Science Demonstrates Zinc Does Aide Colds

A new study now supports zinc's position that it really does decrease the length of time and severity of the common cold, which usually hangs around for a week or so.

Zinc has been around for decades as far as scientific research goes dating back to the start of 1984 when the first wave of evidence it stating zinc was effective for the cold. Since that time researchers looking into the health benefits of zinc just ended up in mixed results.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews published a study last month which consisted of an examination of 15 studies, two of which were conducted by a researcher at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, determines that zinc lozenges or syrup does greatly decrease a cold's duration and severity if taken within 24 hours of symptoms appearing.

Dr. Meenu Singh, pediatric professor in Indiana and the review's lead author stated that a past Cochrane review did not show a remarked effect of zinc however, due to new trials being added the scales have been shifted towards positive benefits.

The findings did not amaze those many people who use zinc when they feel a cold coming on.

Each year children can catch a total of six to ten colds and adult two to four colds. Days of lost work and school which adds up to millions of days each year.

This illness results in millions in practitioner visits and billions of dollars being spent in those over-the-counter cold medicines and prescription medications.

Scientists are still on the quest for the cure of the common cold. Zinc, the "essential trace element" is used for boosting the immune system to treat the common cold and was first associated to that fact over 25 years ago. Since that time there have been many studies conducted on its effectiveness.

Two independent reviewers had examined 13 therapeutic studies and two preventive studies which consisted of 1,360 people. Even though the study did suggest further research it was concluded that people who take zinc usually will not have cold symptoms past seven days.

Zinc lozenges according to the study can have outcomes of side effects but they are mostly bad tasted and nausea.

The current recommended dosage for treating the common cold is one zinc gluconate or acetate lozenge which has 9 to 24 mg of elemental zinc which is to be dissolved in the mouth every two hours while awake when cold symptoms are present.

Other noted supplements

Echinacea

Research has found that echinacea can treat cold symptoms it will not prevent a cold. Take echinacea upon first noticing symptoms can decrease the symptoms of the cold in adults. Echinacea is safe for most people in short term use. It is also likely safe in children aged two to twelve when used for up to ten days. Some children however, could develop a rash. People with allergic reactions to things such as ragweed and daises could have a reaction to echinacea.

Dosage to treat upper respiratory infections which include the common cold and the flu have a wide variety of dosing due to how the preparations are prepared.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been noted to relieve the common cold and boost immune system along with increasing energy. Studies have shown that acupuncture and herbal medicines can decrease respiratory infections and decrease the duration of the cold.

Chiropractic

No your chiropractor cannot cure your cold but definitely can give your immune system the boost it needs to fend off that virus.

Spinal misalignment causes compression and irritation of the nerve pathways which influence the bodies organ systems. A misalignment causes nerve stress and this stress does alter the rates of immune function and increases your susceptibility to numerous diseases. When these interferences are corrected the immune system begins to function properly once more allowing your body to naturally fight the cold virus.

One study finding had found that people who receive regular chiropractic care have increased their immune system by 200%. Sources:

Web MD

Emed TV

Detroit News

Acupuncture America