Two or three times she gets us in the cold season, and in life we spend an average of five years with her - the common cold. At least 200 types of viruses, but especially the so-called rhinoviruses, can trigger influenza infections.
Through nose, mouth and eyes, they sneak into the body, weaken our immune system and then often trigger the typical symptoms: cough, runny nose, hoarseness, sometimes also headache or body aches .
Does it have to be that way? No. Every fourth adult remains without symptoms in case of infection. Do you want to belong? Then strengthen your immune system with this plan from research - after only about two weeks your performance increases significantly.
The basis for the immune system
1. Light gives the defense Vitamin D.
EFFECT: Under the influence of UV-B rays from sunlight, our skin forms vitamin D. This is not only good for strong bones. More recently, scientists have found that this hormone-like vitamin contributes significantly to our defenses: Only with enough vitamin D, the killer cells are active, destroy the invading viruses and bacteria.
IMPORTANT: It is worthwhile having the family doctor check the vitamin D status with a blood sample . Especially with older people there is a shortage. Preparations according to prescription of the doctor then help (eg "Vigantoletten", over the counter, pharmacy).
HOW IT WORKS: Usually, however, it is often enough to stay outside: go out in the light for at least 30 minutes every day, even in cloudy weather. A second vitamin D source is our food. It is especially abundant in herring and salmon, in smaller quantities also in eggs, mushrooms, avocados, whole milk, Camembert and Gouda.
2. Exercise lowers the risk of infection
EFFECT: Studies show that when our muscles are in action on a regular basis, it protects against flu-like infections - not even one in ten of trained women gets a cold.
IMPORTANT: As soon as you feel signs of a cold, such as scratching the throat, sneezing: do not exercise. Then, sparing is the best. Thus, the defense can proceed unencumbered against the pathogens.
HOW TO DO: Do not overdo it. Light to medium loads strengthen the defense best. Good possibilities: daily 30 minutes brisk walking or cycling; Walking or jogging for 20 minutes three times a week, without gasping.
3. Calm makes us strong inside
EFFECT: Balance is the alpha and omega of our immune system. For moderate movement is the counterpart to the relaxation. Everything that relaxes us and ensures enough sleep will also provide us with protection against cold viruses.
IMPORTANT: Real inner peace can only be achieved without a guilty conscience. The small tea ceremony, for example, which one "breaks off", for example, from the ironing time, brings nothing. Think about how to reorganize your everyday life so that you have at least 20 minutes of free time each day.
HOW TO DO: Then do what you like. Very effective: conscious, deep breathing with closed eyes, an evening full bath or z. B. listening to classical music on the sofa.
The Immune Defense Construction Program
4. Fortify the vessels with saunas and Kneipps
EFFECT: Flexible vessels and good blood circulation are absolutely necessary for effective defense. Saunas or Kneip's alternating showers guarantee that. And for the body so well trained, winter cold also means less stress.
IMPORTANT: If you have cardiovascular problems, you should ask the doctor first. If the cold is already there, you better not go to the sauna.
Here's how: Shower showers: shower as warm as possible for 3 minutes daily, then breathe off legs and arms towards the body for a few seconds. That's what you do three times. Saunas: Even a sauna visit with two passes strengthens the immune system significantly.
5. Strengthen the immune system homeopathically
EFFECT: Highly diluted active ingredients regulate the self-healing power. Certain substances from homeopathy specifically strengthen the defense.
IMPORTANT: Let us advise you in the pharmacy. Homoeopathic treatment can lead to the so-called first aggravation of symptoms. This is normal and a sign that the remedy strikes.
HOW IT WORKS: Complex agents are safest to use. A proven combination is Aconitum D3, Gelsemium D3, Ipecacuanha D3, Phosphorus D5, Bryonia D2 and Eupatorium perfoliatum D1 ("Nisylen DHU My Homeopathy", over-the-counter, pharmacy). The best way to take such funds right at the first cold sign, exactly as stated in the leaflet.
6. Use natural active ingredients selectively
- ECHINACEA
Extracts from the herb of the purple sunhat (photo) have an anti-inflammatory effect, inhibit the multiplication of pathogens and stimulate the defense.
EFFECT: Fascinating to the researchers: plant substances from the coneflow activate the body's own cells against pathogens and promote the body's own antibodies interleukin, interferon and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Echinacea can also inhibit the entry of cold viruses into body cells.
IMPORTANT: Coneflower is a daisy family, allergic reactions are rarely possible. If you are new to Echinacea, you should first take a small dose and wait two days. Echinacea should not be taken for longer than two weeks, because then the maximum immune-enhancing effect is reached.
HOW TO GET IT: Drops, capsules, tablets or juice - Echinacea preparations should always be taken exactly after the package leaflet. This basically applies to all herbal remedies - just as we know it from chemical drugs.
- ZINC
An important immune enhancer is also the trace element zinc.
EFFECT: Total defense depends on zinc. The trace element also slows down the virus multiplication.
IMPORTANT: You should not take more than 100 milligrams of zinc daily from supplements, which could cause vomiting or diarrhea.
HOW IT WORKS: The body is well supplied with zinc when wholegrain bread, oatmeal, legumes, and nuts are on the menu.
- Cape Pelargonium
A proven cold remedy is the extract of a geranium species, the Cape Pelargonium (in "Umckaloabo", over-the-counter, pharmacy).
EFFECT: Studies show that the extract strengthens defense cells in the mucous membranes and acts against bacteria and viruses.
IMPORTANT: The best way to help the extract is to take it at the first discomfort.
HOW IT WORKS: When taken three times a day, the extract can even shorten acute bronchitis.
