I'm constantly wondering what to do. Causes of frequent colds and methods to combat them. Foci of chronic infection

Why do we often get colds, and what are their causes? This question haunts many people who experience the beauty of its unforgettable symptoms with enviable regularity. And first you need to decide once and for all what kind of disease this is - a cold? It turns out that this is a collective concept that unites several viral diseases at once. They all have two common features. Firstly, all types of colds have viral origin. Secondly, the impetus for its development is often hypothermia.

A cold, as a rule, means one or several viral diseases, including influenza and acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI or ARI). A cold on the face is called a manifestation of the herpes simplex virus type 1.

Let us add that ARVI can manifest itself in a variety of ways. inflammatory diseases upper respiratory tract and nasopharynx, including inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis), pharynx (pharyngitis), vocal cords(laryngitis), nasal mucosa (rhinitis), bronchi (bronchitis).

Before you continue reading: If you are looking effective method getting rid of constant colds and diseases of the nose, throat, lungs, then be sure to look into section of the site "Book" after reading this article. This information is based on personal experience author and has helped many people, we hope it will help you too. NOT advertising! So, now back to the article.

By the way, cough - a traditional symptom of viral bronchitis - is not always related to a cold. Reflex contraction of the muscles of the respiratory tract can be caused by allergies and its severe consequences - bronchial asthma. In addition, cough accompanies serious illnesses lungs: tuberculosis, sarcoidosis and many others. Therefore, if without visible reasons, without a cold or a hint of it, you or your child develop a cough, you should be wary and consult a doctor.

Direct culprits of colds

The immediate cause of a cold is its pathogens. And we have already found out that their role is played by viruses. Depending on the disease, the causative agents are:

influenza viruses;
adenoviruses;
respiratory syncytial viruses;
rhinoviruses;
herpes simplex viruses type 1.

All of them are transmitted in two main ways - airborne droplets, with a current of inhaled air, and contact, with the help of household items. Infection with a respiratory virus is completely commonplace. However, why do some lucky people catch a cold once every five years, while others catch respiratory infection constantly, and not only during epidemiologically dangerous periods?

It's simple: there are categories of people who are more susceptible to infection. Children have always been and remain an excellent reservoir for viral infections, especially early age. Parents are often tormented by a simple question - what are the reasons for frequent colds in their children? The answer is simple: vulnerability child's body is explained by the imperfection of the immune system, which is just getting acquainted with a string of viruses.

Kindergartens and schools are classic breeding grounds for respiratory viruses, from which the infection directly enters our homes and offices. In addition, people with reduced immunity, such as the elderly, pregnant and lactating women and others, are at risk.

ARVI both in summer and winter

Let’s say everything is clear with children - their immunity is still weak, so they really get sick regularly. What are the reasons frequent colds in adults, and sometimes not only in autumn and winter, but also in summer?

Of course, everything is in the same immune defense, or rather, in its imperfection. Decreased immunity in an adult is not that uncommon, especially considering the conditions of modern life. Unfavorable environmental situation, smoking, alcohol, poor nutrition, a sedentary-lying lifestyle and many other factors prevent the immune system from performing its function fully. Gradually, a person becomes more and more susceptible to ARVI, and at any time of the year.

By the way, summer cold- not so much a rare event, and the reasons for it are quite obvious. Most often, people who go on a well-deserved vacation, bask in the warm sea and sunbathe under the sun, get sick with it. warm sun. In fact, it is often on the coast that pampered urban organisms face hypothermia, and as a result, decreased immunity. Add to this acclimatization, which also takes strength and increases the chances of catching an acute respiratory infection. And you will understand that a viral infection in such a situation is, alas, a sad pattern.

Causes of colds on the face - herpes

The situation is completely different with the cause of the so-called cold on the face or lips. Itchy and weeping blisters in the area around the mouth are nothing more than manifestations of the herpes virus type 1. Infection with this pathogen occurs only once in a lifetime and forever. According to approximate data, almost 60% of the population are carriers of type 1 herpes simplex infection. As a rule, most people become infected in childhood, through contact with a patient in the acute stage.

First clinical symptoms Herpes outbreaks appear soon after infection. When the painful and unsightly blisters finally heal, the viruses do not die - they simply “hibernate.” But as soon as the immune system fails, the herpes viruses are right there, leading again active life, causing itchy rashes.

So, frequent colds on the lips have the same reason as regular acute respiratory viral infections - decreased immunity. And hypothermia is the best way to quickly and skillfully “undermine” the body’s defenses. That’s why it’s worth listening to the boring but true advice of our grandmothers. In general, keep your feet warm, and colds will be less likely to visit your home!

It was draughty, my feet were cold, I didn’t dress well, I over-insulated myself, there were all kinds of microbes all around, weak bronchi, weak ears... There are so many other reasons! For a person who often suffers from colds, no matter how careful he is, there is always and everywhere a reason for another acute respiratory infection, bronchitis, otitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis. And so on endlessly from month to month, from year to year, and, as it turns out, the vast majority of such unfortunate people are not helped by either hardening (how can you harden yourself if you are always in a state of cold?), or various rinses, neither drinking special herbs, nor various measures to increase immunity. This is not an empty statement. At one time, when I was quite seriously ill and had many different complaints and diagnoses, I was constantly in a state of cold for about two years. In addition, I have many patients, and especially children, who suffered from various colds 10-20 times a year and were convinced of the ineffectiveness or low and only temporary effectiveness of the usually offered preventive measures on myself. There is another group of unfortunates - they do not necessarily get colds often, but they take a long or very long time to get out of it, they all cough and blow their nose, sweat and never gain strength.
The generally accepted idea of low immunity or weak mucous membranes as the cause of the problem in such cases is erroneous. This is confirmed by many of my patients, children and adults, who have gotten rid of frequent colds of various types.

Long-term practice of integral systematic approach allowed me to establish that the main cause of frequent colds is allergies, that is, not reduced immunity, but increased reactivity of the body, and first of all lymphoid tissue respiratory tract. I can say even more categorically - without allergies, chronic or frequent rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, otitis simply do not exist. Moreover, it should be borne in mind that allergy does not necessarily have to manifest itself in hives, intolerance to any product, or in some other obvious external way. Chronic swelling of the lymphoid apparatus of the mucous membrane with disruption of blood flow, lymph flow, metabolism, and easy infection is one of the variants of obvious allergy along with classic urticaria.

However, such a fundamentally important statement is only the first step towards effective treatment patients with this problem. Naturally, the question arises: what is the cause of allergies in each individual person? Those who have any obvious allergies naively say that the cause of their allergy is either pollen, or cold, or chocolate, or eggs, or strawberries, or washing powder... However, all this is never the cause of allergy - these are only provoking factors, and the reason is a dysfunction of certain organs designed to provide an adequate response to various allergens. Those whose such organs function poorly (and are not necessarily clearly sick) suffer from increased allergies. The too frequent helplessness of doctors in cases of frequent colds is explained by the fact that in such cases there is a struggle either to increase immunity or to strengthen “weak” mucous membranes, while the culprit organs remain outside of attention. Firstly, this happens because a person is not considered as a single system in which the mucous membranes and the immune system do not exist separately from all other organs and tissues, and secondly, because changes in organs, even when one thinks about them, are assessed from the point of view: are they sick or not sick, while they may not be are sick and not healthy, that is, changes in them may have the nature of dysfunction.

A systematic approach naturally implies that, despite the priority contribution of allergies to frequent colds, a certain role also belongs to other disorders in the body that negatively affect metabolism, blood circulation, detoxification, and regulation.

So what is the cause of allergy itself? The fact is that, despite typological disorders in the body of all such people, the cause is always not only complex, but also individual. This is where one of the fundamental methodological principles of medicine comes into force: treatment must be preceded by individual diagnosis in direct contact with the patient. It is in this case that both the main link and all the accompanying or aggravating moments in a given patient can be established.

I would like to note that I could describe here in sufficient detail the key typological causes of allergies and frequent colds, however, this would be too much for a popular publication complex description, and besides, this is my know-how. In medicine, know-how exists not only and not so much as a commercial category, but as a way to avoid discrediting a method or approach through incorrect or dishonest use. The effectiveness of a method or approach can only be assessed when the author applies it.

Despite the above, I will nevertheless give in this chapter recommendations for combating various common colds. I have no doubt that if they are carried out carefully, many will achieve remarkable results, although maximum effectiveness is possible only after direct work with the patient.

So, the first thing that needs to be observed is limiting obvious allergens. Here we mean not only what causes you an obvious allergy, but also what increases the general allergic background in all people: chocolate, citrus fruits, white sugar, a lot of fish, a lot of eggs, a lot of white chicken meat, strawberries, lots of honey.

Next, alternate between days taking either before bedtime or 1 teaspoon castor oil, either 1-2 tablets of allochol, or 2-3 tablets of activated carbon (for children, respectively, 1 coffee spoon of oil, 1 tablet of allochol, 1-2 tablets of activated carbon).

Every day after lunch or dinner, apply a warm heating pad to the liver area for 10-20 minutes (right costal arch area).

Massage the back of the head and neck with your hands or a soft massage brush 1-2 times daily, as well as massage the upper back (above the waist) with your hands or any massager or towel. In the evening, apply a warm heating pad to the upper back for 10-20 minutes.

Take a warm bath with thyme 1-2 times a week. For a bath, you can use a decoction (with a handful of herbs) or essential oil thyme (3-5 drops), or you can simply rinse after washing with a decoction of thyme from a jug. Children should take 2-5 drops of oil for their bath, depending on their age.

Regularly conduct special acupressure- acupressure. Unfortunately, I cannot give individual points for each point in absentia, so use the recommendations on acupressure given, for example, in brochures on Shiatsu (Shiatsu). Of course, the effect will be less, but that’s what they are for. There are two principles here: the points should be massaged until it hurts for 20 seconds to 1.5 minutes, and the more often the better, that is, you can do it up to twice daily. However, there will be a good effect if you perform acupressure at least 3-4 times a week. Acupressure can be difficult with small children, but it should still be done as it comes. Naturally, little ones should not massage the points too much.

Practice regularly special exercises from hatha yoga - asanas. First of all, do birch tree, headstand, dog, snake, grasshopper poses. There are also two principles here: frequency - the more often the better, but at least 3-4 times a week is not bad; and the second principle is non-violence, that is, perform asanas in such a way that there are no unpleasant or pain. Even if at first you perform the asanas clumsily and for a very short time, or even just imitate them. For young children, it is advisable to turn classes into a game and, since they are unlikely to be able to do everything correctly, at least imitate the asanas.

Finally, regularly practice contrast procedures (showers, douches, rubdowns). Here essential principles- non-violence and “the more often the better,” although two to four times a week is sufficient. Don’t perform heroic deeds, you don’t have to douse yourself for a long time, many times and very cold water. You can do two or three contrasting douses with cool or even slightly cool and hot water. The point here is not in hardening in the sense that it is usually understood, but in training those complex mechanisms, which, among other things, are involved in the formation of adequate reactions to exposure to allergens.

So, you have received a clear, simple and harmless program for working on your problem. Of course, after direct diagnosis, this program would be more accurate individually and somewhat more extensive (I cannot give some recommendations without direct diagnosis). However, the above will be enough for many of you to be able to radically solve your problem, since these recommendations, no matter how simple and far from the respiratory tract they may seem, nevertheless affect the key, causal mechanisms of the formation of frequent colds.

I will add that at the same time they can be useful homeopathic treatment, any physical education, regular use restorative herbal teas.

Everything said above about frequent colds fully applies to frequent and chronic otitis media, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pharyngitis. Acute otitis media or sinusitis, bronchitis can occur only once in a lifetime, as a result, for example, severe hypothermia, weakening of the body, frequent and chronic - only as a result of allergies. Even the so-called obstructive bronchitis, in fact, is really only “so-called”. In this case, there are actually no real gross organic obstructive changes in the bronchial mucosa. With bronchoscopy, you can see the unevenness of the lumen of the bronchi, foci of inflammation, atrophy, hypertrophy, but this, again, is a consequence allergic edema, hypertrophy of the lymphoid tissue that permeates the mucosa, and only secondary focal inflammatory and atrophic changes. Secondary, because blood flow, lymph flow, metabolic processes, and regeneration cannot occur normally in the edematous tissue. Just as with frequent colds, with the start of systemic therapy there is almost always no trace left, signs of obstructive bronchitis disappear relatively quickly, otitis media, sinusitis stop, and in cases of long-term bronchitis. The only exceptions are cases of sinusitis, when previously surgical interventions, as well as cases of bronchitis, accompanied by foci of fibrosis (sclerolysis) after suffering in the past very severe acute bronchitis. Any former traumatic surgical damage to any organ makes it difficult to work with it in the future, and the former severe inflammatory process, often leaving fibrous foci, creates a chronic focal difficulty in blood and lymph flow, metabolism, discharge of natural secretions, regeneration, which creates a focus of the nutrient medium for secondary infection (infection is not the cause of the diseases under discussion, as is commonly believed, microorganisms simply multiply with pleasure in stagnant tissue). In these cases, treatment is also effective, but often takes much longer. Sometimes it is not even possible to achieve an absolute effect due to poor resorption of fibrous tissue.

In general, as a rule, my patients with frequent colds, especially children who used to get sick ten to twenty times a year, or even almost always have a cold, already in the next year have a cold only 1-2-3 times and get sick easily and not like before, for two or three weeks, but for two or four days. Incredible, but this is reality, while modern medicine practically powerless in such cases. When I pick up articles by luminaries in the field of combating common colds, articles written by highly scientific “calm”, in which hundreds of indicators are analyzed immune status in such patients, and in the end there follows a profound conclusion that, apparently, we still cannot find the last one or two indicators to understand everything, but when supernova devices and tests appear, we will find these indicators and easily solve everything problems - I feel scared for modern medicine.

However, let's finish talking about treatment, and I want to make one last important point. Be patient! Despite the fact that most of my similar patients achieve good results, as I said, quite quickly, with correspondence treatment, taking into account its not entirely individual nature, it may take a little longer. Be punctual and patient, and your colds will become easier and easier and come less and less often.

Frequent colds can unsettle anyone. If a person is constantly sick, his life turns into continuous pills, drops and mustard plasters, and endless sick leave They don’t give him any love from his superiors, nor, of course, any hopes for career growth. What could be the cause of frequent colds and how can you fight it?

People who suffer from 6 or more colds per year are considered to be often sick, and the cause of colds is almost always a viral infection. Viruses are especially annoying to children; pediatricians are currently introducing such children into special group“Frequently ill children” and conduct special monitoring of them. As a rule, as children grow and mature, they get sick less and less often, but in adulthood healthy man Ideally, he should not get sick more than twice a year, and the causes of these diseases should lie in the plane of seasonal epidemics of influenza and ARVI.

Alas, unfortunately, few of us today can boast of such good health- according to statistics, the average Russian suffers from 3-4 colds per year, and residents of large cities, in particular Muscovites, get sick even more often. And above all, this is due to weakening of the immune system, which is facilitated by a number of factors.

What is immunity

Any invasion of foreign material (we call it an antigen) immediately causes the so-called. cellular immune response, expressed in the production of special phagocyte cells that capture and neutralize the antigen. But this is not the only line of defense. There is also humoral immunity, according to which the antigen is neutralized by special chemically active molecules - antibodies. These antibodies are special serum proteins called immunoglobulins.

The third strategy for protecting the body is the so-called nonspecific immunity. This is a barrier formed by our skin and, as well as the presence of special enzymes that destroy microorganisms in the fluids of the body. If the virus has penetrated the cell, this does not mean that it has won - in a person with strong immunity, in response to this, a special cellular protein interferon is produced, which is precisely accompanied by high temperature.

As you can see, nature provides many opportunities to protect yourself from the aggression of viruses and bacteria. But it is no coincidence that we mentioned that our contemporary, and especially a resident of a metropolis, as a rule, cannot boast of a strong immune system. And there are reasons for this.

Why is immunity is decreasing

The most global reason for decreased immunity is our notorious wrong image life.

Signs of decreased immunity

Of course, frequent colds
Exacerbation chronic diseases
Increased fatigue, and weakness
Nervousness, aggressiveness,
Gastrointestinal disorders: flatulence, constipation, weak stools
Unsatisfactory skin condition: dryness, flaking, acne, inflammation, etc.

One or all of these signs together should lead you to accept preventive measures and help your immune system. There are numerous methods and ways to raise immune protection of your body. And they are all divided into physiological and pharmacological.

Physiological methods of boosting immunity.

should in mandatory contain animal and plant proteins (without them, cells of the immune system do not work well), and the entire spectrum of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins C, A, E and B vitamins.

Proteins are found in meat, fish, eggs, legumes, and nuts. B vitamins are also found in meat and liver, raw yolks, dairy products, wholemeal bread and bran, seeds and nuts. In sprouted wheat grains, vegetable oil and avocado - a lot of vitamin E. Vitamin A is found in any brightly colored vegetables and fruits: carrots, tomatoes, apricots, pumpkin, paprika, and there is also a lot of it in butter, eggs, liver.

Contained in citrus fruits, kiwi, sauerkraut, cranberries, rose hips. A sufficient amount of these vitamins is the key to the good condition of the cells of the immune system.

It is equally important to drink regularly fermented milk drinks to maintain intestinal microflora.

Daily routine and physical activity. The body needs at least 8 hours a day, a reasonable work schedule without overtime after midnight, sports are required (winter sports and swimming are especially good), long walks in any weather. The apartment should be ventilated often, and sleep should be open window.
Hardening. There are a lot of hardening methods. These include cool foot baths and douches. cool water, and walking barefoot on the grass. The most important thing is to start in the warm season, so that by the winter cold you can give up your favorite woolen scarf, which is so hot, but without it you are afraid of “catching a cold.”

Pharmacological methods of boosting immunity

Preventative treatment 2-3 times a year natural: eleutherococcus, golden root, ginseng, echinacea, aloe. According to the dosage indicated on the package, take these tinctures in the morning and evening. In the evening, brew lemon balm or motherwort to reduce the effect of stress on your immunity.
As a preventative measure, and especially during periods of massive seasonal epidemics, you can take homeopathic remedies to increase immunity, of which there are now enough.
2-3 times a year take a course (4-6 weeks) of probiotics (Linex, bifidumbacterin, etc.)
Question about the use of serious immunomodulators, such as bronchomunal, ribomunil, etc. Be sure to decide only with an immunologist!

A runny nose, scratchy throat, and continuous sneezing are typical signs of a cold. But the causes of frequent colds in adults often remain shrouded in mystery. Why does the disease occur several times a year? The main factor is reduced immunity.

Immunity is the body’s ability to resist external and internal influences (diseases, various substances, stress). It is divided into congenital and acquired. As the names suggest, innate immunity is present during the development of the organism. Acquired develops throughout a person's life.

Why does the body weaken its protective functions?

Seasonal illness is an unpleasant thing, but it can be managed. But constant colds, which bring a person to the doctor several times a year, give rise to the feeling that the series of health problems will never end, that there are no medicines that would help. Frequent colds are a signal of a breakdown in the body’s defenses! The immune system is not working properly.

The most common global cause of insufficient immune response is malnutrition, associated mainly with developing countries where there is insufficient intake of essential nutrients interferes with the proper development and functioning of the immune system.

In our conditions the most common reasons- these are secondary immune disorders acquired during life. These disorders include, but are not limited to, insufficient or improper treatment of the infection. Each current infection stimulates the immune system, activates it, creates effective protection and immune memory. This provides quick response, more effective and physically undemanding elimination of the pathogen in case of recurrent disease. This process may be adversely affected by untimely or unnecessary (e.g. viral infections without bacterial signs) use of antibiotics.

Incorrect composition of food and a short time recovery after illness, necessary for the regeneration of damaged infections of the mucous membranes, other tissues, and the immune system. Insufficiently restored immunity becomes vulnerable. If it is attacked by another infection, this can gradually lead to exhaustion, weakening the ability to resist infections.

The next cause of secondary immune system disorder is an unhealthy lifestyle, lack of sleep, constant stress, bad habits and others " side effects» civilizations causing abnormal development and the functioning of the immune system, thereby reducing resistance to infections. Consequently, a person often suffers from colds and flu.

Less commonly, primary or congenital disorders are involved in a decrease in immunity, in most cases occurring in early childhood. Specialists are working on solving these problems. Treatment involves providing the body with the missing components of the immune system that the body cannot create on its own.

All of the above immune system disorders cause repeated or prolonged long-term infections and fatigue.

In most cases, infection occurs from another person, infected with a virus. This is usually observed when touching a surface on which germs are present (keyboard, door handle, spoons) and subsequent contact with the nose or mouth. Infection also occurs when being near a sick person who does not cover their mouth when sneezing.

The onset of a cold occurs when the virus settles on the mucous membrane of the nose or throat. The immune system – defense against microbes – sends white blood cells into battle with the “invader”. If a person has not previously encountered a completely identical strain of the virus, the initial fight fails and cold symptoms appear. The nose and throat become inflamed and produce a lot of mucus. Because of large quantity energy spent on fighting the virus, a person who has a cold gets tired and feels weak.

Important! Being hypothermic or wet does not necessarily mean you have a cold.

There are reasons why colds occur more often than once or twice a year. Factors that increase susceptibility to disease, other than decreased immunity, include:

increased tendency to get sick;
prolonged fatigue (chronic fatigue syndrome);
emotional stress;
allergies, manifested by irritation in the throat and nasal cavity.

How to boost immunity?

The protective capacity of the immune system is determined to some extent by genetic dispositions. But it is also influenced by lifestyle and the influence of the external environment. Therefore, one should not neglect daily care for the integrity and functioning of the skin and mucous membranes, which are the first line of defense of the immune system, preventing the penetration of viruses or bacteria.

The main cause of the disease is not cold, but, first of all, a decrease in the resistance of the mucous membranes and respiratory tract to various types of viruses and bacteria. Staying in the fresh air supports blood circulation in the mucous membranes and respiratory tract, which increases their resistance. Healthy share sunlight- This is also a good way to increase your defenses.

Mandatory factors: regular movement, physical activity, which significantly increases the number and activity of cells responsible for strong immunity. In the absence of movement, protection decreases. A person who is resistant to cold and sudden changes in weather is resistant to colds.

Hardening the body

Of course, you can’t swim in an ice hole in winter without any preparation, gritting your teeth! Correct hardening has its own principles. Good way boost immunity, improve blood circulation, prepare the body for temperature changes, transitions from heated rooms to the street - this is cold and hot shower. A sauna has a positive effect on the body, removing harmful substances, burdening the immune system, preventing it from effectively fighting microbes.

Proper ventilation and heating of the room is also worth attention. The ideal temperature in the apartment is about 20ºС. The optimal temperature suitable for sleep is approximately 17-19ºС.

Important! Don't forget about humidifying the air!

A person should sleep about 6-8 hours a day. But not only the quantity of sleep is important, but, above all, its quality. At sound sleep the defense system works much less, which provides it with time to recover. Lack of sleep does the opposite - weakens the immune system and reduces productivity.

Healthy eating

A properly formulated diet is the basis for strong defense of the body. In case of prolonged absence important minerals, vitamins, the ability of the immune system decreases, susceptibility to infections increases.

Eat a varied diet, follow drinking regime, consume fermented dairy products (they have a beneficial effect on the intestines, which is the center of immunity), pumpkin seeds (increased protection due to high content zinc), Brazil nuts (containing selenium), drink green tea.

Probiotics

Probiotics (good bacteria) are found in fermented milk products, which enrich the body with calcium and, unlike fresh milk, do not burden it. If you are intolerant to milk, try fermented vegetables - cabbage, carrots, radishes.

Most of the cells of the immune system are located in the intestinal mucosa. Probiotic bacteria have a beneficial effect on the state of intestinal microflora and inhibit the action of unwanted organisms. Probiotics maintain optimal pH, promoting good condition immune cells, therefore, strengthening the immune system.

Beta-glucans are natural substances that support the immune system, regenerate protective system body. Sources of beta-glucans: mushrooms, barley, oats, yeast.

Echinacea protects against infections, strengthening the immune system, having a pronounced antibacterial effect, accelerating recovery from diseases.

The nasturtium plant has a similar effect. Some herbalists even claim that it is more suitable for the organisms of Central European inhabitants.

A popular remedy for increasing defenses in Lately became ginger (in particular, ginger tea). Healing root effectively prevents infections, warms the body, destroys bacteria, restores vitality, and alleviates feverish illnesses.

Vitamins

In addition to the above supportive measures, it is important not to forget about adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, especially in the winter months, when the risk of catching a cold is increased.

An adult's need for this vitamin is 75-100 mg/day. However, if the body is already infected, required amount increases up to 10 times. Adequate intake of vitamin C shortens the period of treatment for an ongoing infection.

A popular form of ascorbic acid is tablets, but it is better to give preference fresh fruit, vegetables. Its main sources are considered citrus fruit, which is not entirely true. For example, sour cabbage will provide the body with the necessary amount of vitamin C, K, potassium, β-carotene, fiber, thiamine, folic acid. In addition, it contains virtually no calories. A good option– beets, in addition to vitamin C, contain magnesium, potassium and a natural red color that supplies energy.

Rich Sources:

rose hip;
sea buckthorn;
citrus fruits (lime, lemon, orange, grapefruit);
potato;
tomatoes;
pepper;
papaya;
broccoli;
black currant;
strawberry;
cauliflower;
spinach;
kiwi;
cranberry.

Vitamin A

Likewise ascorbic acid, vitamin A (carotene) also has a positive effect on the immune system and increases resistance to infections.

Important! Vitamin A can be overdosed, which results in headaches, bone pain, fatigue, double vision, drowsiness, loss of appetite.

Sources of carotene:

fish fat;
liver;
carrot;
green and yellow leaves;
spinach;
cabbage;
parsley;
kohlrabi;
melon;
apricots;
broccoli;
corn;
pumpkin;
butter;
egg yolk;
in smaller quantities - milk;
fatty fish;
cherry, sweet cherry.

B-complex supports the proper functioning of the body as a whole. Natural springs include yeast, legumes, nuts, fish.

B1 (thiamine):

grain crops;
legumes;
potato;
cabbage;
cauliflower;
broccoli;
wheat sprouts;
Brewer's yeast;
meat (poultry, pork);
offal (liver, kidney, heart).

B2 (riboflavin):

milk;
eggs;
yeast;
legumes;
spinach;
cabbage;
broccoli;
nuts.

B3 (niacin):

meat;
milk;
eggs;
Brewer's yeast;
leafy vegetables.

B5 (pantothenic acid):

meat;
offal;
cereals;
legumes

B6 (pyridoxine):

pork;
fish;
liver;
eggs;
legumes;
whole wheat bread;
nuts;
carrot;
cabbage;
cauliflower.

B7 (biotin):

beef liver;
milk;
yolk;
rice (unpolished);
Brewer's yeast.

B9 (folic acid):

liver;
yeast;
leafy vegetables.

B12 (cobalamin):

lamb;
veal;
tuna;
milk;
cottage cheese;
yogurt;
eggs.

Are there vitamins B4 and B8? Substance B4, or adenine, does exist, but is not called a vitamin. It is important for human health, especially for healthy heart, proper development fetus during pregnancy. B8 is also not included in vitamins. However, it is an important antioxidant that acts as a preventative against cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Vitamin D affects the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, due to which it participates in the formation of bone and dental tissue. Its importance to the immune system is represented by “weaponizing” cells to fight infection. Therefore, long-term vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to colds and flu.

Sources of vitamin D:

sunlight;
cod liver oil;
lard;
bacon;
salmon;
oysters;
sardines;
caviar;
shrimps;
egg yolks.

To improve immunity, first of all, it is necessary to adjust your lifestyle. Make changes to your diet, reduce stress, and get enough sleep. Don't forget about vitamins and minerals (vitamin C, zinc, selenium), probiotics. You need to start strengthening your defenses before the onset of the risky winter months and continue for a long time. Such measures will reduce the likelihood of sore throat, cough, runny nose, especially during dangerous periods.

Frequent colds may have various reasons, ranging from "worrying" to "very serious". Finding the true cause of frequent colds means ruling out or confirming every possibility - in other words, making a diagnosis.

Diagnosis is usually difficult process due to the huge number possible reasons and symptoms associated with frequent colds, however, the main factors can be grouped into a small group:

Adrenal fatigue
Hypothyroidism
Food allergies
Selenium deficiency
Weakened immune system
High histamine levels
Allergy to milk
Environmental Impact
Poor hygiene

Below we will talk in detail about some of the reasons why you have frequent colds.

Frequent colds are constant viral attacks

The most common cold viruses are called rhinoviruses (40% of all colds). By and large, the most important thing you should know about cold viruses is that rhinoviruses are real fans of cold weather. Rhinoviruses reproduce (produce offspring) fastest at a body temperature of 33-35 ° C. This simply means that if your body temperature is low, you are more likely to end up carrying the common cold virus. Coronaviruses cause about 20% of colds, while respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus cause 10% of colds

Constant colds love a cold body

The main changes in body temperature throughout the day depend on your activity level. Typically, body temperature is lowest in the morning. This is the best time to measure your body temperature. Lie quietly in bed under the covers, do nothing, just relax and take the measurement. Temperatures below 36.5°C may contribute to recurring colds. Don't be surprised if you see 34.5°C or 35.5°C on your thermometer. Such low temperatures are common for people with metabolic problems and weak immune systems.
You may not be aware, but some foods can make your body colder. Below is a chart of cold and heat foods so you can always remember which foods to avoid if you are prone to constant colds.

Environment can cause frequent colds

The cold of the body and the environment can “complement” each other. If you often get colds, using air conditioning and traveling to Salekhard may not be on your list of priorities. Environment plays a big role in your health. Where you work and where you live can have a significant impact on how often you get colds. If you work in an air-conditioned room where the cold wind blows directly at you, you will be more prone to catching colds. If you live in a cold, damp climate, this certainly doesn't help strengthen your immune system. The damp cold is very dangerous factor risk for those people who have frequent colds.

Constant colds? Check products

The foods you choose also affect your body temperature. That's why you shouldn't eat salads in winter, and it's wise not to forget about chili peppers. Traditional Chinese medicine very wise when it comes to energy and food. Cold people should avoid cold foods: wheat, tomatoes, citrus fruits, bananas, yogurt, and cucumber. Instead, they should consume more warm foods: garlic, ginger, cinnamon, oats, lamb, trout, coconut. If you don’t understand the rules of food energy, you can make things worse for yourself. You may think you're eating healthy, but it doesn't meet your energy needs. For example, yogurt for breakfast, salad for lunch and a sandwich white bread, will make you colder in the future. This is the menu good idea for heat, but this is bad news if you have recurring colds.

Hypoglycemia and frequent colds

Low sugar, a condition called hypoglycemia, is a common reason for cooling off, but that doesn't mean you need to kick it up a notch. Low blood sugar is not due to low level sugar in the diet, but due to the inability to maintain stable blood sugar levels in the liver. There are several causes of hypoglycemia. Although hypoglycemia is one of the causes of persistent colds, we hope this situation does not apply to you.

Allergies and frequent colds

Low sugar can also happen after eating a food that you are allergic/sensitive to. Your sudden yawning, drowsiness, or low energy could simply be a sign that your body's sugar levels are low. Check your temperature at the time of these symptoms and see if it has dropped. Remember that body temperature does not decrease due to every food allergies and intolerance, but in some cases. Keep a list of foods that cause your temperature to drop handy - avoiding these foods can prevent your body from becoming unnecessarily cool and thus minimize the incidence of colds.

A weakened immune system causes frequent colds

Weakened immunity means that a person's immune system is unable to fight antigens. Antigens are harmful substances like:

bacteria
toxins
cancer cells
viruses
mushrooms
allergens (eg pollen)
foreign blood or tissue

In a healthy body, the invading antigen meets with antibodies, proteins that destroy harmful substances. However, in some people, the immune system does not work as well as it should and is unable to produce effective antibodies to prevent illness, particularly the common cold.
You may inherit immune system disorders, or they may come from malnutrition (not getting enough vitamins and nutrients). Any immune system also tends to weaken with age. Therefore, older people get colds more often than middle-aged people.

Poor hygiene and frequent colds

Dirty hands “pick up” constant colds

Your hands come into contact with many germs throughout the day. If you don't wash your hands regularly and then touch your face, lips, or food, you can spread viruses and infect yourself.

Simply wash your hands with running water and antibacterial soap within 20 seconds will help you stay healthy and avoid diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Use disinfectants for hands when clean water and soap are not available.

Clean countertops, doorknobs, and electronics surfaces (like your phone, tablet, and computer) with wipes when you're sick. To prevent frequent colds, you need to wash your hands:

before and after cooking
before meals
before and after caring for a sick person
before and after wound treatment
after using the bathroom
after changing diapers or helping a child
after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
after touching animals or handling waste or food
after processing the garbage

Poor oral health and frequent colds

Teeth are not only the mirror of your health, but also the door to your body, and your mouth is a safe haven for good and bad bacteria. When you're not sick, your body's natural defenses keep your mouth healthy. Daily brushing and flossing also removes dangerous bacteria and viruses. But when pests get out of control, it can make you sick and cause inflammation and problems elsewhere in your body.

Long-term, chronic problems with the oral cavity can have great consequences. Poor health dental problems are associated with several problems, including:

heart diseases
premature birth
low birth weight
endocarditis (infection in the inner lining of the heart)
constant colds
gastrointestinal problems

To maintain healthy teeth and gums, you should brush and floss at least twice a day (especially after meals) and visit your dentist regularly.

Hypothyroidism and persistent colds

The term means low function thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism probably affects hundreds of thousands of people, but diagnosis is not always easy or straightforward. Clinical signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include many health problems, including constant cold or flu:

Low body temperature (as mentioned above, low temperature body affects the rate of reproduction of cold viruses), dry skin/hair (red hair is exposed to special risk hypothyroidism), inappropriate weight gain and/or inability to lose weight, brittle nails, insomnia and/or narcolepsy, short-term memory and weak concentration, fatigue, headaches and migraines, premenstrual syndrome and related problems and violations menstrual cycle, depression, hair loss (including eyebrows), low motivation and ambition, cold hands and feet, fluid retention, dizziness, irritability, skin problems/infections/acne, infertility, dry eyes/blurred vision, heat intolerance and/or cold, low blood pressure, increased level cholesterol, digestive problems (irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, constipation, etc.), lack of coordination, decreased libido, decreased or excessive sweating, frequent colds/sore throats, asthma/allergies, slow healing, itching, recurrent infections, food intolerance, increased susceptibility to abuse psychoactive substances, anxiety attacks/panic attacks, yellow-orange discoloration of the skin (especially the palms), yellow bumps on the eyelids, slow speech, fluid in the ears, etc.

Adrenal fatigue and frequent colds

Although adrenal fatigue resembles hypothyroidism in some aspects, there are also significant differences between these states. Hypothyroidism usually occurs with a number of key symptoms, although each person experiences thyroid dysfunction differently. In the case of adrenal fatigue, individual experiences are even more varied because metabolism is dependent on the adrenal glands. The circadian nature of adrenal function often means that certain times of the day/night will be more troublesome than others; This circadian pattern is not observed in thyroid problems. More common symptoms of adrenal fatigue are listed below:

Low energy at different times during the day
anxiety
Sugar/salt cravings
Poor appetite in the morning
sensitivity to loud noises
sleep disorders
episodes of hypoglycemia
frequent colds/infections
palpitations/chest pain
thin, brittle nails

Similarities between adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism

Low Energy
Constant colds
Cold hands
Low body temperature
Weight gain
Sluggish digestion

It may be noted that many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism were present in cases of confirmed adrenal fatigue and vice versa. This is the intrinsic connection between the thyroid and adrenal glands, often referred to as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal thyroid axis. Both of these glands are associated with energy production, and their work balances each other.

Denial of responsibility : The information presented in this article about common colds is intended to inform the reader only and is not a substitute for consultation with a healthcare professional.