By David Blyweiss, M.D.
With the heat wave that recently swept across much of the country, it’s hard to imagine that winter is almost here. But, as the weather turns chilly, I can expect to see an increase in patients complaining of upper respiratory symptoms. That’s not surprising since the common cold is the leading cause of doctor visits in the United States. But when those symptoms hit—congestion, sneezing, coughing and a sore throat—most patients want fast relief.
The good news? New research suggests that relieving cold symptoms may be easier than ever. In fact, according to a study which will appear in the British Journal of Nutrition, a daily dose of a micronutrient-dense concentrate of fruits and vegetables can reduce cold symptoms by up to 20 percent, even if they are severe.
In the study, 263 people in their late-30s and early 40s were assigned to receive daily supplements of the liquid fruit and vegetable concentrate, while 266 people received a placebo for eight months. The fruit and vegetable concentrate contained cherry, apple, beet, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cranberry, kale, orange, peach, papaya, parsley, pineapple, spinach, and tomato, as well as bilberry, blackberry, black currant, blueberry, cranberry, grape, elderberry, raspberry and red currant.
While the supplement didn’t shorten the cold’s duration, it did lessen symptoms. How much? The people receiving the fruit and vegetable concentrate had an average of 7.6 days with moderate or severe cold symptoms, compared with 9.5 days in the placebo group.
The secret to the concentrates success is its high antioxidant content. Fruits and vegetables—especially those used in the study supplement—are rich in vitamins C and E, as well as nutrients such as beta-carotene and folate that have been linked to improved immune function via increased numbers of T cells (white blood cells with a key role in immune health).
Another effective weapon against seasonal colds and respiratory infections is one that many people aren’t familiar with. Andrographis is an herb long used in Ayurvedic, Thai, and Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immune-boosting properties.
During a recent trial of 223 people suffering from upper respiratory symptoms, half were given andrographis and the other half a placebo. During the first few days of the study, symptoms in both groups remained about the same. But after day three, those in the placebo group either didn’t see any improvement in their coughs, headaches or earaches or their symptoms got worse. Those in the andrographis group, however, experienced rapid improvement.
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An earlier review of seven double-blind, controlled trials also found that andrographis was considerably better than a placebo for relieving the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, especially earache, nasal drainage, sleeplessness and sore throat. Another controlled study of Russian children found that those who took andrographis at the start of a cold had significantly less congestion, faster recovery times and less need to take supplemental medication.
Best of all, andrographis is extremely safe and can be taken on a long-term basis. In fact, there’s some preliminary evidence suggesting that the herb may also keep colds at bay. Look for a standardized extract and take 60 mg. in two divided doses daily for prevention. If you’re already under the weather, boost that amount to 100 mg. twice daily.
I also tell my patients to take a whole foods liquid multivitamin-mineral supplement daily.
Since there’s no cure for the common cold, it’s also wise to practice healthy habits. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and don’t allow yourself to get run-down. Taking this proactive approach can help you survive—even thrive—cold season.
References:
Melchior J. Controlled clinical study of standardized Andrographis paniculata extract in common cold-a pilot trial. Phytomedicine 1996;34:315–18.
Roll S. Reduction of common cold symptoms by encapsulated juice powder concentrate of fruits and vegetables: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. British Journal of Nutrition. Published online ahead of print. doi:10.1017/S000711451000317X.
Saxena RC. A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical evaluation of extract of Andrographis paniculata (KalmCold) in patients with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection.Phytomedicine. 2010;17:178-185
