Vitamins to fight off winter colds
Winter viruses: This is how we can avoid them!
While we can’t avoid contact with any of the viruses, including colds, coronavirus, and flu, there are ways to shield our bodies so that they have the highest level of defense.
The current season is righteously called ‘the virus season’. And it is objectively difficult to avoid them: from our children going to school, to colleagues at work and commuting on public transport, viruses are all around us! The solution to this is to boost our immune system so that it can fend off the virus “attacks” or at least get through any virus with milder symptoms.
The key “allies” for a strong immune system
Vitamin C is probably the most “famous” vitamin for armoring the body! However, it is not the only one. Research has now highlighted vitamin D3 as a key “defense player” against viruses and for strengthening the body, while zinc and selenium are proving to be literally “valuable” minerals against viruses.
Vitamin C for protection against viruses
Vitamin C is the most popular winter vitamin for preventing and treating viral infections and experts agree that it is important for the body with multiple positive effects. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, helps with iron absorption and promotes skin health. In addition, it appears to have beneficial effects on our overall health, including reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and the most common causes of vision loss (age-related macular degeneration and cataracts).
Vitamin D3 for infections
Similarly, D and especially D3 is itself a “multi-purpose” vitamin with multiple effects on the body. This is why in recent years, and especially during the pandemic period, its sufficiency has been considered extremely important for the proper functioning of the immune system.
Zinc and copper
Many experts now recommend the administration of zinc and copper to strengthen the body as a whole. These are two micronutrients that support the immune system and boost mood and energy. Zinc is a key factor in supporting key functions throughout the body, from boosting the immune system to better moods, while copper is vital as it has antioxidant activity and enhances functions such as red blood cell production.
The “new entries” for a strong immune system
Beta-glucans are a group of polysaccharides, and water-soluble fibers that help control glucose and cholesterol. They have also been found in research to have many potential immune system benefits and enhance the body’s immune response against simple viruses, the flu virus, and other respiratory infections.
Probiotics act similarly, enhancing gut health by balancing and enriching the microbiome. Experts have recently been investigating the role of probiotics in armoring the body through immune homeostasis, i.e. contributing to the proper functioning of the immune system.
What else we can do to cope with winter viruses
The following three tips are very important for armoring the body:
- Have a varied diet. The more variety in our diet, with colorful fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, limiting saturated fat, and highly processed foods, the more vitamins and nutrients we get from natural sources.
- Regular physical activity. Exercise improves sleep, and mood and reduces stress levels, all of which have a significant impact on the immune system.
- We get the necessary vaccinations. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for the vaccines that are necessary according to your medical history and age. Adult vaccines are an important way to prevent potentially serious communicable diseases.
Ask your pharmacist for advice
Vitamins are valuable allies of the body but can be dangerous if taken in excessive amounts or the wrong combinations. Always seek your pharmacist’s advice on which vitamins, minerals, or multivitamins could boost your body so that you can only benefit from taking them.