With the widespread lift of pandemic restrictions, immune systems are slowly readjusting to being exposed to germs. This struggle for immune systems to catch up during this reintroduction has led to an immune overload, causing one of the worst cold and flu seasons in recent memory. Discover the best ways to support the body’s natural immune response and protect it against the different viruses that are common this time of year.
This year marked a return to normalcy for a lot of people. The lifting of restrictions meant that people could return to their favorite restaurants, get together for large family gatherings and pack into stadiums full of thousands of screaming fans to watch their favorite team. While this resurgence in active social lives has undoubtedly been good for many people’s moods and overall mental health, it has also left immune systems in a difficult position.
Avoiding large gatherings and wearing masks was necessary for people to give themselves the best chance of not contracting COVID-19. Unfortunately, this left immune systems unprepared for the normal circulation of germs and viruses that is constantly taking place. With everyone being thrown back into the mix together, different strains of viruses like colds and the flu are taking full advantage.
Obtain a better understanding of the differences between a cold, the flu and allergies, and consider some of the best ways to naturally support the body’s immune system.
What Is the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu?
The common cold and influenza (flu) are both highly-contagious respiratory illnesses. While the two illnesses share many similarities, including the types of symptoms, they each come from a different source. The flu can only result from influenza viruses that adapt and mutate with each season. The common cold, on the other hand, can be caused by a wide variety of different viruses that include seasonal coronaviruses (not to be confused with the virus that causes COVID-19), parainfluenza and rhinoviruses.
There are also some differences in symptoms, especially in the intensity of those symptoms. Fevers are a great example of that difference. While fevers are rare cold symptoms, they are quite common with influenza. Aches, chills and fatigue are other common flu symptoms that are rare with the common cold.
Meanwhile, common cold symptoms like stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing do not always accompany the flu. The common cold also does not usually lead to more serious health complications that can sometimes result from the flu, such as pneumonia and bacterial infections.
The Fight Against Seasonal Allergies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that twenty-six percent of US adults and nineteen percent of US children suffer from seasonal allergies. Whereas the common cold and influenza both result from the body being unable to fight off viral infections, seasonal allergies are the result of the body’s immune system reacting too strongly to sources of allergens in the environment, such as pollen and mold.
To make matters worse, warmer temperatures in the winter months are leading to Spring starting earlier all around the country, especially in parts of the South and Northeast. While this extended Spring may feel nice, it unfortunately means that this allergy season will be extended as well. Not only will the warmer temperatures lead to increased exposure to pollen, but they will also lead to increased mold exposure. Extended exposure to either of these environmental factors will have a devastating effect on the many people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Due to these developments, experts are expecting seasonal allergies to increase in intensity in addition to duration and frequency.
What are the Best Ways to Support the Body’s Immune System?
The best way to support the body’s natural immune response is to supply the body with all of the essential nutrients it needs to function properly. While it is always a good idea to supply the body with these essential nutrients by eating nutritious foods, that can sometimes be easier said than done.
Fortunately, there are many cutting edge nutraceuticals available to suit the various daily needs of the body. ADK from EVEXIAS Health Solutions is a potent combination of essential nutrients that have been selected for their ability to support a number of processes throughout the body, including immune function. ADK combines vitamin A, vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 (as MK-7) into one pill to support overall wellness and healthy functionality in a number of critical processes. For example, all three of these micronutrients can play a vital role in supporting healthy immune function. Vitamin A is known to enhance immune function by supporting white blood cells and mucus membranes throughout the body in order to protect against free radical oxidants and inflammation. Vitamin D3 also plays a vital role in supporting the natural immune response. Some experts even believe there to be a correlation between cold and flu season and the decreased levels of sunlight and vitamin D at that time of year. Vitamin K2-7, also known as menaquinone-7 (MK-7), is a highly bioavailable form of vitamin K known for its ability to act as an inflammatory, protecting the body from cold, flu and any other illnesses that are the result of inflammation.
When nutraceuticals alone are not enough to enhance the body’s immune function during cold, flu and allergy seasons, consider speaking with an integrative medicine practitioner. These experts in preventive medicine have been rigorously-trained to help support whole body health from the root level before illnesses and other issues even arise. Find an integrative medicine practitioner near you today and ask how to best optimize your body’s natural immune response.
