One of the strains of sickness you’ll want to avoid this winter is strep throat. Here is a brief look at what strep throat entails, accompanied by 5 apt supplements that can help your body either defend against or overcome a case of strep throat.
Occurrence and Symptoms of Strep Throat
Strep throat is an infection which is named for the type of bacteria which causes it, known as group A Streptococcus. It primarily affects the tonsils and throat, causing the tonsils to become inflamed and the throat to become sore.
The population most commonly affected by strep throat is school-aged children, but adults can get it, too. It is most likely to occur among those living in close quarters. Strep throat is the most common cause of a sore throat, and more than 600 million cases of it occur each year worldwide.
The course of strep throat usually lasts around 10 days. The characteristic sore throat is usually not accompanied by coughing. However, other symptoms can include fever, headache, appetite disruption, chills, abdominal pain, and nausea & vomiting. If you suspect you or your child have it, it’s highly recommended to consult your medical provider, who might prescribe an antibiotic. Antibiotic treatment is standard for strep throat, but alternative remedies could also help.
Five Supplements to Stymie Strep Throat
A variety of nutrients are needed in abundance for the body to handle or ward off a strep throat infection. Here is a look at some vitamins and other supplements which could make a significant help in stymying a strep throat infection.
Vitamin D is known to stimulate the body’s handling of all respiratory infections, and this certainly applies to strep throat. The antimicrobial properties of vitamin D enable the immune system to do its defensive work against a Streptococcus infection. Those low in vitamin D should definitely supplement with it, because vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for a Streptococcus infection.
Echinacea is an herb with immuno-enhancing properties, and it can support the body in fighting bacterial infections such as strep throat. It helps in a couple of ways. First, echinacea contains natural phytochemicals that work against foreign bacteria that would try to enter cells. Second, the anti-inflammatory properties of echinacea could help reduce tonsil inflammation as well as throat pain.
Elderberry is another healthful herb with antibacterial properties. Research suggests that taking elderberry can help mitigate the spread of bacteria, and also reduce respiratory complications, both of which often characterize cases of strep throat. Much of elderberry’s benefits are from its antioxidant properties. Elderberry is typically combined with other herbs in a single supplement.
Vitamin C supplementation can be very beneficial if you are just starting to experience the symptoms of strep throat, or are in the middle of the course of infection. Taking 1,000mg per day on the early side of infection will help to combat strep throat. 4,000mg per day is recommended if you’re already sick and need an extra boost for assisting in how your body handles and defeats strep throat.
Probiotics: These positive bacteria are helpful to the gut microbiome. In cases of strep throat, taking a probiotic supplement can be particularly helpful if you’ve been prescribed a prescription antibiotic. Doing so can help the body act in beneficial unison with antibiotics, in the process providing stability to your body’s microbiome.
If you or your child experiences strep throat this winter season, then you ought to consider these essential vitamins and helpful supplements for this type of infection. It’s recommended that you always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for the first time, or at least the first time in a long time.