Experiencing a strep throat infection is usually painful. It can cause symptoms of an illness that are flu-like, and such an infection can render someone temporarily bedridden. In this article, we look at the basic symptoms and characteristics of a typical strep throat infection. Then, we discuss four vitamins and healthful supplements which could effectively defend against strep throat.
A Summative Look at Strep Throat
Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils, and it is predominantly characterized by inflammation and throat soreness. It is most common in children but can occur in adults, too. It results from the invasion of a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes or group A streptococcus. This infection is contagious, spreading through droplets dispersed in the air from sneezing or coughing. Group A streptococcus infections are most common from December to April.
Typical symptoms of strep include throat pain, pain when swallowing, red and swollen tonsils. It can also be accompanied by fever, headache, rash, bodily soreness, nausea and vomiting. You should visit your healthcare provider if symptoms appear and persist longer than 48 hours. Such symptoms typically include fever, swollen and/or tender throat lymph glands, or difficulty breathing. A doctor is likely to prescribe antibiotics to treat strep throat. He or she might prescribe over-the-counter pharmaceutical medications as well.
Recovering from strep throat could be compared to recovering from the flu. It is crucial to get plenty of rest and drink water to stay hydrated. Soothing foods are also recommended.
4 Supplements to Help Stop Strep Throat
Nutrition is an essential aspect of your body’s ability to overcome an infection like strep throat. Next to your medical provider’s prescribed treatments and the commonly recommended rest and wellness measures, the following four supplements also pose a potential benefit in overcoming the symptoms and course of strep throat:
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for sound immune system function, and other important bodily processes. It is important to get enough vitamin D on a regular basis. Research shows that there is a clear link between vitamin D deficiency and strep throat infections. Taking vitamin D in the form of an oral supplement is a direct way to remedy vitamin D deficiency. Doing so can help the body to better overcome and move past a strep throat infection.
Echinacea is a plant-derived supplement which is known for its ability to help soothe a sore throat. Similarly, research suggests that echinacea has antibacterial properties that could directly go against the bacteria causing strep throat as well. Echinacea is one of the most recommended herbal supplements for combatting a strep throat infection.
Elderberry is another herb with potential to help, simply by helping to relieve throat pain. In fact, it is recommended to treat throat pain associated with a variety of infections. Taking elderberry alongside one or more of the other products in this list could be a help in cases of strep throat.
Probiotics: A supplement containing probiotic bacteria, while not directly purposed to combat a strep throat infection, could help support the gut microbiome, and therefore stabilize the body during a strep infection. A plethora of bacteria and fungi reside in the gut, and they affect many bodily processes such as digestion and immunity. By introducing healthy bacteria directly to the gut, the conditions for these processes could be helped. Another reason to ingest probiotic bacteria is that common antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome, and cause diarrhea. Evidence suggests that a probiotic supplement could help to remedy this side effect of antibiotics prescribed to treat strep throat.
If you or your children are at risk for strep due to exposure, or have experienced it before, then these four supplements could almost certainly help you. It is always recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for the first time, making sure, for instance, they won’t conflict with medication(s) you might already be taking.