Get your immune system ready for autumn

The body’s own defences

Our body is a walking miracle. It works for us around the clock, and it can often manage far more than we imagine, as long as it is given the right working conditions.

When I was young, I did not give my immune system much thought. It was only when I repeatedly caught colds or had influenza that I began to think about the body’s defence system. This led me to become deeply fascinated by the body’s abilities and its amazing capacity, with a little help, to protect and restore itself.

The immune system is a large network of cells and tissue that work together to detect and respond to, among other things, viruses, bacteria, fungi and other foreign substances. Some of the defence cells react quickly, while others form antibodies or help remove what the body does not want.

When we gather again in classrooms, workplaces and other close spaces, the possibility of infection increases. We cannot control everything we encounter. In return, we can do a great deal to give the body a good foundation.

A strong immune system begins in the gut

When we talk about the immune system, we must also talk about the digestive system. A large proportion of the body’s immune cells and immune tissue is found in and around the gut. Here the body must constantly be able to distinguish between nutrition and harmless bacteria on one side and possible threats on the other.

A very large number of microorganisms live in the gut. The balance can be affected by, among other things, our diet, sleep, stress, alcohol and the use of antibiotics. Therefore, a period after the holidays can also be felt in the digestion.

We can help the digestive system by eating a varied diet and getting sufficient fibre from vegetables, fruit, pulses, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Here on the Costa del Sol, we have access to many wonderful foods such as tomatoes, peppers, courgettes, aubergine, avocado, citrus fruit and almonds.

It may be a good idea to supplement with lactic acid bacteria, particularly after a course of antibiotics or during periods when the stomach is out of balance. There are many good products, for example Symbioflor+ and Solaray Multidophilus 12 or 24.

There is also a fermented herbal drink called Vita Biosa. It is an organic and unpasteurised drink that is fermented with eight different cultures of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria, as well as extracts from 19 herbs. The herbs include ginger, chamomile, fennel, peppermint, rosemary, sage and thyme.

During fermentation, the bacteria convert the sugar from the molasses used into organic acids. The finished product is therefore sugar-free and also vegan and free from milk and gluten. Vita Biosa can be drunk as a small daily shot or mixed with water, juice or a smoothie.

A well-functioning digestive system is not a guarantee against colds, but it is an important part of the foundation from which the body’s immune system works.

Dietary supplements for the return to everyday life

Our daily food is our foundation, but through a long life I have seen how good dietary supplements can be a valuable help. They should not replace a varied diet, sleep or exercise, but should be used as a supplement.

I always think it is best to start with a good foundation. Omnimin is one of my preferred multivitamin and mineral products. It contains a broad combination of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including vitamins A, C and D as well as zinc and selenium, which contribute to the normal function of the immune system.

Omnimin also contains several B vitamins, magnesium and iron, which help reduce tiredness and fatigue. Omnimin is also available in a version without iron and vitamin K called OmniX. For the younger members of the family there are OmniMini chewable tablets, intended for children aged 3-10 years.

Strath has a very special place in my heart. It was my encounter with what was then Bio-Strath that, many years ago, awakened my interest in vitamins, natural remedies and complementary health. At that time, I was very tired and exhausted and experienced for myself how Strath helped me regain strength and joy in life.

Strath is available both as a liquid and as tablets. The liquid version can be good for children and adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets. Strath can be taken together with the family’s other dietary supplements and is suitable for taking with your vitamins.

Remember the healthy fats

The brain does not function alone, but is influenced by factors such as sleep, movement, food, a sense of safety and the fats we eat. Therefore, it may be a good idea to pay attention to your omega-3 intake.

The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are found mainly in fish and fish oil. DHA is an important component of the brain and helps maintain normal brain function with a sufficient daily intake. The fatty acids are also important for the body’s cells and for the normal function of the skin.

Vegans and others who prefer a plant-based product can choose Udo’s Oil 3/6/9. It is a blend of different plant oils, including flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil and evening primrose oil. The oil must not be heated, but can be used over salads, vegetables, rice, yoghurt or in a smoothie.

Plantforce Vegan Omega-3 is another option. The product is made from oil from the microalga Schizochytrium and contains the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

During particularly demanding periods

Shilajit is a natural organic-mineral substance from the mountainous regions of the Himalayas. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic tradition to support vitality, resilience and recovery.

Shilajit contains minerals and organic compounds, including fulvic acids. This makes it an interesting option for adults during particularly demanding periods, when everyday life becomes busy again and the body needs additional support.

CurcuSym Boost for immune defence and mobility

CurcuSym Boost from Biosym contains a special turmeric extract with curcumin as well as vitamins C and D. Turmeric helps maintain the joints and supports the normal function of the liver and digestive system. Vitamins C and D both contribute to the normal function of the immune system.

Kan Jang at the first signs

Even when we take good care of ourselves, we may still catch a cold. The common cold is usually caused by a virus, which means that antibiotics do not work against the cold itself.

Kan Jang is a herbal medicinal product used at the first signs of a cold. It is not a daily supplement like Omnimin, Strath or omega-3, but a product intended for short-term use when symptoms begin.

It is a good idea to keep Kan Jang in the family medicine cabinet so that it is available at the first signs of a sore throat, runny nose or an oncoming cold.

When a cold is developing, the body also needs rest, sleep and fluids. A warm drink with ginger, lemon, thyme or honey can feel soothing for the throat. Remember that honey must never be given to children under one year of age.

Vitamins C and D

During periods of extra strain, it may be relevant to supplement with vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to reducing tiredness and fatigue.

It may also be a good idea to pay attention to vitamin D. Even though we have a lot of sun on the Costa del Sol, some people may still need an additional supplement.