Three ways to strengthen the body’s ability to resist viruses before winter
As winter approached, demand in October for products that strengthen immunity rose by almost 40% compared with the previous month, according to observations by “Mēness aptieka”. Products containing vitamins, minerals and valuable fatty acids are available and in demand. The pharmacists of “Mēness aptieka” highlight three ways to strengthen the body’s ability to resist various illnesses and viruses before winter.
People in Latvia are currently concerned about the possibility of contracting Covid-19 or another virus-related illness and are generally taking greater care of their health in everyday life. People are already seeking pharmacists’ advice in person at pharmacies in the early morning hours (some of the larger pharmacies now open as early as 7 a.m.), while demand for remote consultations has also increased, with people asking “Mēness aptieka” pharmacists for recommendations.
People in Latvia are currently concerned about the possibility of contracting Covid-19 or another virus-related illness and are generally taking greater care of their health in everyday life. People are already seeking pharmacists’ advice in person at pharmacies in the early morning hours (some of the larger pharmacies now open as early as 7 a.m.), while demand for remote consultations has also increased, with people asking “Mēness aptieka” pharmacists for recommendations.
What valuable support can you give your immune system?
Products specifically created to strengthen immunity can be used; they contain garlic, ginseng, liquorice root, dandelion, rhodiola, celandine, rose hips, echinacea and other ingredients.
Zinc is necessary for the development of cells involved in innate and acquired immunity. It participates in the formation of antibodies and ensures normal immune function. Selenium protects against the effects of harmful environmental factors, reduces inflammation and slows cell ageing. Taking vitamin D reduces the risk of upper respiratory tract infections; adequate levels are essential for various processes in the body. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids participate in the formation of the immune response and in anti-inflammatory processes.
It is also important to get vaccinated in good time and keep track of your vaccination schedule! Remember to get vaccinated against influenza every year. This is especially important for people in risk groups—pregnant women, seniors over 65, people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and lung disease, among others, as well as those who, because of the nature of their work, come into contact with many people every day.
What should you include in meals to support the immune system?
Of course, vegetables that are currently plentiful should take pride of place on the menu—both those available in shops and those harvested from our own gardens and fields. They contain plenty of the fibre the body needs. Turnips, radishes, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and other vegetables are readily available and can be prepared in many different ways. Pumpkins, apples, pears, cranberries, sea buckthorn, garlic, ginger and honey will also considerably enrich the menu. The diet should also include cereal dishes and fermented dairy products rich in beneficial proteins, as well as meat, fish rich in valuable fats and vegetable oils.
How can you tell your immune system—“I am active”?
A short morning run or a longer walk, or Nordic walking in the evening, will certainly signal to the body that you are active. If the mornings and evenings seem too dark for such activities, perhaps they can be scheduled during the lunch break? Activities can also be combined, and if it is not possible to go for your usual run outdoors on a particular day, you should at least do some exercise. Of course, once gyms and swimming pools are available again, you can choose an activity that suits you once or twice a week. The immune system will certainly thank you for regular swimming and hardening practices! If you have even a little experience, determination and the necessary knowledge, there is still time to join the winter swimmers—the “seals”. If such extreme activities are not to your liking, hardening can also be started in the bathroom, and you can enjoy sauna treatments. Surely there will also be snow in Latvia by the beginning of winter, so for winter activities it is worth checking that your skis, sledges and skates are ready! Physical work, such as tidying the garden in autumn or clearing snow in winter, also strengthens our bodies. In this time filled with stress and uncertainty, rest is particularly important too—both during the lunch break and at the weekend.
More information—L. Ribkinska, Tel. +371 22302996, liga.ribkinska@repharm.lv
“Mēness aptieka” is the most loved and responsible brand in Latvia’s pharmaceutical sector. In a public survey conducted using a special internationally recognised methodology, “Mēness aptieka” took first place in the pharmaceutical sector in the TOP of Latvia’s most loved brands for the third consecutive year.
With the highest score (87.7%), “Mēness aptieka” has taken the leading position in customer service in Latvia’s pharmaceutical sector. The pharmaceutical-sector study to determine which pharmacy company provides the best customer service in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia was conducted in October and November 2020 by “Dive Group”.“Mēness aptieka” is the most sustainable health-sector brand in the Baltics. This is demonstrated by the latest European Sustainable Brand Index (Sustainable Brand Index) results. For “Mēness aptieka”, a pharmacy brand available throughout Latvia, sustainability is an important indicator in the public’s assessment.
D. Vārpiņa
