal foods. You can also take zinc supplements or multi-nutrient supplements that provide zinc. Because of its role in immune function, zinc is likewise added to some nasal sprays, lozenges and other natural cold treatments. Vimergy Zinc also tops out as the best brand that doesn't add any fillers to their zinc product.
Safety of Zinc
Just as a deficiency in zinc can cause health complications, excessive intake can also lead to negative side effects. The most common cause of zinc toxicity is too much supplemental zinc, which can cause both acute and chronic symptoms.
Symptoms of toxicity include:
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Abdominal cramps
Headaches
Reduced immune function
Decreased “good” HDL cholesterol levels
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, as adenosylcobalamin with methylcobalamin, protects your entire body from neurotoxin damage from the many mutated strains of the Epstein-Barr virus, shingles and other harmful viruses. It also repairs and strengthens the areas of the nervous system and other parts of the body that have been damaged by viruses. This type of B12 also helps strengthen neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain so it can stay strong against the viruses that are behind so many neurological illnesses.
Other benefits of ensuring proper B12 levels are:
Helps With Red Blood Cell Formation and Anemia Prevention.
May Prevent Major Birth Defects.
May Support Bone Health and Prevent Osteoporosis
May Reduce Your Risk of Macular Degeneration
May Improve Mood and Symptoms of Depression.
May Benefit Your Brain by Preventing the Loss of Neurons.
May Give You an Energy Boost.
I recommend Vimergy B12 for the best combination of vitamins and the purest brand availablbe.
Safety of B12
Since B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it’s generally considered safe, even at high doses. No Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been established for B12, due to its low level of toxicity. UL refers to the maximum daily dose of a vitamin unlikely to cause adverse side effects in the general population. Your body excretes whatever it doesn't use through your urine.
However, supplementing with excessively high dose levels via injection of B12 have been linked to some negative side effects from acne to decreased kidney function in diabetic populations, so it's best to stick to oral supplements.
Spirulina
Spirulina is often deemed the most nutritionally complete of all foods and has countless uses as a supplement for maintaining good health and preventing diseases. This is because it contains a plentiful supply of many important nutrients and antioxidants, including protein, complex carbohydrates, iron, and vitamins A and K, as well as B complex.
It’s also rich in chlorophyll, fatty and nucleic acids, and lipids. Spirulina is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, a compound found in breast milk that helps develop healthier babies.
Spirulina Is Extremely High in Many Nutrients.
Powerful Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties.
Can Lower “Bad” LDL and Triglyceride Levels.
Protects “Bad” LDL Cholesterol From Oxidation.
May Have Anti-Cancer Properties.
May Reduce Blood Pressure.
Improves Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis.
May Be Effective Against Anemia.
I recommend Vimergy brand Spirulina for the purest product available out currently.
Safety of Spirulina
Spirulina harvested in the wild poses a significant risk of contamination. The algae may harbor toxins if it grows in a body of water that’s polluted with heavy metals, bacteria, or harmful particles called microcystins. Microcystins are produced by blue-green algae as a defense mechanism against predators. When consumed in high amounts, they’re toxic to your liver.
Spirulina grown in controlled environments is lower in microcystins, as scientists have developed methods to remove this compound, as well as limit its production.
This is why it is very important to find the purest brand, and why I choose Vimergy Spirulina.
Probiotics
A non-dairy, time-released probiotic can be a great choice for supplementation. Take advantage of any chance you get to eat freshly picked produce and ingest the foods’ beneficial microorganisms, but when garden veggies aren’t an option, relying on a solid probiotic like this one is good choice.
Overall benefits of probiotics include:
Help Balance The Friendly Bacteria in Your Digestive System.
Can Help Prevent and Treat Diarrhea.
Improve Some Mental Health Conditions.
Help Keep Your Heart Healthy.
Reduce the Severity of Certain Allergies and Eczema.
Safety of Probiotics
Probiotics are generally safe to use. They may cause unpleasant digestion symptoms for some pople. While most people do not experience side effects, the most commonly reported reaction to bacteria-based probiotic supplements is a temporary increase in gas and bloating Those taking yeast-based probiotics may experience constipation and increased thirst.
These are the top five cold and flu crushing supplements this year to combat the upcoming cold and flu season. You may find that the brands I have recommended are more expensive than other brands. I understand that can be frustrating, but always remember that the cheapest options are rarely the best options for our bodies. We want the purest, most reliable forms of vitamins, minerals, supplements, foods and beverages to fuel our bodies in the best way possible. Taking cheap supplements can even hinder our health more than help us heal.
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Much love and light to you,
Naturally Nicole
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