The immune system, as the name suggests, is the one that takes care of our body’s immunity and acts as a defense system.
Thus, it is essential for the proper functioning of the body, considering that a failure can open loopholes for infections and other problems to occur. That is why taking care to have good immunity is so important.
Thinking about it, here are some causes of low immunity and how to deal with this problem:
Contents
What is low immunity and why does it occur?
Our immune system works to defend our body against possible infectious or harmful agents. It consists of white blood cells (leukocytes and lymphocytes), as well as hematopoietic tissues (bone marrow, which produces defense cells) and some organs – such as spleen and thymus.
The reasons that can trigger low immunity are diverse, but in general this situation is caused by poor diet (causing a lack of vitamins and minerals). Or, due to hormonal variations, use of certain medications and pre – existing diseases – such as anemia , obesity or AIDS , in addition to dysfunctions such as diabetes .
In general, it is possible to raise suspicions of low immunity when some health conditions become frequent. They will not always arise, but some situations can manifest themselves, such as:
- Recurrent infections (such as tonsillitis or herpes );
- Simple illnesses like the flu, but which has a slow recovery or quick worsening;
- Frequent fever or chills;
- Constant feeling of tiredness;
- Nausea or vomiting for no apparent reason (not related to food, for example);
- High levels of stress;
- Excessive weight loss or gain for no apparent reason;
- Diarrhea for long periods (15 days or more);
- Red or white spots on the skin;
- Severe hair loss or weak nails;
- Frequent thrush .
When do I need to take medication to boost immunity?
In some cases, it may be necessary to use medications to help control immunity. However, it must be borne in mind that self-medication is not recommended under any circumstances.
Therefore, the ideal is to monitor the possible symptoms of low immunity and if you do not feel any improvement from care such as – for example – maintaining a good diet, you should seek medical attention.
That way, it will be possible for you to receive the correct guidelines regarding the treatment for your case.
Also, it is worth mentioning that specific vitamins can be indicated if you have nutritional deficiency or absorption problems – but it is worth remembering that any supplement or medicine should only be used under specialized guidance.
Which pills to boost immunity?
As mentioned in the previous topic, self-medication is not recommended. But we separate medicines that can be indicated by a doctor in cases of low immunity.
Before, it is worth noting that in some cases other options may be indicated, such as the use of flower remedies (essences of flowers or plants that act as an alternative treatment), such as the Floral Thérapi Low Immunity . These can help in the care of some illnesses and even emotional disorders, such as anxiety or depression .
Following, you can check three remedies that act on the immune system, reinforcing the body’s defenses:
Leucogen
The medicine Leucogen is available in two versions: syrup and capsule . According to the information in the package insert, the first is indicated for the treatment of intense or recurrent infectious and exanthematic diseases (infections that also cause skin symptoms). Some examples are infections of the respiratory airways, measles , chickenpox or food allergy .
For adults, the dosage is 15mL to 30mL (1½ to 3 measuring cups) a day and, in the case of pediatric use, it is usually 0.75mL / kg to 1mL / kg per day – divided into two.
The capsule version, on the other hand, can be indicated for the prevention of respiratory tract infections and also in cases of deficiency in the formation of antibodies. According to the package insert, the dosage is one or – at most – two capsules per day.
Oscillococcinum
The Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic remedy (class of drugs made from extracts of plant, animal and mineral kingdoms).
According to the instructions on its package insert, it is recommended as an aid in the prevention and treatment of flu-like conditions.
Its dosage varies according to the indication. For use as a preventive treatment, that is, in order to strengthen the immune system, it is recommended to take one dose ( single shot ) per week during the fall (April to June), in order to prevent the flu in the winter.
For the treatment of flu symptoms, the indication is to take a dose 2 or 3 times (with an interval of 6 hours between each one) when the first symptoms appear. But, in cases of already established flu, it is recommended to take one dose in the morning and another in the evening for 3 days.
Estimoral
The Estimoral remedy is, according to the package insert, indicated to stimulate the body’s defense mechanisms in children and adults. With this, it works to prevent recurrent respiratory infections such as rhinitis , sinusitis , otitis , pharyngitis , laryngitis , bronchitis and its variations.
Therefore, its action is designed to stimulate the immune system. The recommended dose is one tablet per day (for both adult and pediatric use), administering the dose on an empty stomach in the morning.
The treatment indicated by the package insert is two periods of 28 days, with an interval of 28 days without treatment. It usually starts when the person is healthy in order to act as a preventive measure.
What are the supplements to increase immunity?
Considering that one of the causes of low immunity is the lack of vitamins and minerals in the body, it can be effective to carry out maintenance with the use of supplements and multivitamins. Check out some:
- Center ;
- Equaliv Nutri;
- Immunofort ;
- Multibeauty Dr. Good;
- Lavitan Mais AZ ;
- Triple Omega 3, 6 and 9 Divcom Pharma.
Despite the benefits that vitamin complexes can bring to health, it is important to note that this does not replace a good diet and healthy routine. In addition, it is important to carry out medical follow-up so that you can perform tests to know your vitamin indexes, in order to make correct replacements.
Vitamins and minerals to improve immunity
As seen in the previous topic, vitamins and minerals are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. Therefore, medical monitoring is important in order to measure the level of nutrients in the body through examinations.
From this, it is possible to identify deficiencies or excesses and the doctor will be able to make specific indications for your case. In other words, never carry out self-medication, even with vitamin supplements.
Next, let’s see how some of these nutrients work in the body and better understand their importance:
C vitamin
Vitamin C is undoubtedly the best known for its beneficial action on the immune system. Fortunately, it is easily accessible, being present in many foods and can also be ingested through effervescent tablets (such as Bio-C Tablets ).
Among the foods richest in vitamin C, we can highlight fruits such as orange, kiwi , lemon, guava and pineapple. Or even some vegetables like peppers, arugula, garlic, onions and tomatoes.
In our body, among other functions, it works by increasing the production of white blood cells – blood cells that play an essential role in the proper functioning of the immune system. In this way, reinforcing the body’s defenses.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 also plays an important role in strengthening our defense system.
It can be found in foods such as meat (beef, poultry or seafood), milk, white cheese, egg and natural yogurts.
However, as you can see, mostly vitamin B12 is found in products of animal origin. Considering that many people are vegetarian, vegan or simply choose not to consume some of these items, they can ingest it through supplements, such as:
- Calcitran B12 (oral solution);
- Vitamin B12 Doctor Berger (capsules);
- Cronobê.
Folic acid
The folic acid , or vitamin B9 is a nutrient that operates various functions in the body (as stimulate the formation of blood cells or prevent heart disease). Its performance is also related to immunity, as it strengthens the defense cells and helps in the proper functioning of the immune system.
The intake of this nutrient can be made by consuming foods such as spinach, beans , parsley, asparagus, liver steak, among others. But, like other vitamins, it is also possible to consume supplements. Check out some:
- Folic Neutrofer ;
- Nutramix Folic Acid ;
- Neo Folic .
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is very important in our body. However, it is not uncommon to find people with a deficiency of this nutrient, considering that its absorption by food is more difficult – since it is present in few of them.
In general, the best and most effective form of absorption is through the sun. However, exposure to sunlight should be done in moderation and at alternative times (8 am to 10 am or late afternoon, after 4 pm).
Therefore, since many people do not have that time of day to sunbathe or simply live in places with lower temperatures (or on cloudy days), consumption through tablets / capsules is a good alternative. Check out some options:
- Sany D;
- ViterSol D Capsule ;
- Vitamina D Font D ;
- D dose .
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that is also very beneficial to immunity, because it acts on the functioning of lymphocytes (defense cells of the body).
It can be obtained through the consumption of foods such as oysters, shrimp, meats (beef, chicken or fish), cereals, some vegetables, among others. But it is also possible to take supplements – such as Vitergan Zinco Pl .
Care: what is good to strengthen the immune system?
Having a well-functioning immune system is very important. Therefore, some precautions are necessary for you to maintain good immunity. Check out some examples:
Keep a good diet
It is no secret that maintaining a good diet is good for your health. Many foods have a direct contribution to our immune system, which further reinforces the need to appreciate a balanced, vitamin-rich diet.
A good tip is to avoid processed foods, as they have a very low level of nutrients. So, you can choose foods like:
- Fruits (especially citrus fruits, such as orange or lemon), greens and vegetables;
- Proteins (meat in general, eggs, milk);
- Sources of carbohydrates such as manioc, corn, potatoes – these are important because they provide energy to the body.
Keep hydrated
Dehydration changes blood flow, making it difficult to transport nutrients and oxygen in cells. Therefore, drinking water is very important.
It is also worth noting that water helps with physical resistance and is essential for the removal of impurities from the body – which is essential to maintain a healthy body.
Therefore, remember to drink at least 2L of water daily (equivalent to 8 glasses of 250mL).
Sleep well
It is during our rest period, from sleep, that we can restore our body’s energy levels. Studies indicate that the ideal is to sleep an average of 7 to 8 hours a night.
This is very important to keep our immune system functioning properly, considering that the defense cells expend a lot of energy to stay active.
In addition, deregulation in sleep can cause an imbalance in the hormone cortisol, which works by controlling stress , fighting inflammation and controlling blood pressure.
When it is out of its normal levels, it can disrupt the proper functioning of the immune system and thereby contribute to the emergence of problems.
Decrease stress levels
Many people do not know, but controlling stress is an important step towards good immunity.
One reason is because when we are at a high level of stress, the body understands that it is under some kind of threat. In this way, our body starts to produce hormones and substances as a form of protection – adrenaline and cortisol, for example.
As a result, our defense system can slow down the workload and be vulnerable to disease and other problems.
Practice physical activities
In addition to good health in general, many studies show that people who exercise regularly have a faster defense response against possible infectious agents.
This is because physical activities can assist in the production of lymphocytes (defense cells of the body). Therefore, maintaining a good exercise routine plays a crucial role in good immunity.
Take preventive measures
Finally, if you already have symptoms of low immunity or some illness like flu or cold , take some precautions.
For example, avoid leaving the house to go to closed places or with crowds of people (like cinemas, for example), or even reinforce your hygiene habits – wash your hands regularly, use gel alcohol, etc.
That way, from small preventive measures, you can avoid more serious complications and see to it that your immunity recovers.
Taking care of your immunity is very important for the proper functioning of your body and to prevent diseases. This care can occur in your daily life from food, exercise and rest.
However, do not hesitate to seek professional help if you are experiencing problems. This can vary from a general practitioner or nutritionist, to a psychologist (for cases of a lot of stress or anxiety).
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