Immune system and colds
The immune system
This does not mean that serious deficiency symptoms are common in all other people: Deficiency diseases such as scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) or beriberi (vitamin B1 deficiency), which were feared in the 19th century, have become very rare in industrialised countries today.
Day in, day out, our bodies are threatened by millions of attackers! This sounds dramatic, but in the vast majority of cases it turns out well for us: Bacteria, viruses and fungi are constantly attacking our bodies, but fortunately we have a highly effective defence against these attacks in the form of our immune system. Normally, we don’t even notice how our immune system works and yet it is constantly working.
It needs the right foundations for this mammoth task, though: Like all other physiological processes, the complex processes in the immune system are only possible if we consume enough of the vital substances necessary for this.
In addition, we can support our defence against viruses and bacteria by bringing enough fruits and vegetables with a high content of polyphenols, anthocyanins, glucosinolates and flavonoids to the table. Antioxidant effects and the ability to combat unwanted invaders are currently being discussed with regard to these secondary plant products.
Vitamins and the immune system
Something which is less well known, however, is that vitamin D is also indispensable for fighting pathogens: It activates the killer cells of the body’s defence system. Folic acid, just like vitamin B₆, is important for the formation of antibodies and the activity of various defence cells and thus supports the immune system. Of the minerals, iron and zinc in particular are responsible for a working immune system: The former supports the T-cells and the latter stimulates the phagocytes and promotes the formation of antibodies. Copper is also likely to have an influence on antibody formation.
Tips for warding off infections
Keep the intestinal flora healthy
A healthy intestinal flora is mainly based on a healthy and balanced diet: Natural yoghurt or kefir in particular are considered beneficial as probiotic foods, as the lactic acid bacteria they contain are among the most desirable microorganisms. Foods high in plant fibre (such as fresh fruit and vegetables or whole grain products) also support the intestinal flora, as they can serve as food for the beneficial types of bacteria.
Get enough sleep
Get active regularly
Increasing your resilience in the sauna
Protect mucous membranes
The mucous membranes are particularly vulnerable to attacks by viruses and bacteria: The cold and the heating air in winter dry them out and weaken them even more. Products such as seawater spray or inhalations can be useful tools for this.
Our tip: sanotact® Cistus Infekt pastilles contain plant substances (polyphenols from cistus and echinacea extracts) which act like a protective shield over the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, warding off viruses and bacteria.