The Best Supplements for Colds, Coughs, and Winter Wellness
Colds, low energy and lingering coughs, it seems that many of you have been struck down over recent weeks. To help you through the remaining winter months, our team of registered nutritional therapists have been busy compiling research on vitamins, minerals, herbs and foods that have evidence for supporting the immune system, along with information on effective dosages and our expertise in the best, clean supplement brands available in the UK.
In this blog we bring you the best supplements for colds, coughs and winter wellness based on our research. Firstly though, you may wonder why we pick up more viruses in the winter. There are a number of factors and this is why we suggest some preventative steps to keep the bugs at bay
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- Lower vitamin D levels. We only get Vitamin D from the action of the sunlight on the skin and so without supplements (or trips to sunnier climates), our levels can be depleted. January and February have been found to be the months where Vitamin D levels are at their lowest.
- Colder climates. Viruses cannot survive for long about 30 degrees and so there is less risk of viruses spreading above these temperatures but more when it is colder.
- Close contact and more time indoors. As families and friends get together over Christmas or children go back into school there is more opportunity to pass bugs around.
Read on to discover our top choices. To find out more about the research behind our choices, take a look at Lifestyle Tips, Vitamins and Natural Remedies to Help to Prevent Cold, Coughs and Flu and How to Reduce Cough and Flu Symptoms with Natural Remedies.
Here are over Top Five
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Your Gut Defence.
In our opinion (and backed up with evidence), Your Gut are the most advanced and well researched macrobiotic supplements available in the UK. Developed by a nutritional therapist, these probiotics have very specific bacterial strains and strengths. The Defence product contains all of the immune ingredients that our nutritional therapists recommend – macrobiotics, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, beta glucan and more. It’s ticking all of the boxes for us, and it is our number one recommendation in the batter to keep the bugs and viruses at bay.
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Viridian Beta Glucan complex.
This complex contains beta glucan, vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc, all our recommended immune support vitamins with the added benefits of beta glucan (discover more about beta glucans are and their role in the immune system here). At a dosage of just one capsule per day, this is an option to take throughout the winter months.
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Viridian Extra C
The best vitamin C to be taken at the first signs of a cold. This vitamin C is gentle on the stomach so you can take a dosage of 950mg or more without upsetting your digestive system.
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Natures Plus Source of Life Gold
This is our go to tonic for a nutrient boost, and to support you back to energy and vitality. Source of Life Gold is a concentrate of wholefoods and greens, along with CoQ10, Vitamin D, B Vitamins and B12 for the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
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Allicin Max capsules.
It was a tough call between these and the Viridian Black Elderberry Extract for the fifth slot, but Allicin just won for us. There is good research for both these remedies, but we have been using Allicin for as long as we can remember and it’s a family staple in our house (the small capsules can be taken from the age of 3). It is also that bit cheaper than elderberry syrup and so a more economic choice, especially when all family seem to be coming down with a cold. Allicin is the main active component found in garlic that is believed to be responsible for the health benefits. Studies have shown allicin supplements to reduce the incidence and duration of the common cold (1) – it certainly works for us.
Whilst these are our favourites, they may not be right for everyone, and other options are available. You should always consult with your GP, especially if you have health concerns or are taking medications. The products here are classified as Food Supplements and as such are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Our friendly team of nutritional therapists can help with more personalised suggestions or provide more information about each of these nutrients and remedies. You can call us 0161 439 9856 or book a FREE appointment with a nutritional therapist to chat in more detail.
Stay Well xx