Try This - 6 Things I Do when I Feel a Cold or Flu Coming On

Cold and flu season has arrived early this year. And these viruses are hitting people hard. 

Today, I want to share what I do when I feel a cold or flu coming on. My family and I have a bunch of tricks for when we’re starting to feel run down—sore throats, congestion, you know, all that fun stuff… 

And what I’m sharing today really works for me! Or at least, it makes a big difference in how I feel. I don’t have any affiliation with the companies I’m sharing outside of today’s sponsor, and they are all brands that I love and have been using for years. Plus, there are some free tips here too. 

Let’s dive into the six things I do when I feel a cold or flu coming on. 

Number 1: I Use MycoShield Immune Support Spray

You know that moment when you swallow and your throat aches, signaling an impending cold? At that moment, this is one of the first things I grab. 

MycoShield is a throat spray made with mushroom extracts and herbs to support immunity, and it has been a staple in my house for calming a sore throat. In fact, my whole family now uses it and keeps it in the house for this reason. 

One of the reasons mushrooms like the one in this spray are so interesting for immunity is that they contain compounds called beta-glucans, which interact with immune cells involved in our body's first line of defense, including macrophages and natural killer cells. Reishi beta-glucans have even been shown in a randomized human trial to increase certain T cells and natural killer cell activity.

Pretty cool. 

Number 2: I Gargle with Warm Salt Water (THIS ONE IS FREE)

This might be the least glamorous thing on this list, but it’s one of my favorites.

I mix salt into warm water and gargle several times throughout the day, especially if my throat is starting to feel irritated.

Gargling salt water can soothe a sore throat, loosen mucus, and help keep the mouth and throat comfortable. There's also some research suggesting regular gargling may help reduce upper respiratory infections. 

A Japanese trial found that adults who gargled three times a day for two months got about a third fewer upper respiratory infections, and a University of Edinburgh study showed that starting a saltwater gargle and saline nasal rinse in the first two days of a cold shortened it by almost two days. Not bad for something that costs pennies.

We’ve been doing this since we were kids; it’s something that many Asian cultures practice to prevent viruses.

It's cheap, simple, and takes about 30 seconds.

Number 3: I Use Xlear Nasal Spray

Your nose is one of the primary places respiratory viruses enter and replicate, so I'm pretty diligent about nasal hygiene.

I like to use Xlear, a saline nasal spray containing xylitol, to rinse and moisturize my nasal passages when something is going around. 

This past weekend, for example, I was at an event with a ton of people and little kids who were sniffling, and I made sure to keep some on hand. 

There’s some evidence that using xylitol nasal irrigation can help with nasal inflammation, and I have found this to be the case myself. 

Number 4: I Use Zinc + Propolis Lozenges

Zinc is probably one of the more interesting tools on this list.

Research suggests that zinc lozenges started early in a cold may shorten its duration, although results depend heavily on the formulation, dose, and timing.

I also like lozenges containing propolis, a resin-like substance made by bees that contains a wide variety of bioactive compounds. There's some intriguing research on its antimicrobial and immune effects, but the clinical evidence for treating respiratory infections isn't nearly as established as it is for zinc.

I use these lozenges from Beekeeper's Naturals. They contain zinc, propolis, and vitamin D… all of which can help with a cold. 

Number 5: I Temporarily Take 10,000 IU of Vitamin D

I want to put a giant asterisk next to this one.

When I feel something coming on, I personally use 10,000 IU of vitamin D for a short period of time based on my own health history and labs. 

That is not a dose I'm recommending everyone take.

Vitamin D plays an important role in immune function, and having adequate vitamin D status matters for overall health. But that doesn't mean megadosing vitamin D when you're sick will cure a respiratory infection.

For context, the tolerable upper level for routine vitamin D intake in most adults is 4,000 IU per day. Higher doses may be appropriate in certain circumstances, but that's something to discuss with a qualified healthcare professional, ideally with your vitamin D levels and individual needs in mind.

Number 6: I Get Outside and Get Extra Sunlight

Finally, I get outside.

When I'm starting to feel run down, my instinct used to be to stay indoors all day. Now, unless I'm really sick, I try to get some gentle outdoor light, especially in the morning.

Sunlight is one of the strongest signals for your circadian clock. Morning light helps anchor your sleep-wake rhythm, and good sleep is incredibly important for immune function and recovery.

I talk about this in depth in my conversation with Dr. Roger Seheult, which you can check out here. 

Depending on the time of year, latitude, skin exposure, and other factors, UVB exposure can also contribute to vitamin D production. 

But it’s not just about vitamin D. Sunlight’s benefits extend to other areas of immunity, and I think we will understand more and more over the coming years. 

Those recovering from COVID also seem to fare better when they get more sunlight, which is fascinating. 

And there are some other foundational things…

I stay super hydrated. I wash my hands, especially after attending big events. I eat warm foods (broth, soups). I try to eat very little ultra-processed food when I feel run down. I rest. I also replace coffee with green tea because it contains antioxidants and catechins to help fight inflammation and viruses. 

I hope this list is helpful for anyone looking to bounce back quickly from cold and flu season. 

See you next time. 

Much love, 
Dhru Purohit 

The information in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice; please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.