Is Airborne good for you?
It seems like everyone around campus is sick right now, professors and students alike. All of my roommates are currently battling some illness or another, and I am trying everything I can to avoid getting sick.
In my apartment lately everyone has been drinking glass after glass of Airborne. Despite my roommates pounding it down, they are still progressing on the typical cycle of a cold or flu. So what is this stuff and is it even good for you?
Image courtesy of Arnold Supplements
The first thing that made me think maybe Airborne is something that you shouldn’t take was when I read the ingredients. Other than vitamins and herbs it also has mineral oil and other fillers. What is petroleum doing in a drink that is supposed to make you healthier? After I heard that the store I grocery shop at doesn’t carry Airborne because it doesn’t meet their health standards, I decided to do some digging.
The internet was full of information on why the company retracted its claims that Airborne helps you get over a cold faster. Now they will only state that it will help build your immune system, although these claims also have not been tested. ABC News also found that the “study” Airborne claimed to have completed was not only not done, but the place they claimed performed the study doesn’t even exist. Without scientific studies or research backing up their claims, it is unclear if the product makes a difference or not.
I am all for holistic ways to keep yourself healthy, but Airborne doesn’t seem to fit.
Better ways to prevent illness and get better faster:
1. Keep your immune system strong with a well balanced diet full of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.
2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before you eat or touch your face, lips or eyes.
3. Do not share drinks. Ever.
4. Get enough sleep. When you are tired your immune system is compromised.
5. If you do get sick drink a lot of fluids, get enough sleep, and be sure to maintain a healthy diet. A cup of tea will never hurt either.
