In terms of nutrition, what's the best way to prevent/battle colds?

Hi Craig,

Vitamin C plus zinc has been shown to decrease the duration and frequency of colds. Echinacea also has good research to support its immunity-supporting effects. Also, whey protein - over and above its muscle-building and muscle-recovery effects - improves immunity and health in general.

Hi Craig,

I'm going to add that you work with the public and just the nature of your job puts you at increased risk of getting sick. So I'm going to highly recommend that you wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer in between clients and definitely before you eat. Avoid touching your face and have your clients reschedule their appointment with you if they're not feeling well; emphasizing the "above the neck rule". If someone's symptoms include their face and chest, they should avoid exercise until they feel better. Not having a sick client cough and sneeze on you will signficantly decrease your risk of becoming sick.

Feel better!

Hi Craig,

Yes, as Lauren suggest, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Very good advice!

as a GP who sees colds all the time I agree with Mark and Lauren in that prevention is better than the cure but the 2 research proven nutrients that help prevent and fight the cold viruses are zinc (around 30 mg/d) and recently vit D ,vit C in high doses has been historically known again to reduce the duration of the illness.

I usually take a vitamin supplement everyday even though have a good diet because athletes always require more anyway as Mark will support that,but I also take a tablet of zinc which you can buy from any of the health food shops before bed which has a hypnotic effect as well.

Thanks for the responses guys, much appreciated. I think you're right, prevention is definitely the best way forward.

I definitely agree with Abs about the vitamin D - most people are deficient, which can only mean that it will have an even more profound effect if anything.