How to boost immunity: basic tips for strengthening and maintaining the body's defenses in adults and children

Means for strengthening the immune system

Homeopathic immunostimulants also have a good result:

• Immunokind. The drug is specially designed for children under 6 years of age.
• Echinacea Compositum. It is produced in the form of ampoules with a solution for injection. It has not only immunostimulating, but also anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effect. The dosage is selected individually, it is allowed for children over 1 year old.
• Viburcol. It is produced in the form of rectal suppositories, intended for the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza in children from the first day of life.
• Aflubin. Available in the form of drops and tablets. Suitable for children and adults.
• Engystol. The drug is distinguished by immunomodulatory and antiviral activity. Can be used during pregnancy and lactation.

Often, immunodeficiency develops against the background of a lack of a number of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, in addition to the main immunostimulating and antiviral therapy, vitamin complexes are often added. They should include:

• ascorbic acid, stimulates immunity, has antioxidant activity;
• B vitamins, support the immune system, increase stress resistance, improve sleep;
• retinol and tocopherol, are involved in the formation of the inflammatory response;
• folic acid, is distinguished by detoxification activity (by the way, it is often prescribed for chemotherapy).

To replenish vitamin deficiency, it is not necessary to take pharmaceutical preparations. First of all, it is necessary to diversify the diet with vegetables, fruits, legumes and cereals, nuts, and adhere to the principles of proper nutrition.

Strengthening immunity in adults and children: sports, aromatherapy and the principles of increasing the body's resistance during pregnancy

Young parents are especially concerned about increasing the body's resistance to infections. During the first months of life, the baby is reliably protected by the mother's antibodies, which he “receives” during intrauterine development. However, the final formation of the structures of the immune system occurs closer to school age as a result of the physiological processes of growing up, vaccination and past diseases.

That is why during this period, various activities are important to strengthen the body in general and immunity in particular. According to doctors, the proposed modern immunomodulators are not able to seriously affect the work of the immune system. But on the other hand, such drugs began to appear on the pharmaceutical market relatively recently in order to study possible delayed adverse reactions.

In addition, some experts believe that their effectiveness has not been proven in principle. Be that as it may, one should resort to drug therapy only after consulting a pediatrician (or even better, an immunologist) and conducting the necessary examinations. Many doctors believe that affordable procedures and activities can be completely dispensed with.

Immunity and disease

Every child is faced with ARVI. Someone less often, some more often, but in any case, the symptoms of a cold require certain treatment. Pediatricians advise:

• drinking plenty of fluids;
• symptomatic therapy (nasal drops, rinsing, rinsing the nasal cavity, antipyretic drugs at a temperature of 38.5 °);
• compliance with the temperature and humidity regime.

The question of the appointment of antiviral agents and immunostimulants remains quite controversial. Some doctors consider fever to be a reason for taking these drugs. Adherents of more modern medicine recommend using a strictly defined list of antiviral drugs with proven clinical efficacy for influenza and other severe infections.

As for antibiotics, their intake should also be justified by laboratory and instrumental research data. (increased ESR, corresponding changes in the leukocyte formula, the results of an X-ray examination, etc.). In addition to destroying pathogenic flora, antibiotics also negatively affect beneficial bacteria that "inhabit" the mucous membranes and the cavity of the digestive tract. This, in turn, also negatively affects the functioning of the immune system.

Hardening

Hardening procedures are only useful if certain rules are followed:

• it is better to start hardening in the summer;
• at the time of the procedures, the child must be completely healthy;
• the temperature of the water must not be lowered too quickly (2 - 3 ° per week is quite enough).

Hardening procedures also include intensive rubdown with a towel (later after a contrast shower), walking barefoot on the grass. For children suffering from pharyngitis and tonsillitis, it is advised to harden the throat with daily gargles. (you can use decoctions of various herbs), gradually lowering the temperature of the solution to room temperature and below.

Other procedures

Strengthening the immune system in children and adults is impossible without long walks in the fresh air (in any weather). Massages are useful, especially with the use of techniques for influencing reflex points.

Also important for health:

• proper nutrition, in conditions of a deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals, full functioning of the immune system is simply impossible, in the winter-spring period the body can be "supported" with the help of pharmacy vitamins complexes;
• temperature regime (it is desirable that during sleep the temperature in the room does not exceed 18 - 21 °);
• humidity, it is recommended to maintain it at a level of 40 - 60%, otherwise the rheological properties of the nasal mucosa are disturbed, and this reduces local immunity;
• observance of the mode of work and rest, while not only the duration of sleep is important, but also its time (optimally from 20.30 - 21.00 for children, and 22.00 - 23.00 for adults, and wake up at 6.00 - 7.30), a small child must also sleep in the daytime time.

It is also very important to monitor your health. The body's defenses weaken against the background of an illness (even a short-term cold). Therefore, immunity must be maintained during this period with an increased dose of vitamins, long rest and the absence of other provoking factors. Roughly speaking, before resuming a visit to kindergarten, the school must allow the child to fully recover.

During pregnancy

Changes in hormonal levels, increased load on internal organs during this period significantly weaken the immune system. However, pregnancy is one of the contraindications for taking the vast majority immunomodulators. Therefore, doctors advise to follow all recommendations regarding nutrition, walking, indoor conditions, taking vitamins and rest. In addition, pregnant women are advised to refrain from visiting crowded places, especially during epidemics of influenza and SARS.

Aromatherapy

The benefits of essential oils have been known for a long time. To improve immunity, they can be used both for fumigating a room in aroma lamps and for massaging reflex points on the legs and temples. In the absence of allergies, they are also added to mixtures for inhalation.

Essential oils are helpful:

• bergamot, as part of external wraps, improve local protection and is used for wound healing;
• sage, tones, improves lymph and blood flow;
• eucalyptus, ideal for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract;
• geranium, normalizes hormonal balance, regulates the immune system;
• lavender, stimulates the antiviral protective properties of the body.

However, one of the most famous aromatherapy agents is tea tree essential oil, which increases immunity and has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity.

The benefits of sports

Physical education is useful for every person (sometimes, with certain restrictions). Exercise helps to avoid tissue hypoxia, normalizes all types of metabolic processes, and improves the work of the cardiovascular system. At the same time, it is not necessary to visit the gym, jogging in the morning, swimming are some of the best ways to harden.

However, strengthening the immune system in adults and children is impossible against the backdrop of grueling workouts. The drugs from the arsenal of sports pharmacology also have an extremely negative effect on the state of health.

How to maintain immunity: folk methods, seasonings, diet

Chilly autumn, winter and early spring, when there are not enough natural vitamins, you can try folk recipes for strengthening the immune system.

So, it is recommended to mix:

• 3 tbsp peppermint leaves;
• 3 tbsp forest strawberries;
• 3 tbsp black currant;
• 9 - 10 tbsp liquid honey (it is better to take fresh May).

Take for 3 weeks a teaspoon three times a day half an hour before meals.

Features of the diet

The quality and quantity of food consumed by a person is the basis of his health. Moreover, this rule is universal and applies to both children and the elderly.

To maintain health and avoid hospitalizations, injections, droppers and pills, the diet should include:

• protein foods (lean meats, legumes, nuts, milk and dairy products);
• healthy fats (sea fish, nuts, vegetable oils);
• carbohydrates (cereals, vegetables and fruits).

Food rich in vitamins and minerals must be present on the table. This is:

• honey;
• meat offal (liver);
• citrus fruits, apples, strawberries, black currants, etc.;
• vegetables and herbs;
• cereals (for example, buckwheat);
• seafood.

Spices will help to solve the problem of how you can maintain immunity, and at the same time give the usual dishes a new taste:

• ginger;
• turmeric;
• oregano;
• thyme;
• rosemary.

For the full functioning of the immune system, it is important to drink water (at least 1.5 - 2 liters per day). In addition, fruit and vegetable juices are useful:

• a mixture of apricot, peach and mango;
• a combination of grapefruit, lemon and ginger, honey can be added to the finished drink;
• cocktail of cucumber, lime and spirulina.

Natural immunostimulants will also help to cope with the question of how to maintain immunity. First of all, this is a rosehip decoction, infusions and alcoholic tinctures of echinacea, ginseng. Beekeeping products also have tonic properties. Some of the most famous herbal phytoncides are onions and garlic.