Elderberry supplementation: a safe option for symptoms of common cold and influenza

Traditionally, elderberry has been used for the prevention and treatment of symptoms of upper respiratory infections such as common cold and influenza.

Elderberry fruit contains vitamins C, A, B, iron and other minerals, quercetin and flavonoids (with antioxidant properties to prevent cell damage), and anthocyanidins (to boost immune function).

A systematic review of 5 clinical trials showed that elderberry can potentially reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms, with lower risk of adverse effects, comparing to oseltamivir (an antivirus medication). No evidence of overstimulation of the immune system was reported. This study concluded that elderberry supplementation can be a safe option for treatment of common cold and influenza (1). Also, a meta-analysis of clinical trials reported that supplementation with elderberry considerably reduced the symptoms of cold and flu. The study presented elderberry as a safer alternative to prescription drugs for treatment of routine cases of viral respiratory infections (2).

Remember to avoid eating raw elderberries, seeds, leaves and bark of the tree, since they may be toxic and lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Cooked berries are safe to consume (3).

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Intermittent Fasting (IF): Pros and Cons

Intermittent fasting has gained popularity as an eating approach with potential health benefits supported by emerging scientific evidence. This eating pattern involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. Unlike traditional diets that focus on restricting specific food groups, IF primarily emphasizes when to eat rather than what to eat.

The main types of intermittent fasting are:

Modified fasting or 5:2 diet: in this method, individuals consume a regular diet for five days and significantly reduce calorie intake (fasting) for the remaining two non-consecutive days.
Alternate-day fasting: this method involves alternate days of regular diet and fasting.
Time-restricted eating: in this method there is an “eating window” of 4-12 hours, and a fasting period of 12-20 hours every day. Individuals can eat without restriction during the eating window. The most common type in this pattern is 16:8 type with 16 hours of fasting and 8 hours for eating.

The glycogen stores in the liver are consumed after 12-36 hours of continuous fasting, which changes metabolic processes with consequent health benefits. However, according to some research a minimum of 16 hours of fasting is recommended.

What are some benefits of IF?

Regulates Circadian Rhythm or “Body Clock”: Circadian rhythms refer to the natural changes in an organism's physical, mental, and behavioral aspects that occur within a 24-hour cycle. The primary influencers of circadian rhythms are the alternation between light and dark. However, factors like food consumption, stress levels, physical activity, social surroundings, and temperature also play significant roles in shaping these internal patterns.

Research indicates that extended daily eating periods, lasting from 12 to 15 hours, might interfere with the circadian rhythm and elevate the likelihood of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes (1). IF, especially time-restricted eating reduces the “eating hours” during the day and potentially regulates the circadian rhythm.

Improves Blood Lipid Levels: IF may reduce total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides, and increase HDL or “good” cholesterol. (2) High LDL and triglycerides are believed to increase the risk of heart diseases.

Lowers Blood Sugar: IF may improve insulin resistance and so, lower fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetes (3).

Changes Body Weight and Composition: Several studies have shown that IF can result in 0.8-7% weight loss (and specifically fat loss) in an average of 8 weeks (4). It can reduce visceral fat, waist circumference and total body fat, which are risk factors of metabolic syndrome, including heart diseases and type 2 diabetes.

Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: There is evidence that lower calorie intake in the evenings and fasting during the night may reduce inflammation in body and occurrence of inflammatory conditions such as breast cancer (5). IF may also enhance the body's ability to resist oxidative stress, a factor associated with aging and numerous chronic diseases (6).

While the evidence is promising, it is crucial to approach IF with caution and consider individual variations. The effectiveness of this approach may vary from person to person, and it might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or specific nutritional needs. Some side effects of IF include: feelings of irritability and worsened mood, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and overeating during eating windows. Consulting with a healthcare professional before embarking on an intermittent fasting regimen is advisable to ensure its appropriateness for individual health goals and overall wellbeing.

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