A question to our resident Health Guru.

[Boston]

Do you think that Vitamin D3 supplementation this winter could offer some herd protection from Cold/Flu if enough employees participated?

[8'nsandman]

To avoid the Cold/Flu bug, Echinacea is usually taken, especially around the seasons changing.
I have had good health the last 2 winters staying on my feet and not missing any work because of sickness by taking 1000 mg of Vitamin C and 600 mg of Garlic. Both of these will knock out anything that isn't too severe.

[oncallsucks]

i take vit. c everyday headcold held at bay feel better for taking it also

[jeannie]

Originally Posted by 8'nsandman

To avoid the Cold/Flu bug, Echinacea is usually taken, especially around the seasons changing.
I have had good health the last 2 winters staying on my feet and not missing any work because of sickness by taking 1000 mg of Vitamin C and 600 mg of Garlic. Both of these will knock out anything that isn't too severe.

don't forget some apple cider vinegar........ a kind with the 'mother' in it.



j

[denver]

Echinacea has been shown to be worthless for a cold...but it's probably mind over matter.

Wanna kill a cold for real....Zinc....cold germs can't live in a Zinc bath.
Check out Zicam

[yooper50]

Boston,
I don't know a lot about Vitamin D3 and its effects with cold/flu viruses. But I have heard and myself experienced the fighting power of zinc as Denver pointed out. I went to a presentation at a conference on over-the-counter drugs for common colds, allergies, flu, etc. He was an old school type pharmacist and had a lot of good info. One of the things he said was if you get a cold, take the halls cough drops with zinc in them. The Zinc (from what I remember of the speech) has an effect at the cellular level and it effects the cold's ability to survive by inhibiting the virus's ability to get nutrients from our body's blood cells I do believe. You can do some research and see if I'm right. I'll also research that a little too and post what I find. But as far as fending off colds and the flu, the best thing to do is wash your hands frequently (often water is enough you don't have to use anti-bacterial soap; they say water kills 99% of most germs anyway); wipe down communal surfaces (think computer keyboards, levers and surfaces in engine cabs, etc) or wash your hands after using these devices before rubbing your eyes, eating or touching any where near your face. This is how germs are best spread. Obviously taking care of yourself also helps. When our bodies are fatigued we have a tendency to eat more unhealthy foods that don't give us the vitamins and minterals we need to fight off germs. Also when we sleep our bodies repair themselves. IF we are not getting adequate amounts of sleep, our bodies don't have the time it needs to repair itself and fight off germs, sickness and illnesses. Also, research has shown that mild to moderate exercise can boost the immune system and help fight off illness as well. So eat, sleep, exercise and wash your hands. If you don't feel that you can eat healthy, add a multivitamin to your diet. If you can't get adequate, make sure you are getting the most out of the sleep that you do get, exercise when you can (5 and 10 minute spurts through out the day is better than nothing...it all adds up!). Keep handy wipes in your car, grips, etc, so you have no excuse not to wipe your hands free of germs before you eat, rub your tired eyes, etc. Hope this helps a little bit. I'll do some research and see what I find out about vit A and other "known cold fighting helpers"

[Boston]

I will check that Zinc stuff out. I wonder what Kurzweil has to say on it. As for the germs ,I work with a lot of people who refuse to take off when they are sick.Maybe I'll just hold my breath.