Cold / Zinc and MS

Greetings everybody!  

A couple of quick questions while I wait for the Advil-Cold to kick in....

a)  What have you heard/read about using zinc supplements to enhance the immune system against common colds (and shorten the duration of the cold and/or improve it)  I read this could be bad for those of us with MS and limboland because an empowered immune system can also increase the relapse risk.  Is this true?

b)  This takes me to a second question: How critical is it to go to the doctor (the GP), after even the slightest cold?   I have been feeling under the weather for a couple of days, with a bit of sore throat and stuffy nose/sinuses, but I have been reluctant to go to the doctor, because I fear that unnecessary antibiotics might worsen the risk of relapse rather than lower it.  What is the best course of action, and what would you do?

Thanks!!!   Hope everybody is doing well....

[Sparkysarah]

I cannot answer your first question about zinc, but I have heard that one should not take echinacea to boost the immune system.

With the second question and based only on common sense rather than medical input. Most colds are viral and so antibiotics will not be necessary. However if you feel that cold has changed and shifted to chest, or throat is worse or sinuses are in pain then it is likely that you have an infection and antibiotics would be necessary. I have not heard that antibiotics do harm and many people appear to take them regularly e.g. for urine infections. However they can upset the balance of good bacteria in your gut if you take them and some people may take probiotics to help with this.

Listen to your body and if you are concerned then go to your doctor..that is what they are there for..Generally a good rule is that most common colds will clear up of their own accord and I would not go to my dr for this unless there is a deterioration and I feel worse after a few days...but this is just my personal experience.

Best wishes

Sarah

[sllowe]

Pablo-M,

Where ya been?
So, poppin in to say hello, and 2nd Sarah and also add on to let your common sense prevail here. Indeed like you mention MSers should not take those supplements that are known to stimulate the immune system including high dose C in addition to others.

If you are sick longer than you are comfortable with or your throat gets worse, please get to the MD to identify viral vs bacterial.

Infection (treated or untreated) that requires anti-biotics can also send you into relapse. In the end, when in doubt just go.

I'm doing pretty well. How are you doing besides this? How have you been feeling (besides the ick of course).

Nice to see you!
-Shell

[Ojibajo]

I hope there are not issues with zinc and MS. I had a scratchy throat last night and the first thing that I did was pop a zinc lozenge. I didn't wake up with the sore throat this morning.

I'm not sure what I should be afraid of. If I take the zinc, I still have MS. If I don't take it. I still have MS. I'm just trying to stay well enough to not go into a flare especially since I am just coming out of one.

[jujuminx]

Hey there!!!  Great to see you.  Sorry you are not feeling your best.

I sometimes take zinc when I feel a cold coming on. It helps keep it in check and now with the new report out on it, it's benefits are confirmed.

MS is a balancing act.  It seems everything we do for our health has to be taken with our MS in mind.  Personally, I think the key is not overdoing anything. Don't take HIGH doses of any suppliment (zinc included), as it may negatively impact your immune system by over stimulating it but taking some I think is fine.

As far as the doctor goes, well, that's a personal call.  Most colds are not impacted by antibotics anyway. Usually I tough it out as I hate seeing my dr but at the same time you need to make sure your illness doesn't bring on a relapse. Use your best judgement, you have plenty of it.

Hope you feel better soon. Great hearing from you.

Blessings, Julie

[addicted2harleys]

I honestly don't know what normal zinc levels should be (I forgot) but I did learn some things about zinc several months back.  

I am a Poligrip user and this use to contain zinc.  They have since taken it out due to lawsuits.  Excessive prolonged levels of high zinc is very bad.  When the zinc rises, it depletes your copper levels.  This causes neuro issues very similar to MS and could be deadly.

People were getting zinc poisoning from using Poligrip more than what the box says.  Like when their dentures don't fit so they use more than what they say to use and maybe use it a couple more times a day to reglue their teeth instead of the one time the box said.  

I found these things out only due to a fluke, as I am a Polygrip user.  I know I could get exact figures if anyone wants me to....or maybe this is enough.  

As far as taking zinc supplements goes, I would definitely check with your GP to make sure you wouldn't be taking too much.  

Addi

[Pablo_Morphy]

Shell, Addi, Julie, Sarah hi!

Oji, pleased to meet you!

Thanks for the advice, which was very helpful.  I didn't try a zinc-supplement therapy on my own.  In the end, I took care of myself the traditional way:  Got lots of rest (especially sleep), and bought ibuprofen and mucinex to improve the cold's symptoms.  I now feel much better, thanks goodness.  Didn't go to the doctor, but worked just as well.

However, ever since I got my first episode, I've been taking care of myself more carefully if I get the flu or a cold.  In the past I wouldn't pay much attention to it, but now I'm just trying to be more defensive to prevent further relapses that nobody wants!

Thanks again for your help.  Abrazos to all of you...

Pablo

[SaraH568]

Taking zinc is great for your immune system.  Zinc is an essential mineral.  But like anything, taking too much of zinc is NOT good for you - I should know!

I have a rare disease called wilson's disease, which is a deficiency of zinc.  By not having enough zinc, I have a build-up of copper.  Zinc blocks the absorption of copper.  Too much copper can cause neurological damage...and death!  On the other hand, if you are healthy and take too much zinc, you will have copper deficiency - which is also not good!

A great zinc source is Gluzin - zinc gluconate.  Gluzin is fast adsorbing and less irritable to your stomach i.e. nausea and possible vomiting at high dose.  If you do not have WD, it is recommended that you NOT take it on an empty stomach.  Gluzin comes in two dosage form, 25 mg and 50 mg.  

My husband will pop a 25 mg every time he think he maybe coming down with a cold, and/or the cold has hit.  The zinc seems to shorten the amount of time that he is sick.  Hope this helps!