Strengthen the immune system and give viruses no chance

How can I boost my defense power?

In order to arm yourself against viruses or pathogens, it is important to ensure that your immune system can function optimally. The better your immune function, the more likely it is that the infection will go away with milder symptoms.

Strengthen barriers:

As the first line of defense, our body barriers are crucial for a well-functioning immune system. As these barriers are very sensitive to negative environmental influences and the consequences of modern life, they need to be strengthened. A healthy intestinal flora forms the basis:

• A lot of fiber-rich fruit and vegetables ensure an optimal intestinal mucosa and serve as food for the intestinal flora;for the „good“ intestinal bacteria (microbiome)
• avoidance of antinutrients such as e.g. gluten (e.g. wheat in bread products).e.g. wheat in bread products), saponins (e.g. in legumes) or casein (in dairy products), as they can damage the intestinal walls (tight junctions).
• Reduce stress through meditation, breathing or mindfulness-based interventions. Why is that? Stress opens up our barriers. In the case of short-term stress, such as increased stress or during sport, barriers open functionally for water, glucose and sodium in order to have more energy available for a ""fight response"". However, chronic stress increases the amount of pathogens (harmful substances) entering our system, which can have a long-term negative impact on our health.
• The effect of cortisol is optimized by a brief healthy stress stimulus, e.g. through exercise, heat, cold or thirst. This supports our immune system in being able to calm down again at the right time.

Lactoferrin – the äoldest friend of man

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional, iron-binding glycoprotein from the transferrin family. It is produced by the body itself and is found in high concentrations in milk, but also in other protective and body fluids such as tears, saliva, sweat, nasal, intestinal and vaginal secretions. Intestinal and vaginal secretions ^[1]. As part of the innate immune system, lactoferrin is found in all mammals and performs important tasks in the defense against bacteria, viruses and fungi at the various body sites. It has been part of the immune system for 160 million years and is therefore anchored in evolutionary terms ^[2].

The immune protein is the focus of various scientific studies. It has been shown that lactoferrin has many properties, particularly those that affect the function of the immune system: As part of the immune system, it influences inflammation regulation, modulates the immune system for a „öconomized“ functioning and has antimicrobial properties^[3]. Lactoferrin has a direct influence on the course of inflammation ^[4], regulates the immune system and shows anti-inflammatory ^[5] and antioxidant properties ^[3].

Lactoferrin and viruses

Lactoferrin as a multifunctional protein is also attributed a high therapeutic potential for future areas of application ^[6]. Not least due to the immunomodulating properties ^[7], but also due to the regulating effects on the Th₁– and Th₂ system of the immune system ^[8]. The functioning of specific CD₄₊ cells of the Th₁ system is particularly crucial for the defense against viral infections. The Th₁ (T helper cells) system is particularly responsible for viral defense ^[9]. A strengthened and functional Th₁ system is important and can be impaired by chronic stress, for example ^[10].

The best tips to support your immune defense by:

Vitamins and trace elements:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Selenium
• L-glutamine
  

Nutrition as medicine:

• Medicinal mushrooms such as cordyceps sinensis (Chinese caterpillar fungus) or reishi (glowing lacquered mushroom)
• Garlic
• Turmeric
• Secondary plant substances such as polyphenols (e.g. in high-quality, virgin olive oil) intercept free radicals

A balanced and varied diet should be ensured.