How to boost your immune system

How to be healthy and cheerful all year round

We all know well that during cold periods, the risk of catching a cold or, worse, catching a virus increases. The Ministry of Health of Ukraine voices disappointing forecasts. This winter is expected to increase the incidence of influenza and acute respiratory infections by 14%. How to protect yourself and your family from diseases and keep yourself together all year round, we will tell in this article.

Preparing for Coming Virus Outbreaks

To understand why it is important to strengthen the immune system, we turned to a specialist in disease diagnostics, doctor Alexander Zolotarev. According to him, it is not only the danger of infections.

“The human immune system performs not only the function of protecting the body from foreign viruses, bacteria and protozoa, but also provides control over the appearance and growth of its own tumor cells, regulates the state of its own microflora. Disruption of the system can lead to the appearance of autoimmune diseases (when its own immune system aggressively attacks its own organs and tissues) and the appearance of allergic diseases. The degree of antiviral protection depends on the state of the immune system of the human body as a whole. A viral disease causes a significant stress in the work of the immune system, which can lead to a violation of the above functions of the immune system and, in addition to the most painful condition, cause a subsequent autoimmune disease or even contribute to the development of an oncological disease. Seasonal acute respiratory viral infections are dangerous for people in contact with a sick person, and require special measures to prevent the disease.

As you can see, the relationship between viruses and the immune system is quite complex. Therefore, phrases such as “boost immunity this fall” are akin to “preparing for the Mr. Olympia competition in a week for an inexperienced person.” You can form strong immunity if you do it systematically, gradually and regularly. A gradual dosed load on the immune system will have a positive effect, and the regularity of measures taken to strengthen the immune defense here is the main principle that ensures reliable control over seasonal SARS. But the “care” of immunity from time to time can be not only ineffective, but also cause dysfunction of this complex mechanism.

Immunity strengthening methods

What can be recommended to strengthen the immune system?

“For people who do not have the skills to care for their immunity, vaccination and general strengthening agents, such as vitamin and mineral complexes, phytoncides and herbal immunomodulators, can be effective protection against SARS,” says Alexander Zolotarev.

Business people who cannot afford to get sick because there is simply no time for it will be protected from unwanted diseases by a healthy diet, moderate physical activity, regular rest and natural immunomodulators in combination. This is confirmed by the experience of Veronica Sorochan, the owner of the SOVA expert group: “Because of the nature of my work, planning and foresight are in my blood. Accordingly, I consider it more competent to work ahead of the curve, especially in matters of my health. I am a supporter of a healthy lifestyle. My plans must be supported by the physiological state of the body. At least 3-4 times a week I do an hour-long home workout, eat moderately during the working week, drink at least 2 liters of non-carbonated mineral water per day. With the onset of cold weather and throughout the winter period, my family and I visit the pool and the Russian bath. In addition, three trips to the sea by the family during the year are important. The next secret is honey and rosehip syrups, which I use throughout the cold period, as well as a maximum of fruits containing vitamin C.

Plant immunomodulators

As you can see, just a healthy lifestyle may not be enough to fight the infections that surround us. Plant immunomodulators can help the organism. Their use is approved by health professionals, and the range is quite wide.

Out of the entire range, the largest number of myths is probably associated with ginseng. This plant, of course, will not give you eternal life, but it can really strengthen the immune system. The main active components in the composition of ginseng, which determine its benefits, are ginsenosides. Most of them are found in six-year-old red Korean ginseng. Research in recent years has shown that ginseng also contains a large number of other important compounds that together have a significant effect on the human body. These are phenols, lipids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids and minerals. Ginseng normalizes the functioning of the human body systems, improves well-being and promotes healthy longevity. Another advantage is that ginseng is available on the market in almost any convenient form.

“There are several different forms of ginseng available: slices, capsules, extract, ginseng tea, and candy that your kids will love. Slices are directly ginseng root infused with honey. This form of use is very convenient and concentrated with useful components. An ideal option for busy and active people,” comments Natalia Deineko, head of the Korea Ginseng Corporation official representative office in Ukraine.

Herbal immunostimulants also include wild rose, calendula, sea buckthorn, lemongrass and others. Most of them are universal and will help protect the body from a variety of diseases – from a harmless cold to an acute viral infection.