#Strengthening #immunity #autumn #doctor #advises
Our body is constantly exposed to contact with microorganisms that can lead to the development of various types of diseases.
Each of us has enormous defensive and healing potential, but it must be properly strengthened and… respected. This potential is a well-functioning immune system. It is the best medicine for all ailments. This applies not only to viral, bacterial and fungal infections, but also to chronic diseases, including cancer.
The immune system is an interactive network of organs, cells and proteins that protect the body against viruses (e.g. influenza, parainfluenza, covid-19), bacteria and all substances foreign to our body. Its main task is to neutralize and remove pathogens that enter the body, recognize and neutralize harmful substances from the environment, or fight against one’s own cells in the case of autoimmune diseases.
We have a natural ability to strengthen our immune system – although this will not prevent various pathogens from entering the body, it will provide effective defense against their pathogenic effects.
What factors influence immunity?
The body’s immunity is influenced by many factors, such as nutritional status, general health, diet, medications used, physical activity, adequate amount of sleep, outdoor activity, emotional state, stress, and age. The older a person is, the worse the process of nutrient absorption and the increase in vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which weakens the body and increases its susceptibility to various types of diseases.
Consuming refined products, large amounts of carbohydrates and saturated fats, i.e. the so-called junk food, drinking too little valuable fluids such as: water, fruit and vegetable juices, preferably from home-squeezed fruit, tea, easily leads to intestinal leakage, which causes the absorption of toxins from the intestines into the blood and leads to weakening our natural immunity. The efficiency of our immune system is strictly dependent on the composition of the intestinal bacterial flora.
How can we build our immunity before the upcoming infectious season in autumn and winter?
Proper nutrition and wise supplementation
Pre- and probiotics
Some “experts” say that with proper nutrition there is no need for supplementation. However, we all know that the food consumed does not contain the appropriate amount of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals or other physiological substances needed for the proper functioning of our body, and, consequently, our immune system.
It is absolutely necessary to replenish the appropriate bacterial flora by using pre- and probiotics, e.g. AC Zymes, AC-Zymes Plus, ProbioBalance, reinforcement maintaining the microbiological balance of the intestines with the help of active ingredients contained in Garlic Max, ParaProteX.
Beneficial intestinal bacteria they displace harmful microorganisms and synthesize enzymes that destroy harmful bacteria, stimulate the secretion of IgA immunoglobulins and regulatory T cells, that support immune functions.
Cool, then cold months and lack of adequate sunlight lead to deficiency vitamin D with all the health consequences of its deficiency and symptoms of autumn or winter depression. Every day – as soon as there is a ray of sunlight – it is worth exposing your face to its effects. Of course, it is known that this is not enough and appropriate vitamin D supplementation is also necessary – D-drops liquid vitamin D or VITAMIN D 2000 IU.
For the effect of this vitamin to be optimal, it is necessary to administer it in the appropriate dose, which requires testing the level of its 25OHD3 metabolite in the blood.
One of the most important – some believe that the most important vitamin in building immunity is vitamin Cwhich our body cannot produce or store, so we must constantly supply it from the outside. So far, several mechanisms have been identified by which vitamin C may influence the activity of the immune system. First of all, it was observed that high concentrations of vitamin C are present in phagocytes and lymphocytes, i.e. in the basic cells of our body involved in ensuring proper immunity. It makes immune cells reach the site of infection faster and fight the threat.
Due to the fact that the half-life of vitamin C is approximately 2 hours, you should reach for dietary supplements produced using Delayed Release Technology, which ensures the gradual release and absorption of vitamin C and its constant level in the body (e.g. C 1000 Plus, C 500, C 300 Plus with rose hips and bioflavonoids).
Vitamin A
Vitamin A (e.g. Beta Carotene)- plays an integral role in immune health and its supplementation may be beneficial in preventing various diseases and infections. It participates in the maturation and differentiation of immune system cells, including lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils. Its deficiency blocks the regeneration of the mucosal barrier, which causes increased susceptibility to infections and more difficult recovery from infectious diseases.
It is a very strong antioxidant vitamin e (e.g. Vitamin E).Scientific research has shown that Vitamin E supplementation significantly reduces the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections and shortens the duration of infection.
Deficiency iron not only contributes to anemia, but may also disturb the proper functioning of the immune system – Maybe lead to an increase in the risk of infections and infections, and a decrease in the body’s bactericidal abilities. Iron (e.g. Iron Plus) helps deliver the right amount of oxygen to damaged cells, tissues and organs that are susceptible to infections.
It is an absolutely necessary element to maintain the proper functioning of the immune system zinc. It plays a special role in the growth of T lymphocytes and the differentiation of white blood cells, and supports the processes of apoptosis, which is a natural process of programmed cell death in a multicellular organism. Thanks to this mechanism, worn-out or damaged cells are removed from the body, Cells of bacteria, viruses and fungi that are dangerous to us are eliminated. Zinc It is also a key structural component for many hormone receptors and proteins that contribute to proper functioning mood balance and immune function. Regular zinc supplementation for at least 5 months can reduce the risk of colds and other infectious diseases and contribute to faster recovery. (e.g. Chelated Zinc, MagneZi B6).
What plant ingredients are important for strengthening immunity?
To strengthen our immune system, we can use many valuable dietary supplements. In addition to the above-mentioned ones, I recommend essential oils to my patients – Oregano Oil, Curcuma Pro, Polinesian Noni, ImmunAid, VirAgo, Rhodiolin, SambuRex – their active ingredients have a special effect on our body, at least due to their plant composition.
Control stress, overcome anxiety
A very strong immunodepressant – a factor that reduces the strength of the immune system is stress, fear, depression and anxiety disorders. In times of the current pandemic, a large part of our society is in a state of chronic fear for their health and that of their families. Therefore, I recommend using preparations with magnesium, B vitamins and Rhodiola rosea (Stress Management, MagneZi B6, Rhodiolin).
skin barrier
The skin’s protective barrier also plays an important role in building immunityspecifically its hydrolipid coat, which is a natural water-fat coating consisting of, among others, from water, lipids and proteins. Its protective effect consists primarily in maintaining the correct level of moisture in the skin, the appropriate level of acidity (so-called pH) and protection against harmful external factors, e.g. mechanical damage, chemicals, bacteria and viruses.
Although the skin’s protective barrier performs very important functions, it is delicate and can be easily damaged. Factors that threaten it include genetic predispositions, hormonal conditions, harmful external factors (dry air, too high or low temperature, UV radiation, chemicals, overuse of disinfectants, too frequent wearing of impermeable gloves). Violation of the skin’s protective barrier may contribute to the penetration of viruses, bacteria and fungi through open pores or microcracks. Therefore, it is necessary to use appropriate cosmetics that do not dry out the skin and do not change its natural acidity (e.g. a line of ecological cosmetics OrganiCare, Aquabelle, Hand&Body Lotion, EveryMoment).
Building and maintaining immunity must continue throughout the year, and not – as a large part of society does – when health is threatened.
It’s worth remembering the password:
our health = efficient immune system
Bożena Flis-Raniowska – internal medicine doctor
