Cold and flue can be very annoying, and they are not only present during the winter, they can also be caught in the summer, if a person isn't careful enough. If you are interested to prevent these diseases, you can take a flue shot, boost your levels of vitamin C, but you could also try to protect yourself with zinc.
Experts have been experimenting with zinc and results of the latest research shows that individuals who took zinc have better chances of recovery. They used two groups of subjects, first group received syrup or pastilles with zinc every two hours during the disease and the second was given placebos. The results showed that the ones who took zinc have double the chances to overcome the disease within seven days. Scientists believe that zinc could replace vitamin C in the future and it could become the most effective food supplement in fight with the cold.
Rhino viruses are the main culprits for the common cold; there around 200 rhino virus types and they cause around sixty to seventy percent of all colds. Since there are numerous kinds of viruses that can cause cold, it becomes practically impossible to find a cure for it. So it's important to point out that zinc isn't a cure for the cold, because there isn't one, but rather this mineral should be considered as an aid when it comes to dealing with the disease and the symptoms.
When taken, zinc can decrease severity and duration of the common cold. The evidence also shows that zinc in trace amounts can help in prevention, and it can decrease the frequency of the colds. So if you want some extra protection against cold, this is the right thing for you. In children this mineral can help to decreases the consumption of antibiotics, scientists say.
Zinc is distributed in the form of lozenges which dissolve in the mouth. The lozenges release into the body zinc ions which have the ability to stop the multiplication of rhino viruses. Dosage is also very important factor when dealing with zinc. Even though zinc is beneficial to the body, there are specific preparations which could have side effects. People have been known to suffer from nausea, unpleasant feeling in the mouth and diarrhea, so it's important to take the proper amounts of zinc when treating the cold. Experts recommend that the daily dosage of zinc shouldn't exceed 15mg.