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Re-Think Zinc
By Dr. Jonathan Wright on 12/08/2008
Q: We've been passing a cold from person to person in my house for the past few weeks. I'd like to try natural remedies like zinc, but I heard that the lozenges don't work very well. Is that true?
Dr. Wright: For years, there's been a debate going on about whether or not zinc lozenges actually shorten the duration of colds. Research does show that they're helpful, but I hear mixed reviews from Tahoma Clinic clients who have tried them and say they had no effect.
There are two things to keep in mind when trying zinc lozenges to shorten the duration of cold symptoms. First, the only zinc lozenges that has been proven effective in studies are ones in which the zinc has been combined with acetate.
Second, since zinc works by killing microorganisms on contact, you shouldn't chew or swallow the lozenges. It's a much better idea to allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly under your tongue. And it's even more effective to "swish and gargle" some of the dissolved zinc, to let it come into contact with as many oral and throat surfaces as possible. Individuals who have used this simple adjustment tell me their zinc lozenges work even better than before.
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Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. has degrees from both Harvard University (cum laude) and the University of Michigan. More than any other doctor, he practically invented the modern science of applied nutritional biochemistry and he has advanced nutritional medicine for nearly three decades.
As of today, Dr. Wright has received over 35,000 patient visits at his now-famous Tahoma Clinic in Washington State.
To learn more about Dr. Wright, and to sign up for his free Health e-Tips eLetter, please visit www.wrightnewsletter.com.
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Comments
Anonymous
Do you know if there is a zinc nasal spray for a stuffy nose with yellowish/greenish mucous(sinus infection?)?
Anonymous
To Anonymous,
For the sinus infection there are a couple of treatments that are very effective. One is NutriBiotic's Grapefruit Extract NASAL SPRAY.
Another is colloidal silver, specifically Utopia Silver's Advanced Colloidal Silver.
Also read their testimonials regarding its use for Sinusitis.
kall
Thank you for sharing these information on zinc treatment. Cold is one of the most bannal health affections, when you get a cold you don't worry too much about it, you just get your treatment and wait. Nevertheless, ignoring cold symptoms can lead to complications like bronchitis, sinus infection and other related affections and there are a little harder to treat. Do you have any suggestions for sinus treatment, other than antibiotics?
Anonymous
When I encounter ANY kind of cold symptom I immediately turn to my good old squeeze bottle of 1/4 tsp sea-salt in water inserted into each nostril. It stings a little, but the results are astounding
Anonymous
I got this recipe years ago and it worked for me. I had a sinus infection that I had gone through 3 rounds of antibiotics and a shot. After all that, it was not gone. My doctor sent me to an ENT who said I would have to have surgery. I knew I was going that route as I had a friend that has had it done twice and "needs" it again. Here's what cured me and I use it on a regular basis when I think I am coming down with the dreaded sinus infection. Three essential oils, cinnamon, clove & thyme. 3 drops of each in about two cups of water, bring to a boil and breathe through your nose and I breathe it into my lungs too. Got rid of it and it has worked for numerous people at work. They too are hooked on this natural remedy.
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