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Autumn has come back to our lives and with it the drop in temperatures, the reduction in hours of sunlight, the decrease in atmospheric pressure, the increase in humidity in the environment and the classic health problems of this season.

Colds, flu and pneumonia will become, as every year, one of the most common diseases

, to which a new guest will inevitably join this fall: coronavirus infections.

If you want to know what things you can do to face this time of year with a strengthened immune system, I invite you to continue reading.

This will not guarantee you avoid any of these infections, but it will certainly help you a good deal.

Does the cold weaken the immune system?

So is.

The cold environment has a

debilitating effect on the cells of the immune system

found in the upper respiratory tract, which makes it easier for viruses and bacteria to bypass that defensive barrier of our body.

The latest scientific evidence that we have even relates the presence of cold air with a decrease in the defensive function of the immune cells in charge of engulfing viruses, the phagocytes.

Does the cold favor viruses?

Sadly and generally yes.

The lipid layer that surrounds some viruses hardens at lower temperatures, making them more active and resistant.

Viruses such as influenza, which we know well,

are favored by this cold environment, especially if the ambient humidity is low

since they remain in the air for longer and have a better chance of finding someone to infect.

What can I do to strengthen the immune system naturally?

Get enough sleep.

Sleep is an important regulator of the immune system, and

not getting enough sleep has adverse effects that alter our metabolism

.

We have some studies that show that during sleep our immune system consolidates its memory, what it has learned about how to recognize and act against new infections.

Sleeping between 7 and 8 hours a day would be ideal and advisable.

Suppress toxic habits.

We know that substances such as

tobacco and alcohol are immunosuppressants that weaken our defenses

.

Various studies show that the more than 3,500 toxic substances present in tobacco cause changes in alveolar macrophages, the main immune cells in the lungs.

On the other hand, alcohol can cause inflammation at the intestinal level and destroy the microorganisms that live in the intestine and that are part of our immune system.

Reduce stress.

Anxiety and high levels of stress will not only cause hypertension, headaches or gastric and muscular problems, but their negative influence on the immune system has also been demonstrated.

In alert situations our body produces hormones that limit the functioning of the immune system

, which causes us to be more defenseless against foreign invaders such as viruses or bacteria.

Eat a healthy and balanced diet.

A varied, moderate and balanced diet in which we opt for fresh, quality and little processed products will provide us with the amount of nutrients necessary to maintain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals that contribute to the proper functioning of our defenses.

Let's forget about the supplements that each year advertise us as the best option to increase defenses,

we should only take them if indicated by a specialist and for justified reasons

.

The indiscriminate use of multivitamin and mineral complexes or food supplements can end up causing kidney or heart problems, among others.

Play sports.

We have known for years that moderate exercise has positive effects on the immune system.

In addition, physical activity helps reduce stress due to the production of hormones such as serotonin, dopamine and endorphins.

Are supplements reliable to prevent coronavirus?

No.

There are no food supplements or multivitamins that prevent, treat or cure coronavirus infection

... no matter how much

influencers

or the famous television on duty announce it.

This is warned on its website by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (dependent on the Ministry of Health).

The best way to avoid getting the coronavirus does not go through the pills, but by

following the 3M rule

(Hand washing, Maintaining the distance between people and a Mask)

and avoiding the 3C

(Closed spaces, Crowded places and Close Contacts).

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

Know more

  • Science and Health

  • Respiratory diseases

Pandemic Map of the coronavirus: expansion in figures of Covid-19 in the world

Coronavirus Map of Covid-19 in Spain

Health "Great concern" about the situation of the pandemic in Spain and 6 other European countries

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