How to Cure Colds. Well, Most of Them Anyway

The best way to conquer a cold (or flu) is vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is an amazingly effective antimicrobial agent, producing 200 to 300 different antimicrobial peptides in you body that kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. So optimizing your levels will not only help end a cold virus packing...IT WILL HELP WARD OFF COLD VIRUSES IN THE FIRST PLACE.

The best source of vitamin D3 is direct sun exposure. But for many of us, this just isn't practical during the winter. The next best option to sunlight is taking vitamin D3 supplements. Based on the latest research, many experts now agree you need about 35 IU's of vitamin D3 per pound of body weight. This recommendation also includes children, the elderly and pregnant women.

It is estimated that the average U.S. adult typically has two to four colds each year, while children may have up to 12! One reason for he widespread prevalence may be that vitamin D3 deficiency is incredibly common in the United States, especially during the winter months when cold (and flu) viruses are at their peak.

In the largest and most nationally representative study of its kind to date, involving about 19,000 Americans, people with the lowest vitamin D3 levels reported having SIGNIFICANTLY more recent colds or cases of the flu. The risk was even greater for those with chronic respiratory disorders like asthma.

At least five additional studies also show an inverse association between lower respiratory tract infections and vitamin D3 levels. But the research is very clear, the HIGHER your vitamin D3 level, the lower your risk of contracting colds, flu and other respiratory tract infections.

It is not surprising, then, that the average American gets so many colds each year, as current guidelines for optimal intake and normal vitamin D3 levels are far too low-and since most people do not get adequate sun exposure on a daily basis (which is what produces vitamin D3 in your skin) many are deficient .