Dr Shireen, who is known on TikTok as doctorshireen, has shared a simple and cost-effective remedy to combat the common cold and flu – and she claims “it really works”
An NHS GP has shared a straightforward and budget-friendly solution to tackle common colds and flu. With cold and flu season hitting the UK, as well as a new Covid strain to look out for, Brits will no doubt want to look for ways to help ease their symptoms.
Doctor Shireen, who goes by @doctorshireen on TikTok, revealed her own approach, insisting “it really works”. In her informative clip, she described the method as “extremely easy” and promised it can “reduce the duration and severity of any cold you have this winter”.
She urged followers to try it out, calling it “the best investment of your time”, and stressed that at the earliest warning signs of illness, like a scratchy throat or streaming nose, swift action is essential, reports Surrey Live.
She explained: “The second notice an itchy throat, a runny nose, itchy, burning eyes – anything that might suggest you’ve got a cough or cold coming – what I want you to do is take two things – vitamin C and zinc”.
Vitamin C supplements won’t break the bank, with Tesco offering a pack of 30 for £1.25, working out at just over 4p a day. Or you can get Tesco Health Vitamin C & Zinc Tablets, which come in a pack of 120, for £3.50, meaning you get both vitamins for less than 3p a day.
For those who struggle with swallowing pills, she noted: “You can actually get tablets that you can pop into water – just start it. You can’t prevent coughs or colds, but research is out there to show that taking zinc and vitamin C reduces the duration and severity. I’ve personally been doing this for the last couple of years and I can tell you it really works.”
However, seek advice before popping any supplements to ensure they’re safe for consumption. This cautionary note comes as NHS GP, Dr Karan Raj, warns that “if you consume too much calcium, either in supplement form or in food, this can actually impact the iron absorption,” which is essential if you’re on iron tablets.
This happens because “calcium competes with iron for absorption in your intestines. High calcium also has an impact on your body’s ability to absorb non heme iron”. This is the type of iron found in many plant-based foods, he explains.
This is why it’s often suggested to take iron tablets with a source of Vitamin C to boost absorption – and as mentioned earlier, these can be bought cheaply at most supermarkets and offer multiple benefits. With this in mind, the doctor suggests that when you next have breakfast, consider taking “calcium and iron at different times of the day, at least a few hours apart. So if you’re drinking milk, eating yoghurt, or consuming any calcium-rich food, consider delaying your iron supplement by a few hours.”
Why is Vitamin C good for you?
The NHS also emphasises how vital this vitamin is stating that it:
- helps to protect cells and keeping them healthy
- helps with wound healing
- maintains healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage
What is a good source of Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables.
Good sources include:
- citrus fruit, such as oranges and orange juice
- broccoli
- strawberries
- blackcurrants
- brussels sprouts
- peppers
- potatoes
How much vitamin C do I need?
Adults between the ages of 19 and 64 require a daily dose of 40mg of vitamin C. “You should be able to get all the vitamin C you need from your daily diet. Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body, so you need it in your diet every day”, cautions the NHS.
Why is zinc beneficial for me?
Zinc aids in:
- making new cells and enzymes
- wound healing
- processing carbohydrate, fat and protein in food
What are the best sources of zinc?
Zinc can be found in:
- dairy foods – such as cheese
- meat
- cereal products – such as wheatgerm
- shellfish
- bread
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How much zinc do I need each day?
Men aged 19 to 64 years need about 9.5mg of zinc per day, while women need 7mg. You should be able to get all the zinc you need from your daily diet.
However, if you’re taking supplements, the NHS advises: “Do not take more than 25mg of zinc supplements a day unless advised to by a doctor.”