Foundations First
Immunoberry Liquid by Designs for Health
This is one of our absolute favorites at Boulder Natural Health because it’s effective AND delicious. Immunoberry contains immune supportive herbs elderberry & astragalus, and mushrooms. Elderberry has shown to be effective at preventing viral attachment, making it an excellent supportive herb throughout cold & flu season. Astragalus helps the immune system’s own defenses against pathogenic invaders and also acts as an adaptogenic herb, which supports a healthy response to stress….something we could all use a little bit of support with!
Immuno-Zn Lozenge by Designs for Health
These lozenges pair elderberry with zinc to help at the first sign of illness. Zinc might help prevent rhinovirus (the virus responsible for the common cold) from multiplying in the body, therefore decreasing length of illness. We love that this particular lozenge is combined with elderberry, which gives you additional anti-viral benefits, while making it a bit tastier. Make sure to take zinc supplements WITH food to avoid nausea.
Stamets 7 Daily Immune Support by Host Defense
EHB by Integrative Therapeutics
This product is a blend of immune supportive herbs and nutrients to help fight off illness at the first sign of the sniffles. Vitamins A, C and Zinc help boost natural immune defenses, while echinacea, garlic, oregon grape and goldenseal help the body fight infections. Echinacea specifically works by inhibiting the enzyme hyaluronidase, which is used by pathogenic bacteria to enter cells and may help reduce the duration of illnesses such as common cold. This study showed that berberine herbs such as oregon grape and goldenseal exhibited antiviral effects on influenza virus. Vitamin C is an excellent stand alone product to use throughout cold & flu season. It works as an antioxidant to reduce damage to cells caused by consuming too much sugar or alcohol, or through environmental exposures of toxins. Vitamin C also plays an important role in maintaining skin and mucosal membrane integrity, which is your first defense against invaders.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
NAC is a precursor to the body’s master antioxidant, glutathione. Glutathione helps maintain the health of the respiratory and immune systems (among others!). NAC not only helps boost natural detoxification support, but also has mucus- busting benefits. When used as a mucolytic, NAC can help with recovery from respiratory illness by making coughs more productive.