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Especially in winter, the immune system has to defend itself against many viruses and bacteria. You can support it by taking certain vitamins and nutrients. We explain which ones are important.

Boost your immune system: These supplements can help

Even if many people believe that they eat a balanced diet, deficiency symptoms occur again and again.
The stresses of everyday life can make it difficult to get all the nutrients you need.

In order to still provide the body with the most important nutrients, supplements can be used, i.e. food supplements that can be bought in the form of tablets, drops or powders, for example.

The 5 must-have supplements for the winter

Here we present 5 must-have supplements that everyone should have on their screens, especially in winter.
Please consider: However, supplements cannot replace a healthy and balanced diet.

Vitamin D

As the days get shorter and darker, many people become vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is mainly absorbed from the sun. Only a few foods contain vitamin D. These include, for example, oily fish or liver. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation is highly recommended.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a dose of 800 IU (= International Unit) per day, which corresponds to 20 micrograms of vitamin D. Studies show that adults should even better consume 1500 to 2000 IU daily.
Studies from 2020 show that dosages of 10,000 IU per day are even recommended for risk patients to prevent influenza and corona infections.

Omega 3

The most important omega-3 fatty acids for the body are ALA, EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA in particular have a health-promoting effect. In our diet, however, there is always an undersupply of omega-3.

A study shows that EPA and DHA help the body fight inflammation. The study authors recommend supplementing with 250 milligrams of EPA and DHA per day.

Cardiovascular diseases are still the number one cause of death in Germany. Omega-3 supplements can lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease. The DGE recommends eating fish once or twice a week – once fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel or herring. For example, 100 grams of herring already provide 3000 milligrams of EPA and DHA.

magnesium

In addition to muscle cramps, a magnesium deficiency can lead to nausea, loss of appetite and exhaustion and even cardiovascular problems.

The reason for this is not only the lack of consumption of magnesium suppliers such as nuts and leafy vegetables, but also regular alcohol consumption.

Above all, it is important that the magnesium is taken in the correct form – for example as magnesium citrate or aspartate, since these compounds have a higher availability for the body than magnesium oxide, which can usually be found in discount stores or in drugstores.

zinc

Probably the best-known function of zinc is to improve the immune system. Zinc acts as a cofactor in enzyme and protein formation and is therefore an important part of the immune system.

According to a 2017 study, zinc deficiency plays a role in 16 percent of lower respiratory tract infections.

Zinc is mainly found in meat, fish, grains, oatmeal and grain germ, with animal zinc being more readily available than vegetable zinc. The DGE recommends a dosage of 15 milligrams per day.

vitamin C

Vitamin C is found in apples, citrus fruits such as lemons or grapefruits, cabbage vegetables, peppers and potatoes, among other things. A lack of vitamin C quickly leads to a weakened immune system, so you should definitely prevent a deficiency.

A study from 2020 shows that supplementing two to eight grams of vitamin C per day has advantages in the treatment of respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and can, for example, slow down critical courses.
The DGE recommends 100 milligrams of vitamin C per day. An apple and a kiwi already provide 150 milligrams. So the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” isn’t all that wrong.

Conclusion: A balanced diet and supplementary supplements are crucial

In order to stay healthy, it is particularly important to eat a balanced and healthy diet. Nevertheless, in the current time it can only be advantageous to supplement your diet with individual supplements and to support your immune system. So you are well prepared even in times of cold waves.

Everyone knows this rule of thumb: Cold makes many foods last longer. But not every product belongs in the refrigerator. We tell you eleven foods that the temperatures in the refrigerator do more harm than good.

Do tomatoes have to go in the fridge? Cold is poison for these foods:

Not everything is suitable for the refrigerator and automatically stays fresh longer there – the cold even damages many types of fruit and vegetables. Especially foods that come from the south like it warm to keep their aroma.

#1 Bananas

They hardly tolerate the cold in the refrigerator and quickly develop brown spots if stored incorrectly. The unsuitable temperature will damage your cell tissue.

#2 Avocados

Just like bananas, avocados are harvested unripe and are therefore usually bought when they are still solid. It is best to keep them at room temperature to let them ripen. As soon as the avocado is ripe, it should be eaten quickly and not kept at all.

#3 Tomatoes

Vegetables with a high water content soften much more quickly in the refrigerator. Most people automatically put tomatoes and cucumbers in the fridge, but they quickly get old and shriveled there. Water-rich vegetables should not be stored below 10 degrees. A cool, dry cellar is much better suited for fresh storage.

#4 Onions

They play a role in many dishes, but in order to preserve the flavor of the onions, they should not be stored in the refrigerator. To fully develop their aroma, onions should be stored in a dry, oxygen-rich place.

#5 Honey

When stored properly, honey will last for years without suffering any loss in quality. But the refrigerator is not the right place to store this product. Temperatures that are too cold make the honey hard and difficult to spread. Instead, it is best stored tightly closed, dry and away from light. A kitchen cupboard would be a good solution here, for example.

#6 Bread

If the bread is kept in an air-poor environment, such as in the refrigerator, moisture builds up and it starts to go mouldy. That would be a pity, especially with homemade bread. Baked goods are better stored at room temperature in air-permeable containers. However, wooden bread boxes are not suitable here, because the food tends to dry out here. It is best to grab a clay vessel.

#7 Lemons

Citrus fruits come from the south and therefore come from warm regions. As a result, they prefer room temperatures and not refrigerator temperatures. Oranges, mangoes and grapefruits also lose their flavor intensity if they are stored too cold.

#8 Potatoes

In order not to let potatoes become shriveled and go bad, you should not store them in the refrigerator. Due to the cold, the potato converts its starch into sugar and thus develops a sweet, unpleasant taste. It is better to store the potatoes in a cool, dry and dark cellar room.

#9 coffee

Many people store coffee powder or coffee beans in the refrigerator because of the myth that it retains a better aroma. In reality, however, exactly the opposite is the case. Because the coffee loses its taste due to the cold and may even absorb unpleasant odors. It is better to store the powder well sealed and dry in a kitchen cupboard.

#10 Oil

Actually, the oil keeps for weeks at room temperature and therefore does not have to be put in the refrigerator. If the temperature is too low, the oil develops a flaky or buttery consistency, which is why it is better kept in a kitchen cupboard.

#11 Garlic

The garlic is very similar to the onion mentioned above. Garlic often becomes rubbery or moldy in cool temperatures. Like the onion, it should therefore be stored in a dry, oxygen-rich place.

Useful home remedies and cold tips for babies and toddlers at a glance. Babies and children need special protection against colds. We’ve collected the tips you need.

Detect ear infections on baby ears

Since babies are not yet able to describe their symptoms or point them out in concrete terms, it is often difficult for the parents to tell whether the child has an earache. However, there are a few specific signs of an earache to look out for. For example, if the baby has red ears or a fever, is crying loudly and persistently, is refusing to drink, or has fluid coming out of the ear, then you should definitely consider ear pain. The same applies to long-lasting colds. The inner ear is often not ventilated properly when you have a cold because the connection between the nose and ear is swollen. Also, read home remedies for earache.

If you have an earache, see a doctor as soon as possible

In any case, you should have your ears checked by a doctor at the slightest sign, and in case of doubt by an emergency doctor at the weekend. If the earache is detected early, it may be possible to avoid a middle ear infection and its consequences, which can also include meningitis.

Make your own children’s cough syrup for dry coughs

If your child suffers from a dry cough (i.e. a dry cough without phlegm), there are simple home remedies you can use to provide relief. A natural children’s cough syrup is easy to make by mixing 1/4 liter of water with 1 teaspoon of dried sage, 1 teaspoon of thyme, 100g chopped onion, and 100g rock candy and simmering on the stove over low heat until the sugar has dissolved.

Then fill the cough syrup in a clean glass and let it cool down. Give the child 1 teaspoon of the cough syrup 3 times a day. It can be kept sealed in the fridge for up to a week. This should reliably relieve the dry cough. Of course, adults can also take this cough syrup! In addition, note useful home remedies for colds and tips for frontal sinusitis.

Properly protecting the baby in cold weather and winter is very important. Therefore, useful tips for protecting the baby from the cold in the cold and damp season should be heeded if you want to be outdoors with the baby.

Small babies and children are sensitive to cold

Newborn babies and small children are initially not able to regulate their own body temperature sufficiently well. That is why they depend on the help of their parents. Because their body has not yet formed a sufficient layer of fat that can protect them from the cold. Therefore, the right protection in the form of clothing is essential both indoors and outdoors in winter. But overheating should also be avoided here.

Protect your baby from the cold with the right clothes

So that you can protect your baby in winter, you have to give him enough freedom of movement in his clothes, under the blanket, or in the footmuff. You also need suitable basic equipment for your baby in terms of clothing and the like. Accordingly, dress your baby in several light pieces of clothing one on top of the other. This and natural fibers warm better than a single, thickly lined suit. But you shouldn’t dress so warmly that you sweat profusely. Because then there is a risk of catching a cold. You should also protect your baby in damp and cold weather by putting a hat on him, even in the stroller. The hat should always cover sensitive ears.

Protect baby in a stroller

You must also protect your baby from the cold in the stroller. So don’t stay outside for too long when it’s really cold, at the latest from minus 10 degrees. Instead, it’s better to go out for about 30 minutes more often than for hours at a time. But when a strong wind is blowing, even 30 minutes is too long. Then just stay out in the cold with the baby for 10 minutes at a time. You can also put insulation against the cold, e.g. a styrofoam plate, in the stroller when the temperature is below zero. So your doesn’t cool down from below. Or when buying a stroller, make sure you have a suitable model for the winter.

This is how you protect sensitive baby skin on cold days

Baby skin is sensitive to both heat and cold. Cold wind and cold air can quickly lead to frostbite on exposed parts of the body, e.g. the face or hands. Good protection for sensitive skin is therefore essential so that you can go for a walk with your child even in cold weather.

So make sure you protect the baby’s face. For this, apply the cream before the walk. This should contain as little water as possible or preferably no water (e.g. milking grease or Vaseline) since the water it contains freezes in the cold and can lead to frostbite on the skin. But here, too, less is more. Because if you use too much cream, the skin cannot give off enough heat and moisture. In addition, the lips can be protected with a lip balm. And you can protect the baby’s hands with gloves, for example.

Useful home remedies and cold tips for babies and toddlers at a glance. Babies and children need special protection against colds. We’ve collected the tips you need.

Detect ear infections on baby ears

Since babies are not yet able to describe their symptoms or point them out in concrete terms, it is often difficult for the parents to tell whether the child has an earache. However, there are a few specific signs of ear pain to look out for.

For example, if the baby has red ears or a fever, is crying loudly and persistently, is refusing to drink, or has fluid coming out of the ear, then you should definitely consider ear pain. The same applies to long-lasting colds. The inner ear is often not ventilated properly when you have a cold because the connection between the nose and ear is swollen. Also, read home remedies for earache.

If you have an earache, see a doctor as soon as possible

In any case, you should have your ears checked by a doctor at the slightest sign, and if in doubt, by an emergency doctor at the weekend. If the earache is detected early, it may be possible to avoid a middle ear infection and its consequences, which can also include meningitis.

Make your own children’s cough syrup for dry coughs

If your child suffers from a dry cough (i.e. a dry cough without phlegm), there are simple home remedies you can use to provide relief. A natural children’s cough syrup is easy to make by mixing 1/4 liter of water with 1 teaspoon of dried sage, 1 teaspoon of thyme, 100g chopped onion, and 100g rock candy and simmering on the stove over low heat until the sugar has dissolved.

Then fill the cough syrup in a clean glass and let it cool down. Give the child 1 teaspoon of the cough syrup 3 times a day. It can be kept sealed in the fridge for up to a week. This should reliably relieve the dry cough. Of course, adults can also take this cough syrup! In addition, note useful home remedies for colds and tips for frontal sinusitis.

Tips against cold and freezing in winter for protection outside and inside. When it gets really cold, a cold or flu often follows. Housewives know many tips against cold and freezing in winter. Such home remedies warm and strengthen the immune system at the same time.

1) Drinks as a warming home remedy

Healthy tips against cold and freezing in winter include foods that help the body maintain or increase its temperature. Quick home remedies with a high effect are e.g. B. Warming drinks such as fresh ginger tea. And most of the ingredients for hot tea with honey are in the household.

Cocoa or coffee with a “shot” is also an option. When it comes to rum, eggnog, mulled wine, and punch, however, the following applies: You have to pay attention to the amount, as alcohol causes the body to lose temperature over the long term.

2) Strengthen the immune system with honey ginger tea

A tea made from fresh ginger and honey works better against the cold and freezing in winter than alcohol. The tried-and-tested home remedy is quick to prepare and strengthens your own defenses:

  • Put on hot tea water for one cup (approx. 300 ml).
  • Slice a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger (about 3-5 pieces). Peeling is unnecessary.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of black tea to the ginger if desired.
  • Pour boiling tea water over it and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
  • Strain and sweeten with honey. Alternatively, use sugar or low-calorie stevia.
  • Adding lemon juice to the tea also strengthens, as housewives know. If you lose your temperature quickly, you should also try spices from private households.

3) Spices of warm food

You also have warming spices for the winter in your own household, such as ginger, chili, or pepper. They warm you from the inside and are suitable for both savory and sweet dishes. Try e.g. B. curries or spicy vegetable pans, also with marinated meat or poultry. The spiciness in the dishes heats up the metabolism so that the body releases heat.

Spiced desserts are popular tips for housewives against cold and freezing in winter. Try the following recipes with chocolate and chili:

Season a hot chocolate with chili powder as you like. DIY fans should try homemade dark chocolate with chili flakes. Chocolates and truffles with chili, ginger, or nutmeg offer new flavors.

With game dishes, a simple chocolate and chili sauce serves as an exotic change from the conventional roast sauce. Use dark chocolate if possible. The combinations of slightly tart chocolate and peppery chili are quick to make and taste fantastic. Positive side effects: They not only help against cold and freezing in winter. Due to the cocoa in the chocolate, the body releases more endorphins. It also lifts the spirits.

4) winter clothes

All housewives know that seasonal winter clothing is important. Without a hat and gloves, the body loses heat in these areas first. A hand-sized warming pad for your hands also helps to keep them from freezing when you are out and about. Another tip against rough, chapped winter hands is creamed with urea or panthenol.

5) Kidney Warmers

Kidney warming is actually used on motorcyclists. However, the effect is also possible for any clothing. Such a kidney warmer protects the entire abdomen from the cold. As a result, the whole body cools down less and the middle feels comfortably warm.

Many natural home remedies for herpes help relieve the symptoms of herpes on the lips. There they are again, those unpleasant cold sores, better known as herpes. A kiss is enough, hormonal fluctuations or psychological stress moments. And then they reappear in the seemingly most inappropriate situations.

What is herpes?

Herpes, or cold sores, is a worldwide disease caused by so-called herpes viruses. These can get into the nerve cells through cracks and mucous membranes. Once infected, they remain in the human body for life. A herpes outbreak often occurs in the genital or lip area. But cold sores can also form in the area of ​​the nose, eyes, chin, or cheeks. These can occur again and again and be contagious. The risk of infection is particularly high when bubbles have already formed and liquid is escaping.

Causes of cold sores

The herpes virus is transmitted from person to person. As a result, the cause of transmission of herpes is often close physical contact. Transmission often occurs in childhood within the family. After that, the virus can always be reactivated and break out. The most common triggers for reactivation include a weakened immune system, stress, and injuries. In addition, cortisone ointments, hormonal fluctuations, or strong UV radiation can encourage a new breakout. The risk of infection is very high, especially when bubbles have already formed and liquid is leaking out.

Home remedies for cold sores

A stressful day with worries or grief and there’s that unpleasant herpes again. But do you really have to go back to the doctor and have an expensive skin cream prescribed? No, there is an easier way. Because natural home remedies for herpes help you to successfully treat the itchy and painful mouth blisters. We show you the most effective remedies for cold sores.

1) Ice cubes against herpes

The simplest trick against herpes is ice cubes. As you learned at school thanks to the chemical RGT rule, all processes in the body run faster at higher temperatures. In the case of viral diseases such as herpes, however, one would like to avoid a rapid spread of viruses. For this reason, it is advisable to place an ice cube on the affected areas and cool them down in the early stages. For this, you should wrap the ice cube in a thin cloth. But beware! You should only use this method if the cold sores are in the early stages. If they are already fully formed, ice cubes will make matters worse. Then you should definitely keep your hands off it.

2) Alcohol – The home remedy that everyone has

If you have pure alcohol in the house, use it as a home remedy for herpes. If not, a bottle of vodka will do. First, you should chill them. When the alcohol is ice cold, soak a cotton ball in it. Then dab it on the areas of skin affected by the blisters. Because the alcohol has a disinfecting effect and the coolness effectively eliminates skin problems. In addition, the evaporation of the alcohol on your skin removes heat from it. And with less heat, it spreads less quickly. In addition, pure alcohol can relieve severe itching.

3) Garlic also drives away skin diseases

The use of healing garlic drives away not only vampires but also cold sores. At least that’s what a lot of people who’ve tried it swear by. Important again here: Only place the cut garlic clove on the sore spots if no blisters have formed yet. Otherwise, all the fun will quickly backfire and the inflammation will get worse instead of better.

4) Toothpaste with zinc against mouth blisters

The effect of toothpaste in treating herpes is quite simple. Because the cream closes the affected areas and dries out the skin underneath. But the toothpaste method should also be used with caution. Since you can’t just randomly use any toothpaste for this. When buying, you should make sure that the toothpaste contains as much zinc as possible. Because that relieves the inflammation and causes the viruses to be suppressed. If you use toothpaste without zinc, the culprits will spread. As a result, the treatment achieves exactly the opposite of what you intended to achieve with it. Therefore, many experts advise against the application. So try toothpaste as a home remedy for pimples.

5) All-rounder baking soda for cold sores

The remedy for or against everything: baking powder. Do you have a household problem? Baking powder! Can’t get the oven clean? Baking powder! Does your husband refuse to cook? Baking powder! Joking aside. Baking soda is actually one of the heroes when it comes to fighting herpes. Diluted with a little water and gently dabbed on the affected areas with a cotton swab, it can relieve itching. It prevents you from constantly scratching yourself. Thus, it is a natural and effective home remedy for herpes. And also note remedies for burning and dry lips.

6) Proper nutrition for cold sores

You can also strengthen your immune system with the right diet. This can reduce the regular outbreaks of herpes. It can therefore be beneficial to consume vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc in the form of natural foods. You should also avoid chemical dietary supplements. Because the body cannot process taking several drugs at the same time. Watch the following video by the NDR nutrition experts and get more detailed information. Also, note our home remedies to strengthen your immune system.

7) Black tea as a remedy for herpes

Black tea is one of the best home remedies for herpes. Ideally in the teabag, because you can use it better that way. So pour yourself some tea and drink it in a relaxed manner. Then you can use the cooled tea bag for your herpes spots. Simply place it on the affected areas for 2-3 minutes. Since black tea contains a lot of the substance “tannin”, it has a disinfecting and antiviral effect. Consequently, it pushes back viruses. Black tea is also an effective home remedy for dark circles and bags under the eyes.

8) Treat cold sores with tea tree oil

Experience has shown that many facial care products contain tea tree oil. No wonder, because tea tree oil has a very natural effect and is gentle on the skin. Ideally, you use tea tree oil when the cold sores have not yet formed or are still in the early stages. It also has a preventive effect and is therefore ideally suited to prevent the outbreak of herpes. If you already have cold sores, all you have to do is put some tea tree oil on a cotton swab. Then dab it on the cold sores. No rinsing, just leave it on.

9) Aloe Vera for cold sores

Since the miracle cure aloe vera has become more and more popular in the household in recent years, the plant is officially considered a household remedy. So if you have an aloe vera medicinal plant or gel at home, dab it on the sore spots. After that, sit back. But you should be careful which gel you use. Because the gel used should contain the highest possible concentration of aloe vera. So that good healing can be guaranteed. Also, note our contribution to healing successes with honey against cold sores.

10) The honey therapy against cold sores

Thanks to its antibacterial active ingredients, honey is an excellent home remedy for herpes. Therefore, apply the honey to the affected areas several times a day (preferably every two hours) immediately after the first symptoms appear. A thin layer is sufficient. As a result, the viruses do not spread further and do not form blisters. If blisters have already formed, the honey can speed up the healing of the cold sores. Manuka honey from New Zealand is particularly suitable for this therapy. Because it contains more methylglyoxal, which is responsible for the antibacterial effect.