Strengthening one’s immune defences means taking action on one’s lifestyle (changing one’s diet, preserving one’s sleep, practising physical activity, etc.). You can also use certain natural products. Vitamins, trace elements, essential oils: there are many ways to build up immunity and prepare for the arrival of cold weather, winter and the illnesses that go with it.
Immunity refers to the body’s ability to defend itself against substances that threaten its proper functioning or survival. These threats can be viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites, cells that have become cancerous, or a foreign body such as a splinter.
Why do we have less immunity in winter?
The cold seasons, which coincide with a greater circulation of viruses, are generally badly received by the body.
If immunity is at half-mast as winter approaches, it is not without reason. In some people, the production of serotonin decreases between autumn and winter, and causes the onset of a depressive syndrome, fatigue and stress. This hormone is not only secreted by neurons, but also by the cells of the immune system. More than 95% of serotonin is produced by the intestine.
It is not uncommon to have sugar cravings, especially at the end of the day and in the evening, when the days get shorter and the light gets dimmer. This is quite normal: the body tries to compensate for the drop in serotonin in the brain. So boosting serotonin production means fighting stress, and therefore boosting your immune system!
To avoid viruses, sleep and exercise!
Sleep 7 to 8 hours a night, and during the day, let as much natural light as possible into your home, or your workplace if you can. For example you can place a few mirrors in strategic places to reflect daylight back into the room.
Regular physical activity, such as simply walking for 30 minutes a day, improves blood circulation, increases immune cells and reduces the risk of respiratory infection by 40%. On the other hand, overtraining would have a rather negative impact: after a session of sport that is too intense, there is a drop in the rate of lymphocytes, which means fewer potential antibodies in the event of an attack. It is up to you to find the right balance, without forcing yourself.
A special diet for the immune system
It is important not to change your diet suddenly, favour seasonal products, and do not add sugar or fat to your diet under the pretext that you are feeling the winter blues. And ideally, you should really ease up on alcoholic drinks and sugary soft drinks, which can deregulate the immune system.
To boost serotonin production, and thus the functioning of the neuronal and intestinal immune cells, make sure you give preference to slowly digested carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, cereals and rice rather than rapidly digested carbohydrates from sweets, biscuits and pastries.
Vitamins, allies of immunity
Vitamin A
It stimulates the proliferation of white blood cells and the production of antibodies by lymphocytes. It is also essential for the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa. The right dose: 600 to 800 micrograms per day. For an intake, think of carrots, pumpkin or spinach.
Beware, for pregnant women, supplements containing vitamin A (retinol) and in particular fish liver oil, can be harmful and cause birth defects if the recommended dose is exceeded.
Vitamin C
It is a powerful antioxidant that protects white blood cells and increases their mobility. It stimulates the production of cytokines, the messengers that activate the immune response. It is found in fruits and vegetables. The recommended daily dose is 110 mg per day.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E refers to a group of molecules called alpha-tocopherols. These are naturally present in food, such as sunflower seeds or vegetable oils. Studies have shown that vitamin E compensates for the loss of immune response due to ageing by stimulating the production of white blood cells and is useful in the fight against respiratory infections.
Vitamin D
It is known to activate the white blood cells (T cells) needed to make antibodies and destroy microbes. It is mainly found in fatty fish (cod liver and its oil, smoked herring, mackerel, etc.). Two forms are the most common, D2, of vegetable origin, and D3, of animal origin. There is no difference in effectiveness between the two, but a minimum recommended intake of 5 micrograms per day is potentiated by daily exposure to daylight, as vitamin D production is mainly induced by UV rays.
Magnesium, selenium, zinc: rely on trace elements
Selenium is involved in the immune system by keeping a pool of white blood cells on alert. At a rate of 50 micrograms per day, it can be found in Emmental cheese, cooked ham or button mushrooms.
Zinc (seafood, poultry, cheese, etc.), at a rate of 10 to 15 mg per day, protects cell membranes from infection by microbial agents.
Also take magnesium to strengthen your immune system and to fight against fatigue. Some studies indicate that magnesium chloride stimulates white blood cells. Many foods contain magnesium: seafood, cocoa, almonds, spices, wholemeal bread and rice…
All these active ingredients, in a quarterly treatment, will replenish your annual stocks for a peaceful winter. They have various benefits for both the physical and the mental.
To fill up on these vitamins and minerals, do not hesitate to supplement your balanced diet with Fyron Immun supplements. Its unique formula concentrates all those essential vitamins and minerals in a single tablet. It is the ideal ally to preserve your natural defences: Fyron Immun.
The best dietary supplement: Fyron Immun
As you can see, a well-functioning immune system will help your body to fight colds, flu and other infections effectively. To preserve or boost it, it is necessary to adopt a healthy lifestyle and a varied and balanced diet.
Fyron Immun provides an excellent blend of all these nutrients. Due to the very subtle combinatiÏon of those vitamins and minerals in a very good formula, the product achieves a very high efficiency compared to the offerings of other brands.
Discover more about this product here: Fyron Immun.