There are new clothes, it's getting colorful, is it about a new fashion? No, it's about fall! With the cooler weather, it's also a good idea to strengthen the immune system. We show you how our immune system works and what we can do to support it.
As the name suggests, the immune system consists of an overarching interaction within our body. This includes the organs, cells and elements that offer us protection against harmful substances and pathogens. A rough distinction can be made between an innate (or non-specific) and an acquired (or specific) immune system.
The acquired immune system continues to develop over the course of a lifetime. Compared to the innate immune system, it needs more time to react to dangers. The B and T cells, for example, are worth mentioning. The special feature: Depending on the cell type, they remember the pathogens, alert other defense cells or attack intruders immediately.
To prepare your immune system for the cold season, getting enough sleep, sufficient exercise, reducing stress factors and eating a balanced diet are key.
Various studies on the connection between sleep and the risk of catching a cold show that it is advisable to go to bed early enough and ensure a comfortable sleeping environment. A study in 2009 came to the conclusion that test subjects who slept less than seven hours a night caught three times as many colds as those who slept at least eight hours.
"He who rests, rusts" is a saying that holds a lot of truth: studies suggest that people who are regularly physically active are less likely to fall ill. There is also good news for fans of a more sedentary activity: saunas are also said to be good for the immune system.
Long-term stress can not only trigger mental illness, but also increase the risk of infections. It is therefore advisable to use various relaxation techniques to switch off from the hectic pace of everyday life.
The importance of a balanced diet for our immune system is well documented. At the top of the shopping list are fruit and vegetables as natural sources of vitamins and minerals. Citrus fruits are a classic vitamin bomb. Ginger, on the other hand, has been considered beneficial to health in China for over 2000 years due to its essential oils.
Cereals, nuts and pulses, as well as dairy products, fish and meat, provide the body with essential nutrients and minerals. With a vegetarian or vegan diet, the diet must be adapted accordingly to counteract an undersupply of certain nutrients (e.g. vitamin B12).
In our range you will find numerous products with ingredients that contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system. One example is our Immune Complex. It is rich in vitamin C, selenium and zinc, which also help to protect cells from oxidative stress.
Sources:
1. https://das-immunsystem.de/wissenswertes/immunsystem_angeboren_und_erworben/
4. https://www.zeit.de/wissen/gesundheit/2017-12/sauna-wellness-krankheiten-abwehrkraefte
