Boost your immunity

The arrival of the cold seasons brings its share of well-known respiratory tract infections. For what ? Several explanations are given: Low temperatures, low humidity in the air, minimal sunshine, would contribute to a higher rate of viruses in the ambient air. The confinement during the cold season and the lack of ventilation promotes exchanges between individuals and spreads infections. Finally, the colder and drier air puts to the test our respiratory tracts, which are more sensitive to the aggression of viruses and bacteria. It is therefore high time to take care of your immunity, in order to avoid colds, sinusitis, and bronchitis. You will find in this section a whole series of products intended to boost your immune system, in a gentle and natural way. But a healthy lifestyle and good habits remain essential, to read in our advice!

DO :

• Wash your hands regularly, especially after spending time outdoors. By simply washing your hands with soap and water, but meticulously (without forgetting each finger, nail, back of the hand), you eliminate the vast majority of microbes that you may have transported from outside, coming from a public place, public transport, etc.

• Eat a balanced diet: Your intestines are the most busy part of your immune system, so any digestive condition helps to mobilize it. Nothing prevents you from enjoying a good festive meal from time to time, a fondue, a hunt,… as long as it remains occasional.

• Do not deprive yourself of seasonal fruits: They are almost all rich in vitamin C and fiber, which contributes to good digestion.

• Eat mushrooms, especially oyster mushrooms, shiitake, reishi, these Asian varieties contain polysaccharides with immunostimulant properties.

• Eat yogurt every day: It is a good source of natural probiotics, helping to maintain your intestinal flora, the keystone of your immunity. Except if you are lactose intolerant, of course.

• Eat Turmeric: This oriental spice has many interesting properties: intestinal anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune protector (the curcumin present would activate certain types of white blood cells including macrophages, making them more effective in the event of infection).

• Practice meditation: It is proven that those who meditate have a higher level of antibodies than others. But any discipline bringing psychic and nervous harmony is beneficial: Cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that we produce in case of stress, decrease the immune system. So knowing how to disconnect regularly from active life by practicing a sport, music, and even a plastic art allows you to “recharge” your immunity.

• Have good nasal hygiene: This is the gateway to respiratory infections, so keeping the nasal mucosa in good condition by regularly rinsing with sea or salt water is beneficial.

AVOID:

• Too much stress: As mentioned above, regular production of cortisol and adrenaline leads to a lower immune system!

 

• Lack of sleep: When you are exhausted, your immunity is exhausted!

• Too many exciting products: Coca Cola, energy drinks, too much coffee: All these agents taken in too large quantities increase stress, therefore the production of cortisol which weakens immunity.

• Tobacco: It is obvious: smoking increases the ingestion of free radicals and weakens the body as a whole. Smoke irritates the bronchi, making it easier for viruses and bacteria to enter.