How to prepare for the change of season

Moisture is sniffed out, trees are stripped bare, daylight hours are shortened, and sneezing is increased. Yes, we are talking about him, the change of season. One of the causes of the lowering of our immune system’s defenses. One of many but not the only one.

But let’s stop for a moment, what is the immune system?

It is a network composed of a collection of specialized cells, tissues, organs and proteins that defends our bodies from external agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. However, it needs optimal physiological conditions to function at its best, otherwise the conditions we are used to call “low immune defenses” can be created.

We said that the lowering of immune defenses, in addition to the change of seasons, is caused by several factors: stress, certain diseases (e.g., colds), inordinate use of antibiotics, various environmental factors (e.g., cold, humidity, excessivesun exposure, etc.), improper diet, inadequate night rest, sedentary lifestyle, physical fatigue, and advancing age.

Fortunately, to help our natural defenses we have a very powerful tool at our disposal: a healthy lifestyle. To promote it, it is necessary to avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, get enough sleep, practice sports, adopt proper personal hygiene, keep blood pressure in the normal range, keep body weight under control and eat an appropriate diet.

Speaking of diet, according to the SINU (Italian Society of Human Nutrition), it is a good habit to consume at least 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables, which are useful sources of minerals and vitamins to boost the immune system.

Vitamins beneficial to our immune system include:

• Vitamin C: a powerful ally that contributes to the   protection of cells from oxidative stress, increases iron absorption and contributes to the  reduction of fatigue and tiredness.
• Vitamin D: which contributes to the normal function of the immune system

By following these simple tips, our immune system’s defenses rise again and the “barrier” is once again ready to thwart pathogens.

True, the season is changing, but with a healthy lifestyle enriched with vitamins we will be able to enjoy this fascinating time without worries, remembering that “autumn is the sweetest season, and what we lose in flowers we gain in fruits.”