The cold season brings with it, unfortunately, an inevitable wave of respiratory viruses. The cold, the high humidity and the congestion in the means of transport, but also the community in schools and kindergartens favor the spread of viruses, especially flu viruses.
Therefore, the immune system is put to the test and the body needs additional support to meet the challenges. This is precisely why a combination of balanced nutrition, carefully chosen supplements and a lifestyle that supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms is recommended.
How the body reacts to viruses
When a virus enters the body, the immune system immediately goes on alert. White blood cells, especially lymphocytes and macrophages, detect the pathogen and initiate an inflammatory response designed to neutralize it. This process consumes important resources – energy, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. That is why, in times of viral epidemics, it is essential to ensure that the body has all the necessary substances for an effective reaction.
An example of a modern food supplement, formulated to provide support to the body especially in the cold season or during episodes of intense demand on the immune system is ViroProtect Rapid + Quercetin from Naturalis. With nine carefully selected active ingredients, including vitamins C and D, zinc, selenium, quercetin, rutin supports the proper functioning of the immune system and contributes to maintaining the health of the respiratory system.
In addition, the product has a delicious aroma of mango and passion fruit, which turns daily administration into a pleasant experience. ViroProtect+ Quercetin can be found online, at the Springfarma.com pharmacy, but also in the 19 physical locations of Spring Farma, 16 in Bucharest and 3 in the country (Craiova, Satu-Mare and Cluj-Napoca).
From traditional pharmacy to modern pharmacy
In tune with the society that is increasingly connected to what technology means, the transition from the traditional pharmacy to the online pharmacy is natural. The modern patient wants to be informed and have quick access to relevant details, provided and verified by specialists.
In this sense, online pharmacy blogs, such as that of Springfarma.com, can be said to have become reliable sources for medical information, made or endorsed by pharmacists.
So people can better understand:
– the benefits and interactions of certain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
– the way they act
– what we can do to maintain their values at optimal levels for our well-being.
Immunity, a topic of interest for the informed patient
Probably one of the most interesting topics for patients is immunity and how it works to support our body in normal parameters.
And complex food supplements, designed to support immunity, such as ViroProtect+ Quercetin from Naturalis, are attracting interest precisely because people are becoming more and more interested in the help they can offer the body both as prevention and as help in overcoming episodes of viruses and other frequent ailments.
Information about the effectiveness of various nutrients, based on studies and scientific research, from verifiable sources, is increasingly sought by the modern patient.
This is also the case with the following types of ingredients, which are found in supplements designed to support the immune system:
Vitamin C, the classic ally of immunity
Probably the most well-known “ingredient” of cold prevention, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) remains a basic element in maintaining health during the cold season. Clinical studies have shown that although vitamin C cannot directly prevent infection with respiratory viruses, it helps shorten the duration and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress caused by inflammation.
Natural sources of vitamin C are numerous and we can take advantage of them in various tasty preparations or as such: citrus fruits, kiwi, red pepper, sea buckthorn, broccoli and raw parsley. During periods of viruses or increased exposure, of course, vitamin C supplementation, in recommended doses, is also helpful.
Quercetin and rutin, duo with antiviral action
In recent years, more and more studies have drawn attention to quercetin, a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral action, naturally present in red onions, apples, berries, kale and broccoli.
Recent research, including “Recent Advances in Potential Health Benefits of Quercetin”, published in the National Library of Medicine, has shown that quercetin can prevent respiratory viruses from entering and replicating in human cells. It works by modulating receptors on the surface of cells and reducing the release of histamine, which helps reduce inflammation.
Rutin, another flavonoid often found in buckwheat, apples or citrus fruits, in addition to quercetin, acts by enhancing its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The combination of the two substances is often used in supplements designed to support capillary vessels, but it also plays an important role in reducing the effects of respiratory infections, by protecting cells and maintaining normal vascular permeability.
Zinc, an essential mineral
Zinc is another key element in protecting the body against viruses. It participates in the formation and activation of T lymphocytes, the cells that coordinate the immune response in the body. In the absence of zinc, the immune response is slower and the risk of infections increases. The study “Zinc in Human Health: Effect of Zinc on Immune Cells” showed that taking extra zinc, especially in the first 24 hours after the onset of symptoms, can reduce the duration of the common cold by up to 30%.
Food sources rich in zinc include beef, seafood, pumpkin seeds, nuts and legumes. In periods of immune stress, zinc supplements can be an effective solution, but it is important to follow the recommended doses to avoid overdose.
The role of selenium in antiviral defense
Selenium is an essential trace element, with a decisive role in protecting cells against oxidative stress and in the optimal functioning of the thyroid gland – an organ indirectly involved in the regulation of immunity. Selenium deficiency has been associated with increased vulnerability to viral infections, particularly influenza and bronchitis. This mineral contributes to the activation of glutathione, one of the most important antioxidant enzymes in the body. Without selenium, the inflammatory response becomes exaggerated and recovery from infections is slower.
Natural sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, ocean fish, eggs, sunflower seeds and whole grains. Supplements can be helpful during times of high risk of infection, but administration should be done with caution, as excess selenium can become toxic.
Quick access to immunity products
Because we were recalling the desire of the modern patient to have at his disposal a multitude of correct information about the products that could be of help to him in various situations, the role of online pharmacies becomes essential, and because they offer this quickly to an extremely varied product base. These can be easily selected, wherever we are, and ordered to be delivered quickly to your home, to easyboxes or even picked up from physical locations, depending on your preferences.
Also, the advice given in the physical pharmacy can now also be delivered online, thanks to the existence of customer relations services, available for any questions or concerns about the products or support in placing and receiving orders.
Advantages of the online pharmacy:
· Very diverse range of products: vitamins, supplements, cosmetics and dermato-cosmetics, products for mother and child, easy to distribute;
· Informative and educational content dedicated to the patient, with the support of specialists, pharmacists or doctors: blog, articles related to health, wellness, etc.;
· The guarantee of professionalism through tens of thousands of reviews counted in programs such as Trusted.ro – national program for the certification of trusted online stores and customers who know their online rights – where a satisfaction rating of 9.7/10, such as, for example, that of the online pharmacy Springfarma.com, represents a true capital of trust;
· Authorization of the online pharmacy by the Ministry of Health;
· Flexible delivery and payment methods: card, cash on delivery, pick-up options from easybox, etc.;
· Active patient communication and support: direct communication by phone, email, chat.
The importance of a balanced lifestyle
Professional support is therefore necessary both online and in physical pharmacies, and patients must be aware – regardless of the way of information delivery – that a balanced lifestyle is essential for the potentiation of dietary supplements. From restful sleep and daily exercise to a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and quality protein.
Sleep plays an essential role in the regeneration of the immune system. During deep sleep, the body produces cytokines – proteins that coordinate the defense response against infections. Thus, an adult who sleeps less than 6 hours a night has almost double the risk of contracting a virus compared to a person who sleeps 7-8 hours.
Moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming or yoga, stimulates circulation and increases the number of active immune cells. But to understand that moderation is needed in everything, excessive physical effort, especially during periods when we feel tired, can have the opposite effect, weakening the body’s resistance.
Habits that make a difference
- Frequent hand washing and avoiding touching the face remain the simplest and most effective methods of prevention;
- Ventilate the home daily, especially in the cold season. Fresh air reduces the concentration of indoor viruses;
- Drink enough fluids – hydration keeps the nasal mucosa moist, which helps block the entry of viruses;
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, which affect the immune system and respiratory mucosa.
Remember, protecting the body during periods of viruses is the result of a combined effort: balanced diet, carefully chosen supplements and healthy daily habits. Here are the few things that need to become a habit to get through not just cold season, but periods of stress and ailments, regardless of the season. An organism can only defend itself if we give it the support it needs.
Sources:
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12889-023-17229-8.pdf
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10384403/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2277319/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/INMD.20240074
