Arm Your Family Against Cold and Flu Season: Top Immune-Boosting Supplements
Arm Your Family Against Cold & Flu Season: Top Immune-Boosting Supplements
Cold and flu season is here, whether we like it or not, but don’t let it knock you down! Here at Well North Functional Medicine, we empower you with functional medicine strategies to boost your immune system naturally (check our most recent blog HERE) and keep you healthy all year long. I have seen many patients whose chief concern is that they get sick really frequently and that it takes them much longer to recover than the rest of their family and that is just no fun! The good news is, there is so much we can do to stay healthy and if we do get sick, things we can do to alleviate symptoms and support our immune response so that we are back at it in less time! From essential vitamins to targeted formulas, here’s our expert lineup of top immune-boosting supplements for cold and flu season to keep you and your kids thriving.
Powerhouse Vitamins: Your Daily Defense
- Vitamin D: The “sunshine vitamin” regulates immune cells and reduces respiratory infection risk. Aim for 2,000–5,000 IU daily but it is best to test and not guess – get a 25-hydroxy vitamin D level and aim for an optimal range of 50-80 ng/ml.
- Zinc: Shortens cold duration by up to 33%!! take 15–30 mg at the first sniffle. One of my favorite lozenges by BeeKeepers Naturals contains zinc so you get a little extra while soothing your throat.
- Vitamin C: Antioxidant powerhouse that supports white blood cells. Get it in fruits and vegetables and consider additional supplementation at the onset of any cold symptoms.
Ortho Molecular Precision Formulas
Our go-to professional-grade supplements by OrthoMolecular for rapid immune support are backed by third party testing and have so many good ingredients to get you through any cold or flu. These are some of my top immune boosting supplements I recommend (and take personally!).
- DHist: Clears sinuses, tames histamine, and eases allergy-like cold symptoms. It is great for nasal congestion with ingredients like N-acetyl cysteine, stinging nettle, bromelain, quercetin and more. There is even a DHist Jr. version for kids that is chewable and tastes great – my kids love it!
- Viracid: A blend of immune supporting herbs like elderberry, astragalus, and echinacea to help with viral defense. Perfect to take at the onset of a cold and this also comes in a kids version called ViraKid (elderberry-powered chewables) which makes immunity fun for little ones!
Soothing & Supportive Essentials and Top Immune Support Supplement Recommendations
- Beekeeper’s Naturals Lozenges: Propolis, honey, elderberry, zinc, and vitamin D in delicious flavors (honey, ginger lemon). Soothe throats and support immunity on the go. And you guessed it! They also have a kids version that are Lollipop Throat Lozenges so no worrying about kids choking!
- Xlear Saline Nasal Rinses/Sprays: Xylitol-infused saline flushes viruses, reduces congestion, and prevents spread—use daily throughout cold and flu season but especially if you have been exposed to someone sick or spent time in crowded public spaces.
Pro Tip from Well North
Start these cold and flu supplements before symptoms hit, and pair with rest, hydration, and our personalized plans. You can find all of my top immune-boosting supplements with a 25% discount over on Fullscript.com – see my curated lists:
Ready to fortify your health before cold and flu season peaks? Schedule a virtual or in-person consult at Well North Functional Medicine today. Stay well, Denver!