Immunity in the fall: new ways to maintain it
About how easy it is to wake up, be vigorous and successfully resist colds, said the doctor of medical sciences Sergei Vladimirovich Okovity.
Autumn is that insidious time of the year when the warmth is suddenly replaced by a light coolness, then the heralds of the approaching winter appear abruptly, and all this sometimes happens within two or three weeks. And so several times … Naturally, in such a crazy cycle, the human body weakens – almost everyone is haunted by constant fatigue due to lack of energy, and during illness, even if it is a slight cold, the autumn blues comes with double strength. Fighting this condition is real. It is enough to include in your diet foods that contain medicinal substances that help to fight off the acclimatization deficit, as well as quickly recover from a cold or an infectious disease.
Fish oil is an animal product obtained from the liver of cod. Due to its high content of essential fatty acids omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, fish oil has many medicinal properties. The main ones are a positive effect on the metabolism in the body, lowering cholesterol levels, the ability to activate the immune system, as well as a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Fish oil will help fight autumn depression and blues. In addition to fatty acids, the product contains vitamins A, D and E, which enhance the synergistic effect of taking the drug. Fish oil is especially recommended for children and professional athletes.
It is extracted from flax seeds by pressing. Like fish oil, it is high in unsaturated fatty acids. Flaxseed oil also contains vitamins A, E, F and minerals. Flaxseed oil normalizes metabolic processes in the body, has a positive effect on the skin, hair and nails. As we know, in autumn, the delicate skin of the face and hands is severely weathered, dryness and dullness appear, and hair and nails become weak and brittle. A spoonful of linseed oil in the morning can restore softness and a healthy glow to the skin and make nails and hair stronger.
This substance acts as a catalyst – it activates metabolic processes inside cells, replenishing energy reserves in the body both during a cold and during the recovery period. Succinic acid is found not only in the gem of the same name, but also in some products: sea shellfish, sour milk drinks, black bread, cheese, light grapes, asparagus and sauerkraut. Also, this substance accumulates in the leaves of nettle and Chinese magnolia vine. The main strength of succinic acid is that it multiplies the effect of other beneficial substances several times, therefore its effectiveness increases when used together with several elements. Due to its unique properties, succinic acid is used in pharmaceuticals and is a part of medicines.
This shrub has so many beneficial properties that it is called Siberian ginseng. Tea with eleutherococcus or tincture of eleutherococcus increases the body’s endurance, significantly increases the level of efficiency. The extract of this plant is often used as a tonic. It is important to know that Eleutherococcus improves the functioning of the nervous system, effectively combats the symptoms of overwork and optimizes not only mental, but also physical activity, helping a person to cope with any stress during the period of intense climatic changes. Reception of Eleutherococcus is also recommended for those who want to quickly recover from serious illnesses.
For many, this may come as a surprise, but spices are not only a seasoning for culinary delights, but also a very useful product for the body. Almost all spices have healing and preventive properties.
For example, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and turmeric have a powerful stimulating and tonic effect, mobilize energy in the body, and activate blood circulation. Saffron, which is usually added to the national dishes of hot countries, promotes the production of serotonin, the hormone of joy, therefore it has some psychotropic effect, relieving pain and depression. A person who adds spices to various dishes feels more cheerful even in the gloomiest time of the year.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Vitamin C plays a significant role in the functioning and maintenance of the immune system, because its use helps to reduce the risk of infectious diseases and relieves a person from constant feelings of fatigue. In addition, ascorbic acid helps to remove toxins from the body and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, increasing stress resistance. Foods high in vitamin C include peppers, black currants, rose hips, broccoli, herbs and citrus fruits. It is important to remember that the reserves of this vitamin should be replenished and maintained regularly, because the body does not reproduce it on its own and does not accumulate it upon receipt.
For some, taking one of the many vitamins will not be enough. For a more holistic, systemic strengthening of the body in the fall, you can purchase a vitamin complex. It should be remembered that such complexes (or multivitamins) have only a preventive effect, and for treatment it is worth stopping at monovitamins. The use of vitamin complexes is convenient because each person can choose the set of vitamins that corresponds to his gender, age, and the characteristics of the body’s reaction to autumn climatic changes. In addition to vitamins, such complexes contain minerals – calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, iodine, phosphorus, potassium, chromium and others.