How to strengthen the immune system in the autumn: useful tips

Many have noticed the fact that in the fall the frequency of colds increases several times. Epidemics of influenza, most often, also occur in the autumn. Why fall? In the spring, of course, hypovitaminosis occurs due to the long absence of fruits and most vegetables in the winter. But in the fall, in the body, it would seem, there should be a lot of vitamins, why does immunity suffer? Is it possible to protect yourself from a cold?

What is immunity?

Immunity is a whole system of the body that protects us from the action of harmful environmental factors. It is divided into two main types: specific and non-specific. The first are humoral substances or immunoglobulins. These are antibodies that act only on certain antigens. For each pathogen of the disease - their own immunoglobulins.It is this kind of immunity that allows us not to get sick again from chicken pox, scarlet fever, rubella and other diseases that persistent immunity develops.

However, causative agents of colds are not able to cause a long-lasting immune response, so we can tolerate a cold several times a year. In this case, the immunity is non-specific. It is he who is responsible for the fact that some people get sick more often than others.

Non-specific immunity - these are the cells that guard our health. They recognize any pathogen and cause immune reactions that should prevent the disease from developing. Reducing non-specific immunity leads to the fact that the body becomes vulnerable to colds.

In addition, there are barrier factors whose main task: to prevent the pathogenic agent from entering the body. These are cells of the skin, respiratory and digestive systems, as well as substances on the surface of these cells. For example, the airways are lined with ciliated epithelium. Cilia are in constant motion, as if sweeping out unwanted substances from the surface of the respiratory tract.It also contains cells that produce mucus, which glues pathogenic factors. Thus, lumps of harmful substances, pathogens and mucus leave the body under the action of cilia.

Why does immunity decrease in autumn

It is difficult to unambiguously answer the question about lowering immunity in the autumn. Most likely, several predisposing factors exert their influence at once, but the main one is the weather. And it's not just rain and damp. The main reasons for the decrease in immunity are as follows:

1. Increased aggressiveness of pathogens. Many viruses and bacteria like the weather of spring and autumn. They do not like direct sunlight and cold, but they like dampness and average temperature. Simply put, in the fall, our body is faced with so many pathogens that immunity can simply not cope with them all.
2. Wet feet. Everyone knows that wet feet are the main cause of a sore throat, but not everyone knows why. Supercooling of the feet reflexively causes a spasm of the vessels of the larynx and pharynx and hypoxia of the tissues of these organs. First, tissues under hypoxic conditions are more permeable to pathogenic pathogens.Secondly, ischemia is followed by an increase in the filling of blood with capillaries, which have already increased their permeability and inflammation occurs.
3. Cold air. Inhalation of cold air (especially if you breathe through your mouth, not with your nose, in which the air warms and disinfects) leads to the same result as wet feet.
4. Hypovitaminosis. Many people mistakenly believe that vitamins used in the summer period are stored in the body until spring. In fact, some of these substances do not have a depot in the body at all. That is, it is enough vitamins only when we constantly use them. First of all, it concerns vitamin C.
5. Unhealthy food. What do we most often eat in summer? Salads, kebabs or other goodies. And sometimes we do diets to hit everyone on the beach with our figure. Such a diet leads to a decrease in the body's supply of protein substances, and immunity works, first of all, at their expense. At what proteins are consumed gradually and their deficiency begins to manifest only in the fall.
6. Lack of fresh air. It is pleasant to sit in a warm room and look at the rain from the window, and wet your feet so less chance.However, in a stuffy, enclosed area, the concentration of pathogens can be quite high.

Despite the fact that these causes of reduced immunity affect everyone, some people still manage to maintain their health. It is worth remembering that children, old people, smokers, people suffering from chronic diseases and obesity are most susceptible to reduced immunity.

Are there ways to boost immunity?

It should immediately be said that further we will talk about improving immunity with a slight deviation from the norm. That is, people with acquired immunodeficiency (AIDS) compliance with these rules will not help. With a decrease in immunity due to a specific disease, it is necessary to treat a disease that has become the root cause.

Those who care about the seasonal decline in immunity, you can try to improve it in the following ways:

1. Proper nutrition. Despite the banality of this advice, it really does matter. You should eat as much protein food as possible. In this case, preference is better to give boiled and baked meat.Also do not forget about seasonal vegetables and fruits.
2. Daily regime. This item is important at any time of the year. Compliance with sleep / wakefulness and work / rest, can strengthen not only the immune system, but also the nervous one.
3. Walks in the open air. It is important to go out every day and spend in the open air at least half an hour, regardless of weather conditions. It is enough to dress appropriately in order not to get wet and not to freeze.
4. Vitamin C intake. This wonderful substance reduces tissue permeability and is an antioxidant that strengthens all parts of the immune system. A large amount of this vitamin is found in greens, citrus fruits, apples. In addition, champions in vitamin C are coniferous drinks.
5. Phytotherapy. To strengthen the immune system perfectly suitable decoctions of mountain ash, echinacea or rosehip. To do this, it is enough to fill the selected plant with water at the rate of 1:10, boil for 15 minutes, and then leave to stand for 40 minutes. Drink daily a total of a glass a day.
6. Medications. There are many immunostimulants, many of which, moreover,possess and antiviral activity. It is worth paying attention to such drugs as: amixin, arbidol, immunal, influenza, molixan, cycloferon. They should be taken after consulting a doctor and according to his appointment.
7. Rejection of bad habits. Smoking, alcohol, sweet tooth - all this reduces the immune system. It is necessary to be patient and give up what is harmful to health.

It can be concluded that immunity is a complex system that protects our body from diseases, but it itself depends on many factors. Our way of life, habits, behavior, and even the weather, can reduce defense mechanisms. In the autumn, immunity suffers the most, but diseases can be avoided if you follow simple rules of behavior.

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