Written By Dr. Natalie Ledbetter
An Excellent Supplement Formula to Support the Immune System
Doing the Corona virus pandemic, I was looking for different nutritional supplements that would help to support my immune system and keep me healthy. I did a search of various products looking at their contents and anecdotal evidence as to their effectiveness. In my search I discovered Viracid from Orthomolecular. It contains a combination of nutrients and Chinese herbs formulated to support and boost the immune system.
This supplement formula includes
- L lysine
- Vitamins A&C
- Vitamins B5 and B12
- Elderberry
- Astragalus
- Echinacea
- Andrographis
The following includes a brief review of some of the ingredients in the formula.
Echinacea, a native of North America, is widely used to prevent or treat colds. Preclinical studies lend credibility to the idea that echinacea works through immune mechanisms. It appears that this herb shortens the duration and severity of colds and other upper respiratory tract infections when given within hours of symptoms becoming evident. This was reported in numerous clinical trials that were reviewed.
Elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient and safe treatment for influenza. Symptoms were relieved on average four days earlier than in subjects receiving placebo in 2 studies that were reviewed.
Andrographis: The conclusion of a recent study on Kan Jong (Andrographis) was that Andrographis paniculata had a high degree of effectiveness in decreasing the intensity and prevalence of symptoms of the common cold. No adverse effects were observed or reported in the study reviewed. It was reported that Andrographis had a positive effect in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections and also relieved the inflammatory symptoms of sinusitis.
Astragalus: Some evidence shows that astragalus may increase the body’s production of white blood cells, which are the cells of your immune system responsible for preventing illness. In animal research, astragalus root has been shown to help kill bacteria and viruses in mice.
Lysine: Lysine is an essential amino acid and some studies show that lysine can reduce the duration and frequency of cold sores which are caused by a virus. Additionally, Lysine may help reduce anxiety and levels of the stress hormone cortisol in some people. Sustained higher levels of cortisol decrease the body’s lymphocytes, white blood cells that help fight off infection, so lowering cortisol over time can help support the immune system.
If you are looking for a good formula to take during cold and flu season or whenever you want to boost your immunity, such as when traveling or around others who are sick, Viracid is worth looking into.