Colds are a leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from work and school.  Americans suffer from approximately 1 billion colds per year, about about two to four colds per year for the average adult.  

Why do people start to get sick when the leaves fall and the season changes?

As the temperatures drop, we begin to spend more time indoors and less time in the sun.  This means our vitamin D levels begin to drop, and we are more apt to spread viruses from one person to another.

The Real Cause of Colds and Flu

Many people believe colds and the flu are caused by bacteria, but that is simply incorrect.  Colds and flu are caused by viruses, and using antibiotics to treat a viral infection is completely ineffective.

It is also important to realize although a virus triggers your cold or flu symptoms, it is not the real cause of the illness.  

So what is the real cause of colds and flu?

The simple answer is due to an impaired immune system.  Research has confirmed that catching colds and flu may be a symptom of underlying vitamin D deficiency.  Less than optimal vitamin D levels will significantly impair your immune response and make you more susceptible to contracting colds and influenza.

Some of the contributing factors to a weakened immune system include:

  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Eating too much sugar and grains
  • Not getting enough sleep
  • Insufficient exercise
  • Too much stress in your life

The best way to enhance your immune system:   Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an amazing microbial agent, which produces peptides that kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi.  In order to get sufficient vitamin D in your system it is recommended you take 35 IU per pound of body weight.  Adults typically need an average of 5,000 IU of Vitamin D per day; however, some double that during the colder months.

Other options

In addition to optimizing your vitamin D levels, several other lifestyle changes to improve your immune system:

  • Raw, organic eggs from free-range chicken
  • Grass-fed beef
  • Coconuts and coconut oil
  • Garlic, a potent antimicrobial that kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi
  • High ORAC value herbs such as turmeric, oregano, cinnamon, cloves
  • Drink 1/2 your weight in ounces of water
  • The use of essential oils either in your water or applied topically (remember to use coconut oil as a carrier oil when applying to your skin)  and diffuse to help everyone in your family.