It is going on five years now that we have become more cognizant than ever of how important it is to maintain a strong immune system. Chalk that up to the brutal Covid pandemic that forced us to act with more diligence and urgency to protect our health for all forms of viral attacks, to include colds and influenza.
Sobering fact: There are more than 200 detrimental virus species lurking out there, constantly mutating, looking for a human host. We mention that just to help keep you motivated to stay alert and protect yourself.
One of the best ways to boost our immune system is to become better informed about what we can safely take to boost our body’s defenses. The approach of winter means being equipped to fend off old familiar foes such as cold and influenza viruses. Keep in mind the annual needle stick for flu protection is never 100 percent effective – you need all the help you can get. Just like in football or basketball, a stronger defense can make the difference between health and illness.
How Do Antivirals Work?
First, don’t confuse antibacterials/antibiotics with antivirals – they operate to some degree on separate planes with your body. An antibacterial isn’t geared to stop a cold or flu virus; it is designed to thwart or kill bacterial infections, while an antiviral offers a support mechanism to strengthen the body’s defense against viruses, typically airborne ones. Wearing a properly certified mask can help, but not by itself. Also note that antivirals work best in tandem, combining their forces as no two are exactly the same.
A proper combination of anti-viral vitamins, supplements, and herbs can activate white blood cells to reinforce your immune system. Those white blood cells surround B-cells, which in turn crank out antibodies that notify T-cells it’s time to wipe out the compromised cells. That’s good team play. This science lesson is an important one for understanding how your body’s protective mechanisms work.
7 Natural Antivirals to Keep Handy
Below we describe seven notable antiviral agents that have proven effective in boosting our immune systems and combatting harmful viruses. If you decide you want to try any of these, we advise you to discuss that with your personal physician or other healthcare professional to make sure you know any possible issues in using any of them. They are presented in alphabetical order:
Vitamin C: Also known by its chemical form L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C and its consumption is believed to catalyze an immune response to battle encroaching pathogenic microbes such as flu viruses and common colds.
Echinacea: This herb – technically it’s a flower – has been shown by a review of more than a dozen studies able to cut the chances of catching a cold by more than 50 percent and shorten a cold’s duration by a day and a half. Like other antivirals, echinacea is known to promote white blood cell activity while stimulating immune cells, ramping up their ability to ambush harmful bacteria and viruses.
Garlic: Interestingly, garlic reportedly can alleviate viral infections not only in humans but also in plants and animals as well. Various studies have identified garlic as able to treat the common cold and flu in addition to hepatitis and, yes, even warts.
Glutamine: This is an amino acid that is considered essential for the growth of cells and helping immune cells such as T-cells and B-cells when fending off an attacking virus. Any reduction of glutamine in the body, such as during an inflammatory reaction, can weaken the immune system.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): This amino acid provides a key function in bolstering respiratory and immune activity, to include helping in the production of glutathione, an antioxidant. NAC has also been found effective for enhancing respiratory health by breaking down phlegm and reducing inflammation in the lungs.
Turmeric: Few lists such as this do not include turmeric and/or its most active constituent curcumin, when it comes to treating what ails you. Simply, curcumin can whack damaging bacteria and viruses. Tumeric is worth stocking up on because of its wide variety of uses in supporting various areas of your health.
Zinc: A “cold” is justifiably a four-letter word to most cold sufferers, but so is “zinc,” which has antiviral characteristics that make it highly effective in staving off colds or reducing how long they hang around. Chark that up to zinc’s ionophoric antiviral activity, referring to the single-strand RNA virus – rhinovirus – guilty of causing many upper-respiratory tract infections.
There are many other over-the-counter, natural antiviral remedies out there in the marketplace, but these seven supplements/herbs provide a good starting point for acquiring antiviral protection, especially as we get ready for the arrival of winter. Also be sure to discuss your possible use of any of these you’re your personal physician or other licensed health-care provider to help avoid missteps.