4 Things You Need to Know About Zinc This Cold & Flu Season
It is cold season and most professionals will recommend taking zinc, rather than vitamin C to treat it. While zinc has been found to treat the common cold, there are some catches that will keep it from working as well as you want. Here are four things you need to know about zinc before your next cold.
It Doesn’t Help with Prevention
One study shows that taking zinc at the first start of cold symptoms can help shorten the duration of the cold. However, it may not prevent you from getting sick in the first place. The theory is that zinc helps prevent cold viruses from multiplying once you are infected with the cold germs. So take zinc when you first feel something coming on, but boost your immune system with other healthy means.
Depend on Lozenges
Some doctors warn against using zinc throat spray, since it can enter your nasal passage. In 2009, zinc nasal sprays and swabs were pulled from the store shelves because over 100 individuals reported to losing their sense of smell after using the products. It is much better to suck slowly on a zinc throat lozenge, so that it dissolves slowly and throats the coat.
Lozenges Are Not All the Same
Look for zinc lozenges that contain between 13 and 23 milligrams. Many of the zinc lozenges on the shelf did not measure up and ended up not having enough zinc to make a difference.
They Aren’t Candy
The safe upper limit of zinc for adults is 40 milligrams per day. During your sick days, it is not harmful to go over the limit slightly for a few days. However, it is really important not to overdue your zinc intake on a daily base. Too much zinc can actually depress your immune system, which is completely the opposite of what you want to do when you are treating a cold.
Getting over a cold is quite annoying. The right zinc supplement may help you fight your cold in less time. For a great way to boost your immune system, try wellness adjustments. The Joint offers wellness adjustments that keep your spine and nervous system healthy. When your nervous system is running optimally, then your immune system will be naturally stronger and able to fight more bacteria and viruses. Come by The Joint today to give your body a fighting chance this cold and flu season.
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