Winter and all its beauty are in their full swing. However, their faithful companion – the flu, is also here. Unsurprisingly, media and ads all over are invoking us to buy influenza shots. At the same time scientists argue about their efficiency and safety. The first condition for us to enjoy this winter fairytale is to be in good health. This is why the best approach is prevention, and in case our health is already compromised, we should approach the matter in ways that avoid drugs and vaccines. 

Why aren’t flu shots a good option? According to the latest medical researches that compare adults who have been vaccinated with others, who have not, in the best case scenario vaccines were effective only for A and B influenza viruses, accounting for just 10% of all viruses that affect us. Vaccine side effects are also not excluded. That is why it might be a good idea to look for alternative flu remedies. 

Garlic

Garlic – just as good, or even better, than medications such as Tamiflu and the like. Lately there have been a great deal of scientific articles, pointing out the natural antivirus, antibiotic and antifungal properties of garlic. A soup containing 50 garlic cloves, onion, thyme and lemon eliminates nearly all cold and flu viruses, including Norovirus. The good thing about garlic is that it is common, affordable and it can be consumed both raw and cooked. There are also dietary supplements. The important thing is to consume it daily. 

Garlic’s antivirus reputation has been recognized since ancient times. Its active ingredient, alicin, is a natural antibiotic sulfur – containing compound. Garlic is 100 times more efficient than some popular antibiotics. In addition, it stimulates the immune system. This is a very important quality as it can prevent infection in case you are in contact with a person with the flu.

It has been proven that people who consume garlic on a daily basis suffer from colds much less often than those who don’t. Furthermore, even if they do get sick, their recovery period is much faster. In addition, garlic is rich in vitamins B6 and B1, witamin C, selenium, sulfur, iodine and antioxidants, making it an even stronger immunity booster. 

Zinc

Zinc – another warrior in the battle against viruses. It has been proven that if you ingest zinc at the first influenza indications, it would decrease its duration with 24 hours, as well as relieve the symptoms. Optimal dosage has not yet been defined, but the recommended flu and cold treatment includes 50 – 65 mg/day. The maximum dose for prevention for adults is 40 mg/day.  

But what exactly is zinc? It is a key microelement, which takes part in a number of biological processes. It is highly concentrated in the retina, liver, kidneys, genitalia and bones. The microelement regulates genetic functions, aids blood sugar balance, metabolism and the immune system. It is essential for prevention and treatment of flu, along with other conditions, such as acne, inebriation, Alzheimer’s disease, anorexia, atopic dermatitis, cervical dyslexia, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, basal disease, herpes, male sterility, IBD, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Additionally, it is essential for healthy skin and hair, memory, wound healing. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D – an excellent aid for prevention of flu and colds. It is a remarkably efficient antimicrobial agent, which produces between 2 and 3 hundred antimicrobial peptides in our bodies. They kill bacteria, viruses, fungi. So, by providing your body with enough vit.D not only can you treat influenza, but you are actually preventing  infection in the first place. Even further than that, some studies suggest that cold and flu are actually symptoms of vitamin D insufficiency. 

Vitamin D is a fat – soluble vitamin, which is naturally found in very few food sources. It is usually taken as a dietary supplement on its own, or as part of multivitamin formulas. The most efficient natural way to acquire it is though exposure to harmless sunlight. It boosts the immune system, relates to bone health, and is essential to cancer treatment and prevention. 

If we take a deeper look at vitamin D, we’ll see that there are several forms. The ones that are most important to human health is vit. D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). In fact, the actual vitamin is considered as pre – hormone, activated through several biochemical pathways in the liver and kidneys. Vitamin D stimulates calcium absorption in the small intestine and it increases calcium resorption in the kidneys.  

Vertebrates cannot produce vitamin D. It is supplied through animal foods and mushrooms. Unlike it, vitamin D3 is synthesized in the skin through exposure to UVB rays. UVB rays stimulate the production of cholecalciferol in the deepest epidermal layers. Despite this cheap and accessible method for vitamin provision, hundreds of researches indicate that vitamin D deficiency related conditions are becoming more and more common. Northern nations are at higher risk, however, statistics show that southerners are also seriously affected. It has been proven that higher melanin content in the derma of darker – skinned people results in reduced vitamin D3 production. 

And so – in the first place everyone should be aware that the best source of vitamin D3 are sunrays. Naturally, sunlight exposure should be moderate and seasonal and daily specificities of sunlight strength have to be taken into account. When it comes to vitamin D2 – here are some food sources: some mushrooms, including maitake, oily fish, such as tuna, mackerel and salmon, fish oil, liver, cheese, eggs. 

Food supplements can also be a good choice, considering the fact that it is sometimes challenging to get the daily dose of sunlight, especially during the winter period. In case you opt for supplementation, it is recommended that you also ingest vitamin K2. Its biological function is to assist allocation of calcium in the correct places in the body and to remove it from arteries and soft tissue. Vitamin K2 deficiency is the reason for vitamin D overdose and intoxication. The combination of vitamins D and K2 is ideal for maintenance of healthy bones, heart and immune system. 

Dietary Supplements

Acti Zink and Sunny Vit – Vitamin D3 are a perfect influenza and cold remedies for the winter months. 

Acti Zink

Acti Zink sufficiently benefits the natural defense mechanisms of the human organism. It contributes the maintenance of normal erectile function for men and it balances testosterone concentration in blood. Acti Zink helps the maintenance of adequate mental health and visual ability. Furthermore, it is an effective care for normal bone functions, healthy skin and hair. 

Sunny Vit – Vitamin D3

Sunny Vit is patented microencapsulated vitamin D3. The specific capsulation is made of cellulose derivatives, enriched with vitamin E as means of antioxidant protection. This technology increases the digestibility and stability of vitamin D used in Sunny Vit’s formula. In addition to colds and flu, Sunny Vit is suitable for treatment of conditions, such as prostate adenoma, arthritis, osteoarthritis, insomnia, polycystic ovaries, menopause, coxarthrosis, reduced joint mobility, osteoporosis, spring fatigue, hormonal disorders in both men and women and more. 

Protect yourself and your loved ones from the unpleasant and dangerous viruses and winter will become your favorite season for work, rest and sport!