Here are some steps you can take to shorten the course of colds or flu:
- Per Dr. David Brownstein , the following increased dosage of nutrients is suggested for adults, and can be taken for 4 days at the onset of any Cold or Flu symptoms to help support your immune system.
- Vitamin D3 (without soybean oil) 50,000 IU for 4 days
- *Children 25-50 lbs 10,000 IU/ day for 4 days Children 50-100 lbs 25,000 IU/day for 4 days
- Vitamin A (NOT Beta Carotene) 100,000 IU for 4 days
- * Children 25-50 lbs 20,000 IU/ day for 4 days Children 50-100 lbs 25,000 IU/day for 4 days
- NOTE: Do not take these doses for longer than 4 days. Resume normal dose after 2 weeks.
- Vitamin C: 5000-10,000 mg per day for both adults and children
- Vitamin C may be taken at 1000 mg per hour up to bowel tolerance.
- Iodine: 25-100 mg daily *Children 0.08 mg per pound of body weight.
- Quercetin: 500mg morning and night
- Zinc: 50mg daily
- Quercetin and Zinc are used until 3 days after you feel well again.
- Quercetin and Zinc are used until 3 days after you feel well again.
- Acetaminophen should also be avoided for fevers. It depletes a crucial antioxidant glutathione. In fact, acetaminophen should be severely limited for any condition. It has a poor safety profile.
- Suggested daily dose when not sick of Vitamin D3 is 1/4 body weight in 1000 IU’s per day.
- Make sure adequate iodine is taken on a daily basis. Iodine is greatly involved in optimal functioning of the immune system. Dr. David Brownstein suggests 1 milligram (NOT mcg, or microgram) of iodine/ iodide per 10 pounds of body weight. Without iodine, the thyroid cannot function optimally, and the thyroid has a large role to play in combating illness.
- Give a high quality multi-vitamin 2-3 times daily.
- Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining optimal immune function. Drink 1/2 of your body weight in ounces daily. Water needs to be free from fluoride and chlorine. Limit coffee to 8-12 oz daily and limit Soda pop, both of which are dehydrating.
- Be sure to turn off WiFi at night and during the day if not in use. Do not keep cell phones in the room where you are sleeping. Electromagnetic fields can interfere with deep restorative sleep and thereby weaken the immune system. Use diodes for protection on cell phones and computers. These can be purchased from energpolarit.com
- Modify the diet and increase nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, proteins, fresh fruit, nuts and nut milk, and high quality fats like coconut oil and olive oil to support the immune system. Restrict dairy foods, grains and flour foods, especially wheat, including bread, crackers, chips, and refined sugar as well as fruit juice. Modern wheat is a highly inflammatory food, and flour foods and dairy foods can increase mucous formation and increase acidity in the body. Increase liquids, as in fresh lemonade sweetened with agave, stevia or a little maple syrup, herbal tea, and soups.
- Use anti-viral and anti-bacterial essential oils like Thieves, R.C. or Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Oregano diluted with olive oil or coconut oil, on the feet 2-3 times daily. R.C. or Eucalyptus oils can also be used diluted on the chest of children over 1 year of age with a warm moist compress to enhance their activity.
- Fresh air and moderate exercise can help to support the immune system.
- Warm baths can be soothing, help increase circulation, and stimulate the immune system.