Experts gave tips on maintaining immunity in the off-season

With a sharp change in temperature and the end of the heating season, seasonal morbidity is also increasing: viruses are spreading more actively, and the body is experiencing additional stress. On February 28, Anna Nuzhina, STARWIND's leading brand manager, and Daniil Shchepelyaev, an immunologist at the Scandinavian Health Center, told Izvestia how to stay healthy and what to do to make warming drinks benefit the body.

Dry air from heating is the main problem for the immune system. The over-dried mucous membrane of the respiratory tract performs a barrier function worse and retains viral particles worse, and the cilia of the epithelium work less effectively. Additional risks are created by crowding and sparse ventilation — the concentration of viral aerosols is higher in enclosed spaces.

"Ultraviolet light reduces the viability of viruses, and due to its deficiency, some people's levels of vitamin D, which is involved in regulating the immune response, decrease. Finally, lack of sleep, stress and decreased physical activity increase the burden on the body and make colds more likely," said the immunologist.

You can strengthen your immune system without medication — through basic habits. Regular sleep, enough protein, a varied diet of fruits and vegetables, exercise, and stress control work more effectively in the long run. Gradual hardening helps the body to tolerate temperature changes more easily, but supplements, including vitamin D, are advisable only if there is a confirmed deficiency and do not cancel the correct regime.

The immunologist said that the usual hot drink, with which many people try to prevent the onset of colds, does not protect against viruses directly, but supports the body indirectly — it helps to maintain water balance and reduce the feeling of chills. With sufficient fluid intake, the mucous membranes work better, and warm drinks create a feeling of relaxation and comfort. It is important to take into account the temperature. Too hot drinks burn the mouth and esophagus — this injury will create an extra burden on the immune system.

For sore and irritated throats, adding honey to a drink will help. It will act not just as a preventive measure, but as a treatment. But an excess of sugar, syrups, or alcohol rather creates the illusion of benefit. Strong coffee and tea are invigorating, but with a tendency to anxiety, tachycardia and sleep disorders, they should be consumed in moderation.

When preparing a warm drink, it is important to consider the temperature. Too hot drinks burn the mouth and throat — this injury will create an extra burden on the immune system.

In order for the daily ritual with tea or coffee to be not only pleasant, but also safe, it is important to pay attention to the technique in which the drink is prepared. Temperature, uniformity of heating, and materials directly affect taste, aroma, and even benefit the body. For example, it is better to brew green tea at 70-80 degrees, black tea at 90-95 degrees, and herbal teas require a slightly lower temperature to preserve useful substances. For coffee lovers, special attention should be paid to electric Turks and coffee makers. Improper heat distribution leads to bitterness and loss of aromatic notes.

"With any budget, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the equipment materials: stainless steel, glass or ceramics. Cheap plastic can release foreign odors and harmful substances when water is heated, which can be dangerous to health. In addition, such plastic retains heat worse, so the water cools down faster, and the kettle itself serves less," said the leading brand manager.

Taking care of the immune system consists of simple but regular actions. A comfortable microclimate, sleep, exercise, balanced nutrition and attention to detail — including how and in what you prepare your favorite drinks — form a stable body support system.

On January 31, Ekaterina Kashukh, a gastroenterologist, told how intestinal health affects the immune system and which foods should be included in the diet to strengthen the body's defenses. According to her, protein from various sources — meat, fish, eggs and legumes — plays an important role in the formation of antibodies and cells of the immune system. Fiber, found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, is the main food for beneficial intestinal microflora. It promotes the formation of fatty acids that regulate the immune system.

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