Valuable food for cold viruses

Foods for cold viruses: What foods help now to protect against colds

10/11/2011

The wet and cold autumnal weather starts and the cold viruses seem to whirl more and more through the air. While some suffer from cough, runny nose and common cold, others have succeeded in repelling the virus. A cause for a strengthened immune defense is often a healthy diet.

Most people suffer especially in autumn and in winter from colds (see also: influenza infection). If the body's immune system is not weakened, pathogens can be successfully fended off. Those who, on the other hand, eat unhealthily for the most part often suffer from a weakened immune system. A permanently high level of the stress hormone cortisol in the body has an additional negative effect on the immune system of the body.

A well-balanced and healthy diet can help ward off the attacks of cold viruses. Highly effective ingredients in healthy foods can positively strengthen the immune system. Vitamins, trace elements such as zinc and selenium as well as unsaturated fatty acids are especially effective against cold viruses. Unsaturated fatty acids are very important for vitamins A, D and E to be absorbed by the body. The fatty acids are also needed for the development of cells and regulate the lipid metabolism. Unsaturated fatty acids can be found in high quality olive oils and in walnuts. For a fresh salad should therefore not be missing good oil.

The best precaution is therefore to ensure that the daily diet is made up of fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, whole grains and regular fish should be eaten. Immediately after taking the food, the immune defense is supported immediately afterwards. A humane and not exaggerated movement in the fresh air trains the body and helps to strengthen the resistance forces.

Vitamin A protects the skin and strengthens the body's defenses. If there is a deficiency, the immune cells are less active. The vitamin is found mainly in milk, eggs, apricots, spinach and kale. Vitamin A, like vitamins E and C, is one of the antioxidants.

Vitamin B5 helps to produce antibodies and regulates the immune system. A lot of vitamin B6 is found in wheat, millet, bananas and in some fish species.

Vitamin C strengthens the immune system. A popular wisdom that has recently been rejected from a scientific perspective. Preventive intake of the vitamin can not diminish the chances of being affected by a flu infection. But if the cold has broken out, vitamin C can relieve cold symptoms. Lots of vitamin C can be found in the kiwi, lemon, orange, red pepper and broccoli

Vitamin E protects the cell membranes. If there is a deficiency, the functions of numerous immune cells can be disturbed. The vitamin is abundant in high-quality vegetable oils and nuts.

Selenium is a trace element and strengthens the body's defenses and protects free radicals. Selenium is not produced by the body itself can only be absorbed in the form of food. Selenium is rich in fish, meat and sesame.

Flavonoids are phytochemicals and are found in green tea, onions, dark chocolate as well as red wine. Anyone who drinks red wine in moderation (1 glass a day) will do something good for his immune system.

Vitamin D is an active helper against colds. The vitamin is mainly formed on the skin when exposed to the rays of the sun and activates the defense systems. Since the sun's effects are much lower in the cold season, it is recommended to take vitamin D by the intake of fish, mushrooms and avocados.

Zinc is a valuable trace element to strengthen the immune system. If there is a defect, it will lead to infections faster. Zinc is found in whole grain bread and hard cheese.

The immune defense in natural medicine
„In order to strengthen the immune system, the human must be seen as a whole. So not only should something be done for the body's defense, but also the human being as a whole with soul and spirit should be strengthened“ says non-medical practitioner Susanne Waschke. Natural remedies that are supposed to strengthen the immune system were at that time using the term „hardening“ titled. These include infusions after Kneipp, sauna aisles and daily massages with brushes. In today's natural medicine is rather the formulation used immune stimulation. In addition to viral and bacterial pathogens, the defense system is inferior to numerous other negative influences today. These include stress, environmental toxins and the western unhealthy diet. Therefore, in the naturopathic treatment is usually dispensed with an immune stimulation in favor of immunomodulation. Immune modulators include plants such as Echinacea mistletoe, Taiga root (Eleutherokokkus) or the tree of life (Thuja). A correct dosage can only be determined by naturopathic doctors or naturopaths. (Sb)

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Home remedies for colds
Self-treatment flu & colds
Strengthen the immune system