Advice of an experienced gastrologist dr n. Med. Janusz Cioka
We all know that there are vaccines to prevent influenza. However, they do not protect against other infections, including common colds. Meanwhile, modern knowledge provides a lot of information confirming the well-known long-standing belief that a properly selected diet can strengthen our immune system and thus prevent the emergence of symptoms of infection.
Increases resistance to Vitamin C viruses
Many people already know the recommendation to increase the intake of vitamin C to increase the resistance to infection with common cold and influenza viruses. There are proven indications that high doses of this vitamin have a beneficial effect on the course of infection. For example, it has been detected that many people taking vitamin C 500 - 1000 mg per day have a colder and more rapid recuperation. It is believed that vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) increases the concentration of interferon - a substance produced by our body to protect cells against virus attack.
In what foods will we find the most vitamin C?
Vitamin C contains many foods such as fruits and citrus juices. The record-breakers are: kiwi fruit, blackcurrant, strawberry; and green-leafed vegetables (lettuce, parsley) and exotic fruits, for example guava or acerola. You can also take supplements (medicines) containing vitamin C.
Increases the resistance of the use of vitamins and bioelements
It was found that older people in care facilities were less likely to get infections if they received a set of supplements consisting of 20mg of zinc, 100μg of selenium, 15mg of vitamin E and 6mg of beta-carotene (provitamin A). It is possible that the administration of a similar set can protect large groups of people with weakened immune systems from becoming ill. The protective effect is demonstrated not only by vitamins and minerals.
Functional food - nutraceuticals
These are both natural substances found in food and used in forms accepted for medicines. Some functional vitamins include vitamins, mineral salts, herbs and coenzymes. And so in Canada and Great Britain, functional food is essentially the food sold in stores, and nutraceuticals are a separate or concentrated form of an essential ingredient, often produced in the form of medicaments, i.e. as tablets, capsules, etc. According to the American Nutraceutical Association (ANA) ), nutraceutics are functional foods that have the properties of preventing many diseases and are conducive to health.
Immunostimulators in the form of medicinal plants are recommended
Proponents of herbal medicine have long emphasized the benefits of using garlic. Antiviral properties of garlic depend on the natural ingredients contained in them, called allyl compounds. Similar properties are also found in Echinacea (purple cornflower), used to make capsules and drops with antiviral activity.
Avoid stress and unhealthy lifestyle
While some of the above-mentioned nutrients may support the immune system, stress acts on the contrary, increasing the risk of infection. Likewise, sleep deprivation, smoking, alcohol abuse, drugs, etc.
Health diet
The best strategy to win a battle with winter infections is to eat a varied diet containing large amounts of fruit and vegetables and an active lifestyle without neglecting the rest we belong to. And here are food products that are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc and selenium:
1. Vitamin C: citrus fruits, kiwi, blackcurrant, strawberry.
2.Vitamin E: hazelnuts and walnuts, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, wheat germ, avocado fruits.
3. Beta-carotene: carrot, pumpkin, mango, apricot, tomatoes, green-leafed vegetables.
oprac.red. Edward Ozga Michalski, MA
Literature:
1. Inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and throat in children - prof. dr hab. med Grażyna Niedzielska from the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Phoniatrics and Audiology, Medical Academy in Lublin; Medycyna Rodzinna 8 (4/1999)
2. Throat inflammation in children - Dr n. Med. Teresa Oleniacz; Department of Audiology, Phoniatrics and Laryngology IP-CZD; Warsaw; Health Service No. 3-4 2001
3. The role of purulent streptococci in pharyngitis and tonsillitis, Danuta Dzierżanowska, Lek_Sandoz-2004 website
4. Apothecary counseling - Treatment of colds - Doc. dr hab. Jadwiga Leszczyńska - Gazeta Farmaceutyczna 2000.
5. Cold and its treatment - Prof. dr hab. Andrzej Danysz, MD Adam Kwiecienski; New drugs, 1996
6. Natural treatment of colds - Prof. dr hab. Andrzej Danysz; My health; 1998
7. Encyclopedia of Medicines of Practical Medicine - online
8. Pharmindex
9. How to avoid winter infection. Dr n. Med. Janusz Ciok - publication of lapharma.info
