Nutritional Supplementation and Antiviral Restorative Botanicals May Support the Body’s Natural Defenses

Since the 1940s studies have shown the use of nutritional supplementation and antiviral restorative botanicals may both prevent and reduce the effects of common colds and influenza, support immune cell function and promote respiratory health

According to a new study published in the September 2019 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, nearly one-fifth of working adults will experience a cold each year. The study estimated 20 million annual missed workdays might be just the tip of the iceberg, because the estimates include only colds that resulted in doctor’s visits or restricted activity days. There may be as many as 70 million lost workdays due to colds, when actual missed work time is combined with lost productivity.

Past flu seasons likely cost employers nationwide millions of lost workdays and billions of dollars. Nearly 111 million workdays are lost due to the flu each year, according to Flu.gov, costing employers approximately $7 billion per year in sick days and lost productivity. The study also found Americans spend nearly $3 billion annually on over-the-counter drugs that may not provide any symptom relief. Since the 1940s studies have shown the use of antiviral restorative botanicals and nutritional supplements may both prevent and reduce the effects of common colds and influenza, support immune cell function and promote respiratory health. *

Zinc and vitamin C

Zinc plays an important role in maintaining healthy immune function. Human studies have observed even a mild zinc deficiency can elicit changes in immune status, such as defective natural killer (NK) cell function, decreased interleukin-2 production, and energy. Dr. Chris Meletis, world-renowned educator, author and lecturer finds, “patients frequently fall short when it comes to maintaining optimal levels of zinc and vitamin C to optimally support immune defenses.” A meta-analysis determined that vitamin C was effective at supporting the health of 11,077 people who had the common cold. *

Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceous, a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. Astragalus has traditionally been used as a tonic and treatment for colds and flu, either alone or in conjunction with other herbs. Astragalus is rich in polysaccharides, flavonoids, multiple trace minerals, and amino acids, all of which contribute to its immuno-supportive antiviral restorative botanicals properties. Animal studies demonstrated oral administration of astragalus root extract to mice infected with Japanese encephalitis virus increased survival rates by 30-40% compared to 20% in the untreated control group. The researchers attribute this to increased phagocytic activity. According to Dr. Meletis, “Astragalus serves as an immunemodulating adaptogen botanical that supports the body’s innate immune system.” *

EpiCor®

A dried fermentate produced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, immune-strengthening EpiCor® is comprised of an immune-modulating baker’s yeast.* There are a number of good human studies showing EpiCor® acts as an antioxidant and supports a healthy immune response during exposure to colds and flus and during pollen season. “EpiCor® supports mucosal immunity and increases levels of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A, a substance coating mucosal surfaces that acts like a shield to stop unwanted substances from entering the body,” says Dr. Meletis.

Garlic

One study evaluated an allicin-containing garlic supplement on cold incidence and duration in 146 volunteers. Subjects received one capsule daily for 12 weeks between November and February, and symptoms were assessed via a symptom diary using a five-point scale. In the garlic-supplemented group, 24 colds were reported compared to 65 in the placebo group; the treatment group experienced shorter duration of cold symptoms compared to placebo – 1.5 versus 5.0 days, respectively.

Olive leaf extract

Olive leaf extract contains phenolic compounds, specifically oleuropein, that have demonstrated potent antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity among antiviral restorative botanicals.

Oleuropein and derivatives such as elenolic acid have been shown to be effective in in vitro and animal studies against numerous microorganisms, including retroviruses, coxsackie viruses, 150 influenza, and parainfluenza as well as some bacteria. Berberine HCl Animal studies, cell culture experiments, and use in clinical practice suggest berberine supports a healthy inflammatory response and maintains immunity. * It promotes lung health in animals and the health of human airway cells.

Conclusion

The economic cost of lost productivity due to the common cold approaches $25 billion, of which $16.6 billion is attributed to on-the-job productivity loss, $8 billion is attributed to absenteeism, and $230 million is attributed to caregiver absenteeism. Influenza, although considered a preventable disease, accounts for 36,000 deaths annually in the United States. Nutritional supplementation and immune-stimulating and antiviral restorative botanicals can support the body’s natural defenses. They can potentially decrease the incidence of colds and flu, shorten the duration and decrease the intensity of symptoms, and prevent complications.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease