How to strengthen the immune system using traditional methods. Boosting immunity with folk remedies. Traditional medicine recipes

The immune system is interconnected with the nervous and endocrine systems. It is impossible to quickly increase the immunity of a working adult who is in a state of chronic stress by simply taking medications. What needs to be done to boost immunity, how to improve the health of an adult, what foods and pills increase the body’s resistance to infections?

Before moving on to medications that can be taken to boost immunity, let’s look at when it is considered insufficient in an adult. Let's look at how to restore immunity for an adult, and whether it's worth running to the pharmacy for immunostimulants the first time.

An adult in good health can get a respiratory infection up to 4 times per year. If infections occur more often and are severe, lasting for weeks, then we can talk about a weakening of the body’s defenses.

An appearance even once a year can be considered an indicator of a malfunction of the immune system. If herpes appears more often, then this is already an alarm bell, signaling a health problem.

Nervousness and poor sleep indicate that the brain does not receive enough oxygen, microelements, and amino acids to function properly. There are plenty of factors that negatively affect immunity. Here we have poor nutrition, an unhealthy environment, disrupted circadian rhythm, family history, acquired diseases, and stress.

Let's dwell on the stress factor that depresses the immune system, find out how to raise it for an adult, and how you can improve your health with drugs and folk remedies.

What affects immunity

Strong negative emotions and physical overload cause the release of stress hormones in the human body. One of them is cortisol.

In the morning, when its quantity is maximum, it helps to wake up and move from sleep to wakefulness. In the evening, the natural level of cortisol in a healthy person decreases, causing sleep.

But if there is no evening decrease in cortisol levels, the amount of the hormone in the blood is much higher than normal, then deep disturbances occur in the body, weakening the immune system.

A person becomes susceptible to respiratory infections and easily catches colds and flu.

The negative effect of the hormone on the immune system is manifested:

  • decrease in the number of lymphocytes in the blood;
  • inhibition of cellular immunity;
  • suppression of the humoral response of local mucosal immunity to the introduction of infection.

Nutrient supplements that help fight stress can help reduce cortisol levels in the body:

  • B vitamins;
  • macro-, microelements Ca, Mg, Cr, Fe;
  • coenzyme Q;
  • alpha lipoic acid.

Cortisol blockers are:

  • amino acids;
  • vitamin C;
  • protein-carbohydrate foods;
  • antioxidants – vitamin E, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, Se, Zn;
  • omega 3.

All of the listed nutrients must be present in the daily diet; this is the basis of a strong immune system. To strengthen the immune system, an adult needs to provide the body with amino acids, minerals, and vitamins.

Only under this condition can one expect a positive effect from the use of immunostimulating drugs. If you provide everything you need to build your own immunoglobulins, it will be much easier to survive the cold season.

How to increase the immunity of an adult, can this be done very quickly, what medications and folk remedies should be used?

Strengthening the immune system with drugs

The immune system is stimulated by preparations prepared on the basis of bacterial lyalysate - destroyed fragments of microorganisms.

These drugs include Ribomunil - a complex that stimulates specific immunity, especially effective for frequent respiratory tract infections, used in adults, children - from 6 months. Likopid, Imudon, IRS-19 have a similar effect.

Interferons are used in the first 3 days of illness. You can improve immunity in an adult with medications such as Viferon, Interferon, Intron, Betaferon, Reaferon, Roferon-A.

The group of inferonogens includes drugs that stimulate the production of its own (endogenous) interferon - Arbidol, Amiksin, Cycloferol, Neovir, Curantil (dipyridamole), Kagocel, gasolidone.

The use of herbal immunostimulants (adaptogens) increases the stability of the immune system:

  • Mylife;
  • Apollo Willow;
  • Atlant-Iva;
  • Marina;
  • Immunorm;
  • Petilam;
  • Tonsilgon N;
  • Estifana tablets;
  • Tinctures of ginseng, eleutherococcus, Schisandra chinensis;
  • Aloe preparations;
  • Kalanchoe juice.

The Russian-made adaptogenic remedy Milife increases the body's ability to resist colds.

The basis of the drug is the mycelium of the fungus Fusarium sambucinum. Milife contains B vitamins, essential and non-essential amino acids, including tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine, glutamic acid.

The drug contains micro and macroelements, organic acids, ubiquinones, and unsaturated fatty acids necessary to enhance immunity.

Adaptogens of animal origin include drugs that are obtained from animal organs, these include:

  • Pantohematogen Altamar;
  • Thymusamine;
  • Tsypagan;
  • Epifamin;

Among the medicinal synthetic adaptogens with an immunostimulating effect is the well-known anthelmintic drug Dekaris (active ingredient levomisol). This group includes medications:

  • Dibazol is a vasodilator;
  • Diucifon is an anti-tuberculosis drug;
  • Galavit is an anti-inflammatory agent;
  • Glutoxim is an immunomodulator, hemostimulant, hepatoprotector;
  • Gepon – immunomodulator, antiviral agent;
  • Alloferon is an immunomodulator, antiviral drug;
  • Polyoxidonium is an immunoprotector and antioxidant.

All of the listed drugs to boost immunity in adults can only be used as prescribed by a doctor., since these products were not created to strengthen the immune system, but to treat certain diseases. The immunomodulatory properties of drugs have been discovered in practical use.

Homeopathy for adults

The mechanism of action of homeopathic medicines is not fully understood. It is also not known why drugs in this group affect people differently.

But, if you are not allergic to the components, you can resort to homeopathy, which is not prohibited by traditional medicine, although its effectiveness has not been proven.

What homeopathic medicines increase the protective properties of the immune system, what should an adult drink to boost immunity? Medicines recommended by homeopaths to strengthen the ability to resist respiratory infections include:

  • Echinacea Compositum;
  • Aflubin;
  • Antigrippin N;
  • Engystol;
  • Influcid;
  • Immunar;
  • Delufen;
  • Dr. Theiss for influenza;
  • Mucosa Compositum;
  • Engystol;
  • Edas 308;
  • Edas-131;
  • Edas-150;
  • Galium-Hel.

For children and adults, Aflubin absorbable tablets are used. Exactly how the drug works has not been established, but manufacturers claim that the use of Aflubin stimulates local immunity.

The drug Mucosa Compositum (Germany) has a positive effect, as indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions for the drug, on the condition of the mucous membranes, increases immunity in cases of damage to the intestines, stomach, and ENT organs.

Folk remedies

Foods high in amino acids, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids will help boost your immunity. Walnut satisfies almost all of the above requirements.

This extremely healthy product contains B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acid, zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium, and selenium. This natural medicine for immunity is enough for an adult to take 5-8 nuts daily.

Recipe 1

An excellent folk remedy for increasing immunity in adults is walnuts with honey. To prepare this medicine, you just need to peel (preferably immediately before cooking) the nuts and pour honey over them.

Another, no less tasty, folk remedy that is very quick to prepare and does not require cooking is an excellent way to help an adult increase and strengthen their immunity. To prepare it you will need, in addition to walnuts, almonds and pine nuts.

Recipe 2

Take 200 g, crush, mix well:

  • nuts in equal parts - walnuts, pine nuts, almonds (all together 200 g);
  • prunes;
  • dried apricots;
  • lemon with zest;
  • raisin.

The resulting mass is poured with honey and stored in the refrigerator. Daily dose – 3 tablespoons. It is advisable to take it on an empty stomach, before meals.

Garlic does not lose ground at all in strengthening the immune system. This vegetable is not just a natural antiseptic, it is an important supplier of selenium - an antioxidant, without which the functioning of the hormonal system is disrupted.

There are many folk ways to boost immunity using garlic. One of them is a mixture of garlic and lemon.

Recipe 3

  • Chop the lemon and zest very finely;
  • Peel the head of garlic and crush it;
  • mix;
  • pour the mixture with water so that it covers the mixture by 0.5 cm;
  • leave in a dark place for 4 days;
  • keep in the refrigerator.

Take a tablespoon in the morning on an empty stomach.

Berries for immunity

Products containing ellagic acid have high antioxidant activity and the ability to enhance immunity. There is especially a lot of this acid in raspberries, strawberries, cloudberries, and blackberries.

Preparing berries for the winter in the form of jams and preserves is a well-known folk remedy for strengthening the immune system in adults and children. And, as it turned out, our grandmothers did everything right.

The amount of ellagic acid in strawberry jam only increases during storage, which is believed to be due to the gradual extraction of ellagic acid from the seeds.

Ginger, honey, garlic, rose hips, mumiyo, and propolis have immunostimulating activity. Use of these products in the autumn and winter will support the immune system, strengthen the defenses of an adult in the fight against viral infection, and protect against stress.

Adults benefit from moderate exercise to strengthen the immune system. When drawing up a training plan, you must take into account both your age and health status, since overtraining is a severe stress for the body.

What is important to remember

When using immunomodulators to strengthen the immune system, we must not forget that any extremes are harmful to the body. Including too active immunity. Hyperfunction of the immune system can be even more dangerous than decreased immunity.

Before using any remedy to enhance immunity, you should visit a doctor and consult on this issue.

The immune system helps the human body cope with the effects of pathogenic bacteria. As a result, it needs constant strengthening and strengthening. Everyone knows that strong immunity is the key to good health and well-being. When the body's defenses are running low, the likelihood of contracting various colds and viral diseases increases. And the period of recovery and recovery from the disease can be significantly delayed. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of your immunity and improve and restore it. To improve the functioning of the immune system, you should monitor your diet, maintain an active lifestyle and eliminate bad habits. Nowadays, not every person pays due attention to their lifestyle; as a result, immunity deteriorates, which is expressed in general malaise, fatigue and frequent viral and respiratory diseases.

It is necessary to take care of the state of the immune system not only in winter and autumn, but also at other times of the year. Pathogenic microorganisms are constantly present in the environment and can attack a person at any second.

You can support your immune system with the help of immunostimulants, which are sold in a huge range in pharmacies, or with the help of folk remedies. The best time for such purposes is the summer period, since it is most provided with the presence of natural fruits and vegetables, which contain a large amount of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

Boosting immunity with folk remedies

The human immune system consists of a large number of cells that are formed and destroyed during a person's life. Depending on the type of formation of immune cells, immunity can be innate or acquired. Strengthening the immune system can occur with the help of artificially created drugs or with the help of natural remedies. Artificial drugs help the patient quickly cope with the first symptoms of the disease. However, artificial immunostimulants are not as safe as they might seem at first glance. Uncontrolled use of pharmaceuticals can adversely affect the immune system. With the constant use of such drugs, the immune system stops working independently, and the body’s protective functions are disrupted. In addition, most immunostimulants have side effects and limitations. As a result, the use of immune-boosting pharmaceuticals is not suitable for everyone.

Increasing immunity with folk remedies is completely safe if there are no contraindications to the use of a particular product. These are completely natural physiological drugs that have almost no restrictions on use and side effects. Some of them can be safely used to boost the immunity of young children. Such preparations can easily be prepared at home. Folk remedies are much more useful and cheaper than chemically created immunomodulators.

You can start strengthening your immune system in the following ways:

  • Establish a clear daily routine. A healthy person needs 7-8 hours of sleep for proper rest.
  • Try to walk outdoors every day.
  • Use procedures to harden the body.
  • Organize a healthy diet.
  • Use traditional medicine to strengthen the immune system.
  • Give up bad habits (alcohol, smoking, etc.).

Traditional recipes that help boost the immune system must meet the following requirements:

  • Dilate blood vessels and increase blood circulation.
  • They should include trace elements, minerals and vitamins.
  • To destroy pathogenic microorganisms, the structure of such products must include phytoncides.
  • Remove toxins from the human body.
  • Have a warming effect.

Herbs

Using various herbs for immunity helps to have a tonic effect on the body, eliminate toxins from the body and reduce inflammation. All kinds of decoctions, infusions, and powders are prepared from herbs. The composition of such immunomodulatory agents may include either one specific herb or a collection of various beneficial plants. Herbs for immunity include: rosea, ginseng, echinacea, chamomile, aloe, ginger, licorice and many others. Before using any product made from herbs, you should make sure that there are no contraindications. To do this, you should consult a specialist.

A good way to restore poor immunity in children is herbal treatment. They are safe to use and can protect the child from the harmful effects of pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Here are some of the most popular ways to boost immunity using folk remedies:

  • Aloe is a super-effective and widely available plant that has a positive effect on children's immune system. To prepare a folk remedy that increases immunity, you need to take: a couple of leaves of an aloe plant, 120 ml of milk, 3.5 tbsp. spoons of honey, juice of half a lemon and walnuts. The above ingredients are mixed and infused for about two days. Use the finished mixture one teaspoon at a time.
  • Black elderberry flowers increase the dynamism of the cellular system, which provides an increase in protective functions. To prepare a remedy that enhances immunity, you need to take 1 tbsp. pour boiling water over a spoonful of the flowers of this plant and let it brew for 5-10 minutes. The resulting liquid should be filtered and taken orally several hours before bedtime.
  • Walnut leaf is a folk remedy that boosts immunity and helps the child’s body fight viral infections. 2 tablespoons of leaves are soaked in boiled water and infused for 8-10 hours. The resulting mixture is taken orally 150-200 ml 2 times a day after meals.

Dried fruit mixture for immunity

The most popular folk remedy for improving the immune system is a mixture of dried fruits. This mixture includes various dried fruits, nuts and honey. A cocktail of dried fruits is a real vitamin bomb. This mixture will not only improve immunity, but also increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, improve the condition of the cardiovascular system and give a boost of energy. However, in order to fully improve the functioning of the immune system, a mixture of dried fruits must be consumed for a long time.

Preparing such a product will not take much time. All the necessary ingredients can be purchased at the supermarket or market. This mixture is not only healthy, but also very tasty and can replace desserts such as candies and cookies.

Due to the high content of pectin and fiber in dried fruits, they are included in the diet of a person losing weight.

When preparing a mixture of dried fruits, you should pay attention to the quality characteristics of the components. Choose only clean dried fruits that are free from mold and insect damage. Of course, it is best to prepare dried fruits yourself.

Recipes for making dried fruit mixtures

What do you need to prepare a mixture of dried fruits for immunity? The recipe requires the following products in your kitchen:

  • 450 g white or black raisins;
  • 400 g dried apricots;
  • 400 g prunes;
  • 400 g nuts;
  • 500 g honey;
  • two lemons;

Remove the lemons from the bones and cut into small pieces. Grind dried fruits using a meat grinder. Mix nuts, chopped dried fruits and lemon. Pour the resulting mixture with honey. Place in jars and store in a cool, dry place. We take this mixture a couple of times a day after meals.

Another way to prepare a mixture of dried fruits for immunity. The recipe requires the following products:

  • 300 g nuts;
  • 15 g pumpkin seeds;
  • 100 g white and black raisins;
  • 60 g figs;
  • 80 g dates;
  • 150 g dried apricots;
  • 500 g honey;
  • dried cranberries or lingonberries.

We turn all the above ingredients into a paste using a blender. Pour the resulting mixture with honey. Place in jars and store in a cool, dark place. But you shouldn’t make a large supply of such a mixture; it’s better that all the components are fresh.

Tricks for preparing a mixture of dried fruits:

  • The more ingredients included in the mixture, the healthier it will be.
  • It is worth excluding components to which there is an allergic reaction.
  • Before use, dried fruits should be washed in hot water. This will help get rid of external contaminants and remove toxins.
  • It is better to take liquid honey.
  • You should not melt honey, as when heated it loses its healing properties.
  • Do not use the medicinal composition in large quantities. It is high in calories and can harm your figure. Two spoons a day are enough to strengthen the immune system.
  • If you have an allergic reaction to honey, you can replace it with berry or fruit jam.
  • Not recommended for children under 4 years of age. Before use, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician. The child dose should be less than the adult dose.

Dried apricots

There are many folk methods for improving immunity, which contain dried apricots. It contains a high content of vitamins A, B, E, trace elements and minerals. Eating dried apricots will help improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system and digestion. Due to its high iron content, eating dried apricots can help get rid of anemia. Just a few dried fruits a day will help remove harmful substances and toxins from the body. However, people suffering from low blood pressure should avoid eating dried apricots, as they can aggravate the situation.

Dried apricots can be consumed on their own, added to various salads and desserts, and prepared into compotes and drinks.

But in order for dried apricots to benefit the body, you need to pay attention to the choice of this product. The dried apricots should be dark orange or brown, as the brightly colored dried apricots were chemically dried. Before eating, be sure to rinse dried apricots in boiling water or soak in warm water.

Beneficial properties of a mixture of dried apricots, prunes and honey

A mixture of dried apricots, prunes and honey is called a vitamin cocktail. This mixture turns out very tasty, it has a sweetish-sour taste and a wonderful aroma. It is easy and quick to prepare and stores well (about six months). Drink this mixture 2 tablespoons per day.

Dried apricots, prunes, honey are simply irreplaceable products for the immune system. This mixture:

  • Saturates the body with trace elements, minerals and vitamins.
  • Regulates heart rhythms.
  • Helps overcome viral diseases.
  • Reduces the risk of developing anemia.
  • Fights weakness, lethargy and excessive fatigue.
  • Restores the body's protective capabilities.

But prunes, honey and dried apricots for immunity should be taken with caution by people with allergic reactions or individual intolerance to the components of the cocktail or people suffering from obesity or diabetes.

Ginger, lemon and honey

Ginger is rightly called the root of life. This wonderful root contains antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins, trace elements and minerals. Ginger root has many healing properties. Here are just a few of them:

  • Relieves headaches.
  • Eliminates cough, helps remove phlegm.
  • Stops the development of pathogenic bacteria.
  • Improves blood circulation.
  • Reduces the development of oral diseases.
  • Improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Frees the body from harmful substances and toxins.

How to use ginger, lemon and honey for immunity? The recipe is not at all complicated. Even a person who does not have culinary skills can prepare the product.

To get started, you should buy ginger, lemon and honey. The recipe for immunity involves performing the following simple steps. Cut one peeled ginger root into small pieces. Take 3 lemons and remove the seeds. Mix ginger and lemon and grind using a blender. Place the finished mixture in glass jars and fill with honey. Leave for 7-10 days in a cool and dry place. Take 1 tbsp internally. spoon a day.

Mixed nuts

Nuts for immunity are simply a storehouse of vitamins and microelements. They are healthier than fruits, as they contain omega-3 acids, proteins and minerals. Eating any nuts daily will help improve the condition of your skin, hair and the whole body as a whole. There are a large number of folk recipes using a mixture of nuts for immunity.

Here is one of the simplest recipes:

  • 150 g pine nuts;
  • 150 g walnuts;
  • 150 g hazelnuts;
  • 300 g honey;
  • 1 lemon

Mix washed and dried nuts with chopped lemon and pour honey. You can add any dried fruits, berries or orange zest to this mixture. You need to take this mixture a couple of times a day, 1 tbsp. spoon. The course of treatment should last 25-30 days. Then you need to take a break for 10-14 days and repeat the course.

Garlic

Garlic has a positive effect on the body's immune system due to the high content of beneficial substances in its composition. Garlic contains magnesium, iron, phytoncides, potassium and other active components. But allicin is considered the most beneficial in garlic. Allicin is also called a natural antibiotic. It helps fight pathogenic bacteria, tumors and fungi. It is best to consume fresh garlic for immunity, one clove at a time during meals. You can also add it to salads, soups and stews. Healing mixtures and tinctures are prepared based on garlic.

Here is one of the recipes for boosting immunity with a folk remedy:

  • Lemon juice.
  • Head of garlic.
  • 0.5 liters of vodka.

Peel the garlic head and chop the cloves using a knife. Pour the resulting slurry with lemon juice and vodka and leave for 25-30 days. The finished tincture is stored in a cool place. Take 10 drops per day.

Aloe for immunity

Aloe is considered a strong biostimulant. It is worth using aloe to strengthen the immune system not only during illness, but also for preventive purposes. Aloe leaves contain tannins, plant steroids and flavonoids. aloe with the addition of honey is taken for a lack of vitamins, frequent colds and general exhaustion. Natural aloe juice, alcohol or oil tinctures are suitable for treatment. However, it is worth remembering that aloe is strictly prohibited for children under 4 years of age. For young children, it is suitable to use aloe externally as a rubbing tincture.

Products to boost immunity

People who eat unhealthy foods and whose diet is dominated by processed foods and chemical additives are more likely to suffer from immune system disorders. In order to establish proper functioning of the immune system, you should adhere to a balanced diet. A healthy person's diet should have a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It is necessary to consume special foods daily to improve immunity. In particular, these are dairy products that are rich in lacto- and bifidobacteria. It is also a food rich in natural dietary fiber. They are sorbents of toxins and other harmful substances. In addition, vitamins and minerals must be supplied to the human body with food.

A person helps our body every day, fighting bacteria and viruses that surround us everywhere we go, with tumor processes and disruptions in cellular activity that normally occur constantly, allows cells to regenerate after injuries and performs many other functions. But, of course, it is not qualitatively active from birth until old age, and during adulthood it is influenced by many factors. Let's look at all this in a little more detail.

Structure

The human immune system includes both entire organs and individual cells. It includes:

  • Bone marrow. All blood cells are formed in it, including those with a protective function: macrophages, T- and B-lymphocytes, plasma cells, monocytes, natural killer cells, etc.
  • Thymus. It exists only up to 12-14 years, after which it begins to gradually fade away, the final differentiation of T cells occurs in it.
  • Spleen. The place of death of all blood cells and the maturation of lymphocytes.
  • Lymph nodes and individual areas of lymphoid tissue. A reserve of immune cells is stored here, and when they are urgently needed, their formation is also stored.

Factors that reduce immunity

Every day a person is exposed to the negative effects of the environment: he breathes polluted and dusty air with impurities from industry, consumes poorly purified water and products grown on contaminated soil. Plus, the diet often uses obviously unhealthy foods: alcohol, carbonated drinks, chips and all kinds of snacks with flavor enhancers and carcinogens, canned food, organ meats and much more.

All this depletes the liver, the main laboratory of the body, and also disrupts the intestinal microflora, which normally protects us from the introduction of pathogenic microorganisms that enter with food. Plus, a person is increasingly exposed to stress, lacks sleep and gets tired at work, which ultimately weakens the body’s reactive ability. On this basis, chronic diseases and allergies develop, and the introduction of infectious agents occurs more easily, which only aggravates the situation.

Basics

Since, as we have already found out, an extraordinary number of points act on weakening the body, it is no less important for an adult to know. The basis is, of course, getting rid of all risk factors, which is the primary prevention of any disease.

First of all, this concerns bad habits. Next, a person must clearly understand that sleep and leisure should be complete, both in terms of time and comfortable conditions. Plus, you need to cure all chronic diseases as much as possible, including carious teeth, thereby getting rid of a constant source of infection in your body.

Also, to boost immunity, an adult should give up harmful foods, which were mentioned in the previous paragraph. And if possible, try to get out into nature more often - to the dacha or to the village to visit relatives, in order to reduce the negative impact of the environment at least for a while. And, of course, you need to switch to proper nutrition, that is, those foods that can strengthen your immune system. We will talk about them further.

Healthy foods

From childhood, mothers explain to every person how important it is to eat more vegetables, fruits and fresh juices. And although all of them directly or indirectly affect our body, there are still the most honorable natural remedies of this kind for immunity in adults.

First of all, these are foods high in protein, because it is through them that the body builds new cells. This is meat (beef, horse meat, poultry, rabbit), fish (preferably sea and steamed or boiled), eggs (chicken protein is the only one of its kind, 100% digestible), and the legume family (beans, peas, lentils). The latter, in turn, are best eaten no more than 2-3 times a week, as they cause a tendency to constipation.

Other "delicious medicines"

You should also try to eat more seafood, since they contain, in addition to protein, unsaturated fatty acids and the maximum amount of minerals. These are seaweed, shrimp, squid. Moreover, the less heat treatment they undergo, the better they will strengthen your immunity. Their particular value lies in their high content of iodine - the main stimulant of the thyroid gland, whose hormones affect all types of metabolism and improve the functioning of organs.

And fermented milk products will help normalize the intestinal microflora and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. These are kefir, fermented baked milk, milk, sour cream, yogurt and cottage cheese. It will be especially useful to consume them simultaneously with fruits or berries and preferably without sugar.

Unconditional leaders

And, of course, the most valuable natural remedies for immunity in adults are fruits and vegetables. First of all, these are products rich in phytoncides - natural antibiotics: onions and green onions, garlic, horseradish, red pepper.

Secondly, these are vegetables rich in vitamin C, a major antioxidant and immune system booster. These include bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. The body also needs potassium, large amounts of which are found in peeled potatoes, nuts, apricots, oatmeal and buckwheat. Fruits and their derivatives will also tell you how to strengthen the immune system of an adult, the most important of which in this regard are all citrus fruits, kiwi, prunes, dried apricots and raisins, as well as their pulpy juices and red wine.

Berries rich in vitamin C include honeysuckle, sea buckthorn, black currant, viburnum, rose hips, strawberries and rowan. In addition, green tea also contains antioxidants, which also helps remove harmful toxins from the body. And ginger has tonic properties, which will help you endure long-term stress and get less tired. Now let's move on to the topic of which drugs strengthen the immune system.

Medications

Often the human body is so exhausted from stress, mental and physical labor that simply establishing a lifestyle is not enough, and one has to resort to pharmacological knowledge. So, the simplest medicines for immunity for adults are vitamins. They influence a variety of types of metabolism, thereby helping to strengthen our body as a whole, including its defenses.

They are contained in herbal preparations with purpurea (Immunal remedy), ginseng, and Schisandra chinensis. Their advantage lies in their free sale, relative cheapness and ease of use, and therefore reviews of vitamins for immunity for adults are almost 100% positive, because in cases of mild immunodeficiency they are highly effective.

Preventive agents

Next come bacterial immunostimulants, containing enzymes of various infectious agents and acting as a passive activation of the defense system. These include the drugs “IRS-19”, “Ribomunil”, “Imudon”, “Bronchomunal”, “Licopid” and many others. However, these medications for boosting immunity in adults are mostly preventive and require consultation with a doctor before using them.

Similar are those containing interferon or stimulating its endogenous synthesis in the body. These are the drugs “Grippferon”, “Viferon”, “Anaferon”, “Cycloferon”, “Arbidol”, “Amiksin”. Most often they are used in the form of solutions or tablets. However, “Genferon” suppositories for immunity in adults have also proven themselves well, and are more often used by pregnant women in the complex therapy of any infectious disease.

Other drugs

The drugs that have a more pronounced therapeutic effect are the drugs Remantadine and Acyclovir, which directly cause the destruction of influenza A and herpes viruses. This also includes preparations containing nucleic acids: Derinat, Poludan, and Sodium Nucleinate. They are available in different pharmacological forms. The first is in a parenteral solution (i.e., these are injections for immunity in adults), the second is in lyophysilate for the manufacture of eye drops and for administration under the conjunctiva, and the third is in tablets and powders. However, they all have a pronounced stimulating effect, activating the humoral and cellular stages of protection.

Reserve drugs

More serious medications that affect the immune system are drugs and bone marrow immunomodulators. They are prescribed exclusively by a doctor for severe forms of infection with severe complications. Thus, they have strict indications and are not sold from pharmacies without a prescription. The first group includes the drugs “Taktivigin”, “Timalin”, “Timostimulin”, “Timogen”, “Vilozen”, the second group includes the drugs “Myelopid” and “Seramil”.

In the treatment of purulent-inflammatory diseases, long-term sluggish forms of immunodeficiency with suppression of bone marrow function, trophic ulcers, as well as in the rehabilitation of frostbite and burn disease, they have established themselves as highly effective medicines. They cause the restoration of normal hematopoiesis, regulate the quantitative and qualitative ratio of protective cells, improve metabolic processes at the biochemical level and skin regeneration.

Other methods

You can help your body cope with a serious illness on your own, so everyone should know how to strengthen the immune system of an adult. To do this, you can support treatment with special herbal medicine using home recipes of traditional medicine.

Acupuncture and reflexology (acupuncture, moxotherapy, acupressure) have also proven themselves well, since they tone the entire body and relax the nervous system well, thereby restoring the correct processes of regulation of immunity, metabolism and energy. And physiotherapy will help reduce the time of treatment and rehabilitation, relieve the pain syndrome present in some infectious diseases, increase blood circulation in the tissues, thereby ensuring a better influx of immunocompetent cells to the site of inflammation. Such methods are especially important during pregnancy, when the patient should sharply limit the intake of any medications. The most favorable physical procedures include electrophoresis, solar and laser therapy, as well as mud and hydrotherapy.

Symptoms

How to understand that your body's defenses are not working enough? Of course, the most important role in diagnosing this is through clinical tests that look for decreased blood circulation, bone marrow buildup, or deficiencies in your immune cells.

However, there are also external signs that a person can independently observe in himself. If at least three of them are detected, he should be interested in how to strengthen the immune system of an adult, change his lifestyle for the better, or even consult a doctor. These include: exposure to colds (more than once during the cold seasons of the year), as well as their duration, headaches, feeling of fatigue or general weakness, decreased ability to work, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea or, on the contrary, constipation, nausea, heartburn), development or frequent exacerbations of chronic inflammatory processes (stomach or duodenal ulcers, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, cystitis, pyelonephril, prostatitis, etc.), slowdown in hair, nail growth and wound regeneration.

conclusions

Thus, there are many methods to strengthen your immune system and restore its normal functioning. These include special procedures and medications. However, despite this, first of all it is necessary to remember that prevention is the best way to maintain your health. Therefore, a person should initially try to lead a healthy lifestyle, minimizing the impact of external factors on his immunity. Be healthy!

We are told about the need to strengthen our immune system every day on TV, advertising vitamins, by doctors in clinics if they have time for this, as well as by acquaintances and friends who are interested in traditional medicine and a healthy lifestyle. Today in medicine, debates continue over the advisability of taking immunomodulators and drugs that strengthen the body and immune system. Some doctors consider these substances to be, at best, dietary supplements, and at worst, compounds harmful to humans that only clog the body without having any effect on the immune system. What is immunity, and how can an adult increase it?

The immune system - its functions and structure Immunity is the ability of our body to cope with any harmful microorganisms, organisms or infections and at the same time maintain balance within the body. The organs of the immune system include:

  • skin is the first protective barrier;
  • mucous membranes - they not only prevent viruses and bacteria from entering the body, but also secrete special substances that destroy or stop the growth of microorganisms;
  • the thymus gland is the most important organ in the formation of the immune system; it gradually atrophies and usually completely disappears by the age of 18;
  • bone marrow is the “main” producer of immune system cells;
  • spleen - it also synthesizes cells that destroy harmful objects;
  • lymph glands and nodes - there are a lot of them in the body, the largest clusters are: cervical, axillary, inguinal. Each lymph gland or node is a kind of barrier that protects a certain area from infection. Lymphocytes are synthesized in the lymph nodes - cells that destroy any organisms that differ in genotype.

Every day, every person, regardless of his living conditions, encounters hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of pathogenic microorganisms; they lie in wait for us everywhere - in the air, water, soil, food and water. Most of them cannot penetrate the first protective layer - the skin and mucous membranes - and get inside the body, and those that do get in are destroyed by the immune system. But, unfortunately, this only happens ideally. But in fact, all of us, some more often, some less often, suffer from viral and infectious diseases. Why is this happening?

Typically, infection occurs when the body comes into contact with too many infectious agents that the immune system is simply unable to cope with. This is how people become infected with various acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, intestinal infections and many other diseases. But, if the immune system of a sick person is strong enough, the immune system quickly stops the movement of bacteria or viruses “deeper” and after some time the human body destroys the invading microorganisms and recovers.

A completely different situation arises if a person’s immunity is weakened. In this case, the disease can occur due to any virus or bacteria, a collision with which is inevitable. And any disease is much more severe and can cause complications in internal organs, so the immune system cannot stop the spread of infection throughout the body in time. Unfortunately, these days, the number of people suffering from decreased immunity is rapidly increasing. Here's what doctors say: most often causes decreased immunity in adults:

  • An unhealthy lifestyle is the most important and common cause of decreased immunity. This includes not only smoking and alcohol, although they can also be called the main “anti-immune” drugs, but also poor nutrition - lack of vitamins and microelements, excess of sweet, salty, fried foods and addiction to fast food, coffee and tea. As well as a lack of physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle and a decrease in time spent in the fresh air. The most terrible enemies of the immune system are considered to be lack of sleep and frequent stress.
  • Poor environmental conditions - and this is not only gas pollution in big cities, but also the purity of the water you drink, the naturalness of food and the quality of household chemicals used at work and at home. Most of us spend up to 10 hours every day at work and on the road, where we constantly breathe gasoline vapors, exhaust fumes, and then air from the air conditioner mixed with the aromas of all kinds of fragrances, fresheners, cleaning products, washing powder, perfume, and so on. And this is true only for those who work in the safest professions from an environmental point of view - office workers. And there is nothing to say about people working in hazardous industries, in hot shops and other places hazardous to health.
  • Past illnesses and the use of antibiotics - antibiotics are one of the greatest discoveries in medicine, but, unfortunately, now they are taken for the slightest reason and even without “just in case”. A striking example is the prescription of antibiotics for ARVI - “so that there are no complications,” but most patients and even doctors prefer not to think about the fact that any antibacterial drugs destroy all the bacteria they can. The main thing is to solve the problem - to get rid of the symptoms of the disease now, and what will happen to the body next does not concern even the patient himself.

And the most dangerous thing is that today every average person is affected by all these factors simultaneously. Together, they cause a general weakening of the body, metabolic disorders, a decrease in the barrier functions of the skin and mucous membranes, disruption of normal digestion and assimilation of food, the development of diseases such as anemia, gastritis, helminthiases and others, which further weaken the human body. In such conditions, the immune system simply cannot work fully and gradually a person develops more and more health problems, which no treatment can help cope with.

How to boost an adult's immunity

  • Changing your lifestyle - the immune system is only part of the body; you won’t be able to strengthen it without taking care of your health at all. Attempts to increase immunity with the help of pills or folk remedies, without changing anything in the usual lifestyle, are the reason for general disappointment in immunomodulators or such proven remedies as echinacea or aloe. Therefore, you should start strengthening your immune system by giving up bad habits or at least minimally reducing the number of cigarettes, alcohol, coffee, fast food, and so on. Proper nutrition helps reduce the burden on the digestive organs, promotes weight loss, cleanses blood vessels and improves the overall health of the body. Equally important is proper 7-8 hour sleep and daily exposure to fresh air. Even if you don’t have the opportunity to walk for 2 hours and visit a fitness center or a swimming pool, it’s enough to stop using the elevator and walk as much as possible, and also spend 15 minutes doing exercises every day to feel much better.
  • Taking vitamins and microelements - if your diet is far from ideal, and your work requires significant physical or mental stress, you should think about regularly taking vitamins and minerals. The simplest thing is to buy a good complex and take pills daily for a month every six months.
  • Hardening – you can start hardening at any age, at any time of the year and with any diseases. You just need to choose the right recommended procedures - air baths in the autumn-spring period, gargling with cool water in the winter, a warm rather than hot shower or walking barefoot in the summer - anyone can choose the appropriate method!
  • Taking medications - in more severe cases, with chronic or frequent diseases, as well as after long-term use of antibiotics, surgery, etc., drugs that stimulate the immune system are usually prescribed. They are divided into several groups:
  • natural immunostimulants are most often substances of bacterial origin that make the immune system work more actively, without causing specific diseases. These include: bronchomunal, IRS-19, ribomunal, imudon and others;
  • artificial immunostimulants - substances of chemical origin that stimulate the production of proteins - interferons, which protect the body from viruses. Such drugs are taken to prevent or treat viral infections and their duration of action is usually limited. These are arbidol, cycloferon, anaferon, amiksin and others;
  • herbal preparations - they stimulate the immune system and strengthen the body as a whole. Preparations of echinacea, roseola rosea, hawthorn, ginseng and other herbs are popular.

Traditional methods of strengthening the immune system

  • Eat more garlic and onions– phytoncides contained in these plants help strengthen the immune system and destroy most pathogenic bacteria. The only contraindication for use is gastritis or a stomach ulcer in the acute stage.
  • Gargling your throat and nose with salt water– helps to “wash away” bacteria and viruses and strengthens local immunity. The most effective rinse is with sea salt.
  • Taking fish oil– this natural product contains vitamins A, D, E, polyunsaturated fatty acids and other beneficial substances.
  • A mixture of honey, dried fruits and lemon– one of the most popular and effective means. To prepare it, take 100 grams of dried apricots, raisins, walnuts, 1 lemon and 3 tablespoons of honey. All dried fruits are crushed, lemon juice and zest are added, honey is added and placed in a dark, warm place for 2-3 days. Take 1 tbsp on an empty stomach before breakfast for 2-4 weeks.
  • Rowan infusion and rowan with sugar– you can simply grind the berries with sugar and eat 1 tbsp daily 2 times a day for 3 weeks, or you can prepare an infusion of dry berries. A drink is prepared at the rate of 1 tbsp of berries per 1 tbsp of boiling water, pour the berries with water, leave under the lid for 15-20 minutes, then filter and drink 1/2 tbsp 2 times a day.
  • Aloe with honey– aloe leaves are crushed, mixed with an equal amount of honey and left to infuse for several hours. Take 1 tbsp 2-3 times a day, on an empty stomach, with water. The course of treatment is no more than 3 weeks. There are many other folk remedies, such as a decoction of hop cones, tincture of ginseng, infusion of St. John's wort or arnica. But, unlike those listed above, they have their own indications and contraindications for use, therefore, without consulting a doctor, it is better to limit yourself to safer, but no less effective recipes.
  • Ginger to boost immunity– the root of the plant can be used to increase immunity in adults and children over 2 years of age. The most effective are considered to be a drink made from ginger root and a mixture with ginger. To prepare the drink, peel the ginger root as thinly as possible, cut a 2 cm piece, finely chop it and put it in 2 liters of boiling water and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. After this, squeeze the juice of half a lemon and 2 tablespoons of sugar or honey into the drink. Take the drink 1/2 -1 tbsp 2 times a day.

    The mixture is prepared from 200 grams of ginger root, 2 lemons with peel, 100 grams of dried apricots, figs and cranberries and 200 ml of honey. All incidents are crushed and poured with honey, and allowed to brew for several hours. Take 1 tsp 2-3 times a day with warm water or tea.

  • Rose hip decoction– 100 grams of dry or fresh berries are poured into 1 liter of boiling water, boiled over low heat for 5 minutes, left to infuse for 2 hours in a warm place, filtered and taken 1/2 -1 tbsp 1 time per day.
  • Propolis infusion– prepare an alcohol or water infusion. An alcohol infusion is prepared from 500 ml of 70% alcohol and 100 grams of fresh propolis. Propolis is grated on a coarse grater and poured with alcohol and infused for 10 days. To strengthen the immune system, take 5-10 drops daily, adding them to tea, milk or water.

    A water infusion is usually prepared for children, since it cannot be stored for more than 7 days. To prepare it, rub 30 grams of propolis, add 100 ml of water and cook in a water bath, stirring, for an hour. Then filter and take 5-15 drops daily until the condition improves.

  • Oat decoction– to prepare it, you need to pour 1/2 cup of oat grains into 1.5 liters of water the day before and leave overnight. In the morning, the infusion is boiled over low heat, covered, for 1.5 hours. After cooling, the infusion is filtered and taken 1 tbsp 3 times a day before meals, the course of treatment is 1 month. You can take oat decoction not only for adults, but also for children - from 6 months to 1 year - 1 tsp 3 times a day, from 1 year to 5 years - 2 tbsp, after 5 years - 1/2 tbsp three times per day.
  • Horsetail infusion- 1 tbsp of dry horsetail is poured into 1 tbsp of boiling water, left under the lid for 30 minutes, then strain and take 1 tbsp 3-4 times a day.
  • Fennel seeds– grind the seeds, pour 1 tsp of boiling water into 1 tsp, leave for 10-15 minutes, then drink instead of tea 2-3 times a day.
  • Echinacea decoction– 2 tbsp of dry herb pour 1 tbsp of boiling water, boil in a water bath for 20-30 minutes. Then filter and take 1 tbsp 3 times a day.
  • St. John's wort infusion– 10 g of dry herb is poured into 1 tbsp of boiling water, left under the lid for 30 minutes and filtered. Take 1 tbsp 4 times a day, after meals.
  • Ginseng tincture– ready-made alcohol tincture is taken 25 drops 3 times a day, before meals.
  • Infusion of hop cones– 1 tbsp of dry crushed cones, pour 1 tbsp of boiling water, leave for 20-30 minutes. Afterwards, the infusion is filtered and taken 1/4 tbsp 4 times a day before meals.

Nobody likes to be sick, because at this time a person not only suffers from unpleasant symptoms - his performance sharply decreases. Find out what folk remedies for immunity for adults will help you quickly overcome ailments. By strengthening the body’s natural protective resources with their help, you will practically not remember illnesses.

How to boost immunity for adults

Nature is wise: the immune system guards the health of the human body. She is constantly responsible for ensuring that pathogens that enter the body are neutralized in a timely manner. Immunity is actively formed in childhood; as a result of previous infections or vaccinations, the child develops antibodies. Their function is to prevent future illnesses.

Why then, every year in the cold, most people get colds, and the immune defense does not always work? It decreases under the influence of negative factors. Poor nutrition, unfavorable environmental conditions, stress lead to the fact that the immune system cannot cope with its assigned tasks. If an adult often catches colds, feels lethargic, and exhausted, he needs to think about raising the level of his defenses.

To strengthen the immune system, it is not necessary to purchase pharmaceutical drugs - you just need to know how to boost immunity with folk remedies for an adult. The main condition for resisting diseases is a proper diet, rich in valuable vitamins and beneficial microelements necessary to improve health. If sticking to proper nutrition is not always possible, then you should pay attention to homemade recipes for dietary supplements that will help improve your health.

How to boost immunity for an adult

In order for the diet to be optimally balanced and help strengthen the defenses as much as possible, it is worth adding simple drugs to it that can quickly be prepared at home. It is worth understanding that folk remedies for increasing immunity in adults are an excellent alternative to drugs from the pharmacy. If, for the purpose of prevention, you use medicinal plants and products that help strengthen the immune defense, then neither viruses nor bacteria will simply be able to harm the body, and you will not have to suffer from the symptoms of the disease.

What food should an adult put on the table to strengthen the immune system? A prerequisite is to add healthy foods to your diet:

  • containing the strongest antioxidant vitamin C, it contains:
    1. oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits;
    2. various berries: viburnum, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, etc.;
    3. part of plants and herbs: actinidia, rose hips.
  • containing phytoncides - these substances that can suppress pathogens are found in strong concentrations in garlic and onions;
  • seasonings – ginger, turmeric, celery;
  • honey and propolis are the most valuable beekeeping products;
  • fermented milk products - they improve intestinal function.

To boost immunity, you need to eat foods containing zinc - for example, meat, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. It is also important to monitor the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in food - they are found in fatty fish, nuts, olive and flaxseed oil. Adults should also know about another effective method to boost immunity - taking courses of tinctures of medicinal plants, for example, echinacea, ginseng, and Rhodiola rosea. Read on for some simple recipes of folk remedies that will help you keep your body's defense system in good shape.

How to boost immunity with healing decoctions

Making such home remedies is not at all difficult, and they have an excellent effect. Consider several ways to strengthen the immune system of an adult using folk remedies in the form of decoctions:

  1. You need to take 10 g of herbs from the following plants: chamomile, nettle, lingonberry leaves, St. John's wort, mint. Next pour 1 tbsp. l. such fee 1 tbsp. water, boil it over low heat for 20 minutes, then strain and leave for a day. Drink the product 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. l. in 5-10 minutes. before meals.
  2. Take 1 tbsp. l. dried chokeberry fruits and add 250 ml of water, boil for a couple of minutes and leave in a warm place for 1 hour. You should take 1/3 cup throughout the day, half an hour before meals.
  3. Dry crushed Manchurian aralia root - 20 g - pour a glass of boiling water, cook in a closed container for 30 minutes over low heat. Then the broth must be infused for half an hour, strained and brought to the original volume by adding boiled water. To strengthen the immune system, take 1 tbsp. l. before eating. Important note: an adult must drink this decoction for at least three weeks.

How to boost immunity with vitamin mixtures

This method of improving the body’s defenses is very popular, because it involves consuming a specially selected combination of foods. The compositions not only contain valuable vitamins, but are also tasty. Thus, increasing immunity with folk remedies in adults often involves the use of restorative mixtures based on honey. Using “home medicine” is useful both in cold weather - as a quick way to raise and strengthen defenses, and in the spring, when it is necessary to restore the body after vitamin deficiency.

Here are simple home recipes on how to quickly boost immunity for adults using folk remedies:

  • Pass 220 g of ginger root and 2 lemons, 1 glass of honey through a meat grinder. Use this mixture in the morning on an empty stomach and 1 tsp before bed, and keep it in a jar in the refrigerator.
  • Take 200 g of dried apricots, figs, prunes, raisins, dates and grind the products with a blender. Add 1 tbsp to the mixture. honey, mix the mixture and refrigerate. Eat 1 tsp. three times a day before main meals.

How to strengthen your immune system with flax seeds

This product is considered an excellent natural immunomodulator. How to boost immunity with folk remedies for an adult if you have flax seeds at home? You can make the following useful potions:

  • Grind 3 tsp in a coffee grinder. flax seeds, combine them with 1 tsp. honey The product should be taken before meals, 1 tsp. 2-3 times a day.
  • You can support your immune system with flaxseed oil - drink 1 tbsp in the morning before meals. l. pure product or add it to food.
  • Flax seeds will fully demonstrate their beneficial properties if you simply add them to food - salads, main courses, cereals, baked goods.

Boosting immunity with celandine

This plant also effectively helps to boost the immunity of adults. Here is a recipe for preparing a product based on celandine:

  1. Pour 1 tbsp. l. dry herbs 200 ml of vodka and leave the mixture for 14 days in a warm, dark place.
  2. Next, strain the tincture and take it according to this order: 1st day – 1 drop, 2nd day – 2 drops, etc., increasing the dose by 1 drop per day.
  3. If you feel unwell, do not increase the dose for 2-3 days.
  4. The volume of tincture should be increased to 15 drops. The course of taking this remedy for immunity is 1 month. An important condition is to follow the dosage!

Strengthening the immune system with aloe balm

This houseplant is known for many beneficial properties. An adult can use it to tone the immune system as part of this balm:

  1. Grind 500 g of aloe leaves.
  2. Separately, make a decoction of St. John's wort: pour 30 g of dry herb with half a liter of boiling water, simmer the product over low heat for 30 minutes, leave for half an hour.
  3. Combine the strained broth with aloe, add 400 ml of honey, 500 ml of dry white wine. Pour the resulting balm into a dark glass bowl and leave for a week.
  4. Drink a monthly course three times a day in the dosage: the first 5 days - 1 tsp., 6th day and further - 1 tbsp. l.

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