These are precious allies to protect yourself from seasonal ailments, but you need to choose carefully. All Dr. Fiorito’s advice
Between climate changes and temperature changes, the weather tantrums expose them more to the risk of colds. To strengthen the immune system we should first of all rely on the seasonal foods, favoring those that undergo less industrial processing. When even this measure is not enough, food supplements help.
immunitary defense
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Dietary supplements can help strengthen the immune system in two ways: on the one hand they stimulate the defenses and on the other they limit the organism’s reaction to the aggression of pathogens. The first effect is increase the effectiveness and efficiency of white blood cells, which play a fundamental role in protecting against harmful germs. The second is directly linked to the levels of stress which, if elevated, promote inflammation and impair the body’s ability to eliminate toxins toxins. “In itself, inflammation is a positive reaction: just think that digestion itself is nothing more than an inflammatory reaction. Problems arise when inflammatory stimuli, which also include stress, are excessive, because this condition favorssilent chronic inflammationwhich interests many people” underlines the Dr. Alberto Fioritoexpert in nutrition and integrated medicine, scientific director and teacher of the 1st level international master’s degree in Nutraceutics and Food Education at the University of the Republic of San Marino.
barrier effect
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Among the most useful supplements for strengthening immune defenses is lactoferrin. It is a substance found in colostrum and breast milk, as well as in animal milk in which, however, due to industrial processing, the concentrations they are much lower. The spotlight on this substance was turned on during the Covid 19 pandemic, because it was observed that breastfed babies very rarely got sick. “Since lactoferrin is an excellent ‘transporter’ of iron, even better than ferritin, it has positive effects on the functionality of red blood cells, thus promoting greater oxygenation of tissues and facilitating cellular activity. Furthermore, makes cell walls more resistant to the entry of viruses and bacteria. Finally, this substance has an anti-inflammatory action” explains Dr. Fiorito. Me too’echinacea it is useful against colds. In fact, it increases the ability of white blood cells to produce specific antibodies against pathogens and that of macrophages to attack germs. “Echinacea is a natural antibioticvaluable in preventive function especially for those who have immune deficiencies, for example children experiencing their first experiences at nursery school. It is also useful for treating virus infections: however, if after 3 days the situation does not improve, it is advisable to resort to drugs” continues Dr. Fiorito.
against stress and inflammation
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To reduce inflammation, both as a support to pharmacological therapy and in the preventive phase, it is useful toaloe. This substance acts on gastric and intestinal mucosa, which represent the widest gateway to elements external to the body, disinflammating them. “Form should be given priority in gel, which does not contain aloin, present in the external part of the leaves of this plant” specifies Dr. Fiorito. Aloe-based supplements are a valid ally of drugs also for those suffering from problems such as gastritis and colitis, in which inflammation plays a central role. To prevent stress from feeding itself, worsening the inflammatory state of the body, those who suffer from it should try to sleep as best as possible. To achieve this, it is important, first of all, to follow sleep hygiene rules, in particular avoiding looking at bright screens before going to bed. A supplement may help melatoninhormone naturally secreted by the epiphysis, to be taken half an hour before sleeping.
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