Colds: Can you Beat the Bug Naturally?

CNN reports this month that Americans spend $400 million each year on natural cold remedies such as Zinc and Echinacea, but can they be effective?

Although research has so far provided mixed results, Dr Ananda Prasad at the Wayne State University claims taking Zinc tablets helped 48 of his patients reduce the length of their colds by 50%.

Another study in the Ear, Nose and Throat Journal suggests American Zinc nasal spray Zinac reduced symptoms by 75% for 213 patients undergoing a trial.

Zinc is a natural mineral which is believed to help boost the immune system, reducing cold symptoms and leading to a faster recovery time.

High dose vitamin C tablets laced with Zinc are on sale in most British chemists for exactly this purpose.

Some medical professionals remain sceptical, putting any positive results down to a placebo effect, or the cold being naturally flushed out of the system over time.

Vitamin and mineral levels can have a major effect on the immune system, but taking supplements blind is not always effective. Bromley Health Management offer a Vitamin and Mineral Screen which takes out the guesswork - learn exactly what your body needs by asking for a Vitamin and Mineral Screen.

Tuesday, 27 February 2001