Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry. “I seem to have several colds every year and they hang on for a number of weeks. I even have a cold or two through the summer. Can you recommend something that would either build up my immune system or help me through the cold episodes?” Lillian J, Hartford, WI A. Dear Lillian: What I would do to support your overall health and immune system is to take a combination of ingredients such as blackcurrant, elderberry, probiotics, lactoferrin and zinc since they are immune building and also have some antiviral activity. For a cold, my two favorite herbs are pelargonium and andographis. I have seen clinical studies on both herbs which prove they reduce the severity of the cold and shorten the duration. While most people who have colds usually struggle 5-10 days before they are completely free of the cold symptoms, using a combination of these two herbs will significantly reduce the severity and duration to whereas most colds can be eliminated in 24-72 hours.