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. Hi Terry, “With winter over, I thought I would be enjoying the spring weather, but I came down with a long lingering cold that I just can’t shake. I’ve been to my health food store and they have been very kind and helpful, but somehow I have just not been able to find anything that works. Do you have any suggestions as to what I may try?” Mary J., Bismarck, SD A. Dear Mary, The first thing to investigate when cold or flu symptoms do not resolve is determine if there is some underlying illness that is causing these symptoms. Therefore, check with your health care practitioner to make sure this is not the case. If everything else checks out, there are some things you can do to speed the recovery from this cold. Colds usually are part of the winter season because winter is harder on the immune system, and we lack any effect of the sun (like vitamin D production!), but colds can come any time of the year. There are a couple of things I would do that I found to be very effective. I would take a combination of two clinically studied herbs for cold and flu, such as pelargonium and andographis. Most people feel the effects in the first day or two of using these herbs, which is why they are my favorites. These two herbs work better when taken together as they have a synergistic effect. I would make certain that I got somewhere between 3,000 to 5,000 IUs of vitamin D and 15 to 20 minutes of exposure to the sun. In order to receive benefits from the sun and the healthy production of vitamin D, you need to expose at least 25% of your body to sunshine – face, arms, hands and possibly legs – to receive real benefit. Do not use a sun blocker for the first half-hour of exposure. That would just negate any benefit. It is not necessary to go beyond 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times a week. If you plan to stay out for a longer period of time and you are fair skinned, I would consider a sun blocker, probably not more than an 8 SPF. After 8 SPF, there really is not much more benefit except that the manufacturers of these products have multiple products to sell. I would also suggest that you take a softgel capsule of Oreganum compactum (oregano oil). This oil is especially effective for ear, nose, and throat issues. Another oil combination that I really like especially for bronchitis and sinusitis is a blend of eucalyptus and oil of myrtle. During the time that you have the cold, eat starches and complex carbohydrates lightly, eat more lean quality protein, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and avoid wheat and all other grains containing gluten, as well as dairy products and sugar. Drink at least two to three quarts of water a day. Following these health ideas can get you back on your feet in no time.