The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract.

Symptoms of the Common Cold

Being the most common of all disease, colds are characterized by:

  • Congestion
  • Coughing
  • Headache
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing

Most of these symptoms are the attempts of your immune system to fight the virus. They usually clear up in five to ten days, after which there is a several week period of residual coughing and slight congestion.

Supplements to treat the Common Cold

The following supplements are used to treat the symptoms of the common cold:

Supplement Dosage Precautions
Echinacea Twice a day Do not use long term as it will lose its effectiveness.
The maximum period of continuous use should be 8 weeks. Then take 1 week off.
Essential Defense One to two tablets every hour or as needed Metagenics product.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) 1,000 to 3,000 mg once a day When taking NAC supplements, also take Vitamin C, Copper, and Zinc.
Taurine 2,000 mg once a day Take between meals. Discontinue use if you have chest or throat tightness, or if you break out with
hives. DO NOT TAKE WITH ASPIRIN.
Vitamin C 1,000 to 2,500 mg twice a day Do not take high doses if you are prone to kidney stones or gout. Take Vitamin C as Magnesium Ascorbate. Never take Ascorbic Acid because it causes the body to become acidic and Vitamin C is not stored in the body as Ascorbic Acid.
Zinc 25 mg once a day Take Zinc Picolinate or Zinc Citrate as they are better absorbed by the body.