Vaccine uptake research is showing more people are opting out of the seasonal flu shot and shifting towards alternative medicine. The natural health flu frenzy has left many confused with what remedies are best to take both proactively and reactively to combat a cold or flu. Whether you get the flu shot or not, certain natural therapies can help boost immunity and lessen your chances of contracting a cold or flu. With the colder months fast approaching, I will share with you four naturally-sourced remedies that have clinically-proven effectiveness in proactive and reactive defense against colds and the flu.

Trust your gut

Have you heard that your gut holds about 80 per cent of your immune system? Probiotics are key in supporting that aspect of immunity. You can’t get enough probiotics from diet alone so reach for proven probiotics, such as Bio-K, which contains 50 billion live bacteria per dose. Probiotics are particularly important if you’ve just taken antibiotics since these medications kill off the both the bad bacteria and good bacteria in your gut.

The D in cold and flu defense

For those living in northern latitudes, lack of direct sunlight decreases the amount of Vitamin D received in the winter months. Ask your doctor to test your blood serum levels of 25-0H Vitamin D and consider supplementing with extra if you’re low. This vitamin is crucial to the development of infection fighting immune cells in the body. In one study, long-term vitamin D supplementation for three years significantly reduced flu and cold symptoms and in another Japanese study of Vitamin D in children, researchers found that daily supplementation during the winter months significantly reduced the amount of times the children developed the flu. Further to this, there are many consumer-friendly forms of Vitamin D on the market such as a chewable, chocolate-flavoured formula by Jamieson.

Echinacea – all natural, all powerful

Prevention and treatment research suggests the use of a properly-formulated Echinacea means fewer colds, reduced duration of cold symptoms, and less reliance on synthetic pain relievers. One such formula is Echinacea purpurea found in products like Echinaforce. This blend has been proven to shorten the severity and duration of colds and flu symptoms as well as reduce the chances of catching a cold or flu virus by keeping the immune system functioning at peak efficiency even during times when it might be compromised by stress, lack of sleep or even vigorous physical activity. Echinacea has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties but unlike other herbs, it won’t overstimulate the immune system and it is safe to take all the way through cold and flu season.

Garlic – smelly but effective

If you do have a diagnosed bacterial infection, garlic is a powerful all-natural antibiotic solution. Keeping in mind that antibiotics don’t kill viruses, recent studies have detailed the significant antibacterial activity of garlic and its ability to fight off colds. When fresh garlic is cut or crushed, a sulphur compound called alliin combines with an enzyme called allinase. A chemical reaction starts and the first compound that is formed is allicin which is responsible for the anti-infection properties of garlic. Research has proven that stabilized allicin, found in brands such as Allimax, delivers the strong infection fighting properties of garlic.

The holidays are a hectic time which can be stressful for many. Using these natural remedies will boost your immune system and allow you to focus on more important things like shopping for gifts and spending time with family!

Bryce Wylde is an alternative health expert based on of Toronto. He specializes in homeopathy, clinical nutrition, supplementation, and botanical medicine whose focus is routed within functional medicine.

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