Immunity is important not only in order to avoid colds and viral infections. The immune system has one broad, but extremely important task - to protect the body from any external attacks. Help her maintain your health. Provide substances with immunostimulants that will naturally enhance its capabilities.
Vitamin A
Together with vitamin C, vitamin A is an essential antioxidant. These substances protect cells from oxidative stress caused by adverse environmental effects, stress, or aging.
Vitamin A is essential for the body to maintain healthy mucous membranes, a barrier to infection. Violation of their integrity opens the "door" through which pathogens penetrate the body.
Among foods that contain a lot of vitamin A:
- Spinach
- Carrot;
- Sweet potato
- Bell pepper
- Oily fish
- Cheese
- The eggs
Vitamin C
Vitamin C improves the function of the human immune system by stimulating the activity of killer cells. An invisible army soldier protecting tissue cells from infection attacks.
Even if the infection has entered the body, vitamin C helps to quickly deal with it, and reduces the duration of the disease.
High doses of vitamin C reduce the intensity of the symptoms of the common cold - a runny nose and cough.
Poor wound healing and bleeding gums are a sign of vitamin C deficiency.
The following foods are rich in them:
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli and other types of cabbage)
- Red and green peppers
- Spinach
- Potatoes
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons)
- Kiwi
Vitamin D
In the summer, the sun actively stimulates the body to produce vitamin D, but it is especially needed in the cold when the immune system is working at its highest load.
Solar Vitamin D is an effective anti-inflammatory drug. A natural enhancer of the immune response to various infections, including influenza and SARS.
Its vitamin deficiency is associated with an increased risk of vascular and heart disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and diabetes, and increased susceptibility to infections.
Even in winter, walks in the fresh air, the effect of sunlight on exposed areas of the body is a natural way to maintain a safe level of vitamin in the body.
The best dietary sources of vitamin D:
- Oily fish
- Beef liver
- Egg yolks
- Cheese
Vitamin D is not absorbed if the body is low in magnesium.
Elder
As an immunostimulant, elderberry has long been used in folk medicine. Its antiviral properties have been confirmed by research. They are due to the presence in the plant of special substances that affect the ability of viruses to penetrate into the cells.
Australian scientists have called elderberry extract an effective, safe, and economically viable cure for the flu.
Sage
Sage facilitates the immune system by inhibiting the ability of bacteria and viruses to reproduce. A sage broth relieves cough and sore throat. But this is only an outward manifestation of its properties.
Iranian scientists have found antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects in plants.