I totally agree that atkins strengthens your immune system. I used to get some form of a cold at least every month in the autumn and winters, and I haven't been sick once since I started. My live-in SO has been sick with the flu for over a week and I haven't even gotten one sniffle. Going off of atkins is definitely not the way to get rid of the cold. Make your own low-carb soup, eat some sf jello, and drink lots of water!