Flu Fighters: Supplements for a Healthy Winter
It's that time of year again—cold and flu season. Just when you think you're finally getting into a comfortable routine, along comes a nasty cold or flu that can knock you right off your feet. If you're like most people, you probably don't want to get sick, but you may not be sure what you can do to protect yourself.
One thing you can do is take supplements to boost your immune health. Many different supplements have been shown to help prevent and fight off colds and flu. However, it's important to take the right supplements and to take them in the right dosages.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is responsible for approximately 290,000 hospitalizations and 56,000 deaths annually in the United States [1]. A study published in the journal Nutrients found that taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily was associated with a 17% reduction in the duration of colds. Another study published in the journal Nutrients found that taking 200 IU of vitamin D daily was associated with a 35% reduction in the incidence of colds.
What are the best supplements for flu season?
Here is a list of the best supplements to take for flu season:
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to boost your immune system. Studies have shown that vitamin C can help to shorten the duration of colds and flu. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin C is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is another important nutrient that can help to boost your immune system. Vitamin D is also known as the "sunshine vitamin" because your body produces it when you're exposed to sunlight. However, most people don't get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone. It is recommended that adults take 600 IU of vitamin D per day.
Zinc: Zinc is a trace mineral that is essential for many different body functions, including immune function. Zinc can help to shorten the duration of colds and flu. The recommended daily allowance for zinc is 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women.
Elderberry: Elderberry is a type of berry that is rich in antioxidants. Studies have shown that elderberry can help to prevent and shorten the duration of colds and flu.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that are similar to the bacteria that naturally live in your gut. Probiotics can help to boost your immune system by restoring the balance of good bacteria in your gut.
How much should you take of these supplements?
The recommended dosage for each of these supplements varies depending on your age, gender, and overall health. However, you can usually find the recommended dosage on the label of the supplement.
It is also important to note that taking supplements is not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly are all important for boosting your immune health.
Where can I find these supplements?
These supplements are available at our online vitamin dispensary!
Next Steps:
If you want to optimize your immune health for flu season, schedule a Functional Medicine Consultation at Strive Total Wellness - our team can help you determine the best supplements for you and create a personalized plan to keep you healthy all year round.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
