We all hate getting sick, but it seems unavoidable most of the time.  Once everyone in your office starts coughing or your kid comes home with the sniffles, you know you’re in for it too.  However, there are ways to boost your immune system that can help you stave off colds and the flu.  And there are also ways to cut down the severity and/or length of time you are sick.  Forget about the myth that taking mega doses of Vitamin C will cure the common cold and read on for supplements that help you stay healthy.

Astragalus is a Chinese herbal remedy with antiviral and immune enhancing effects.  It is non toxic and so can be taken on a long term basis to help increase your resistance to illness.  Or, you can just take it during cold and flu season if you do not commonly get sick other times of the year.  You should take it every day for the length of time you do decide to take it.  Nature’s Way makes a high quality Astragalus supplement at an affordable price.

Echinacea is reported to be the most popular herbal supplement in the U.S.  Many people swear by its ability to prevent colds and shorten the length of time you are sick.  Echinacea stimulates the immune system and may cut the risk of colds in more than half.  It can also reduce the length of a cold by one to three days.  Because effects of long term usage of Echinacea have not been adequately studied, it is important to only take this herb for short periods of time.  The best way to use Echinacea is to start taking it at the very first sign of sickness or if other people around you are getting sick.  Take it for no more than two weeks at a time.  There are countless different Echinacea products out there, but two of the most popular are L’il Critters Gummy Vitamin C & Echinacea and Nature’s Bounty Echinacea Goldenseal Plus.  The L’il Critters gummies contain a safe amount of Echinacea for kids and taste great, so you won’t have trouble getting your little ones to take them.  Nature’s Bounty Echinacea is for adults and contains other ingredients reported to enhance the immune system, such as Goldenseal and Burdock.

Elderberry has come to light in recent years as a treatment for the flu. 

Vitamin C is not the miracle supplement for colds like many people think it is.  In fact, when taken after a cold starts, Vitamin C will not make a cold shorter or less intense.  And, if taken daily to prevent colds, it will only reduce your chances of getting sick by less than 10 percent.  However, a combination of Vitamin C and Echinacea can lower your chance of getting a cold by 86 percent! One of the more popular cold preventatives is Emergen-C.  Although medical studies say that Vitamin C won’t help that much with colds, consumers feel otherwise.  Emergen-C products are very highly rated by customers who claim to not get sick after taking it.  And, if they do get sick, they feel that the Emergen-C shortens the length of their colds.  In any case, Vitamin C is not toxic, so even if you do take mega doses, your body will get rid of what it doesn’t need.

No matter which supplement or supplements you wish to take to stay healthy, it is essential that you consult with your physician first.  This is especially important for those who have autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.  Taking immune enhancing supplements for long periods of time is not recommended for these individuals.

Along with taking immune enhancing supplements, other ways to stay healthy include eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep, and washing your hands frequently for 20 seconds each time.  For those times when you can’t get to a sink, a hand sanitizer will work as well.  Look for products that contain 60-95% alcohol, such as Purell and Germ-X.  Be sure to rub the sanitizer in for 30 seconds.  And always remember to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth unless your hands are clean.  These products and practices should definitely help you stay healthy!