Introduction
In addition to a balanced diet, certain substances or drugs can also strengthen the human body’s immune system. On the one hand, these can be in particular the element zinc among the minerals and certain targeted drugs. The aim of a therapy strengthening the immune system is basically the prevention of serious infections.
On the other hand, the indication of an immune system strengthening drug has to be set very strictly, as it triggers or strengthens autoimmune processes by strengthening the immune defense against the body’s own, actually harmless structures. In the pharmacy, all immune-strengthening drugs are offered, some of which are also available without prescription. These preparations basically contain the components that are essential for a balanced immune system. These include above all vitamins and minerals.
Which immune system strengthening drugs are available in pharmacies?
Normally, different principles contribute to a natural effect of the immune system. The most important of these are a balanced diet, sufficient exercise, restful sleep, avoiding too much stress and a conscientious handling of noxious substances such as alcohol and nicotine. If everyday or work-related changes in this balanced lifestyle lead to a weakening of the immune system, the following drugs are available in the pharmacy.
These are primarily over-the-counter medicines such as various vitamins (vitamin C, D, A, E) or minerals (e.g. zinc) available. It should be noted that these substances can generally have a positive, strengthening effect on the immune system, but in the case of a serious defect in the immune system, their effectiveness must be critically assessed. Cetebe® ABWEHR plus is now a very popular drug in pharmacies.
It contains a triple combination of vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc. A currently innovative medication management (time bead technology) allows a continuous, balanced supply of vitamin C to the body over several hours. Another product offered by the pharmacy is Orthomol Immun.
It is used as part of a dietary treatment of nutrition-related immune deficiencies. Orthomol Immun contains a rich combination of minerals important for the body. These include vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, vitamin A and iron.
Finally, 13 vitamins, 8 trace elements and secondary plant substances are among the ingredients. A goal of the Orthomol immune is here the purposeful dealing with the needs at mineral materials of immunocompetent cells. These show, for example, an approximately 10 to 100-fold concentration of vitamin C compared to the rest of the blood plasma level.
They also cover their cell metabolism needs by increased absorption of the other minerals mentioned. Certain additional substances also play a role in the composition of Orthomol Immun. These include, for example, water, orange juice concentrate, the stabilizer glycerin, sucrose and the acidifier L-lactic acid.
However, the use of Orthomol Immun in the case of existing infections or diseases must be viewed very critically. It is not offered as a drug, but only as a food supplement. This in turn means that neither the preventive efficacy nor the safety of its use was established before its market launch.
In conclusion, it must be noted that Orthomol Immun is not a potent agent in the prevention of colds or other infections. Would you like to learn more about this topic? The widely known vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is probably the best known vitamin.
It plays an essential biochemical role as an antioxidant. This means the eradication of free radicals, which are constantly produced by natural metabolic processes in our body. In particular, however, these are also produced by an immune response and can damage and destroy the cells concerned.
Vitamin C performs a cell-protective function here. Further functions of vitamin C are to promote the activity of neutrophil granulocytes, which are essential in the elimination of bacterial pathogens, and to participate in the normal functioning of the mucous membranes.Vitamin C is offered in pharmacies in the form of mono-preparations (pure vitamin C substitution) or as part of combination preparations such as the above-mentioned Cetebe. A rich intake of vitamin C is also possible through diet.
In this context, any citrus fruits, various vegetables (e.g. green leafy vegetables, tomatoes and green leafy vegetables) as well as currants and sea buckthorn should be mentioned in particular. Esberitox® Compact is a plant-based product with a combination of the active ingredients of plants such as the arbor vitae, dyer’s pod and coneflower. Its scientifically proven efficacy is propagated in the context of colds and flu.
A viral induction of the common cold is particularly specific. The duration of the cold should be shortened by 2-3 days and the cold symptoms effectively alleviated. The administration is suitable for adolescents and adults from the age of 12 years.
It is said to be particularly effective for specific symptoms such as sore throat, sneezing, runny nose and aching bronchial tubes. Problematic to see is the scientifically proven effectiveness propagated by the offerer. Zinc belongs to the mineral materials and is to exhibit an immune system strengthening – and/or stabilizing effect.
Functionally it is to help the body-own defense cells to look for and fight damaging substances effectively. If a certain concentration is desired, the continuous administration of zinc is essential. The human body has only a small amount of this mineral.
Therefore a too pronounced, toxic absorption of zinc is as good as impossible. Zinc plays a functional role in complex biochemical processes of the immune system. If the mineral zinc is taken within the first 24 hours after the onset of cold symptoms, it has been proven to shorten the illness phase and thus reduce the symptoms.
However, various other vital processes also require a balanced intake of zinc through food. In this context, the function of the sensory organs, especially the sense of taste and smell, should be mentioned. Night blindness can also occur in the short term due to zinc deficiency in the body.
The structure of skin, hair and nails also benefits from a rich zinc intake. Zinc is available in the well-known Curazink® as a mono-preparation or in combination as mentioned above. Also in combination, the dietary supplement of Abtei® with a combination of zinc and histidine can be mentioned.
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