Author: Dean Rouseberg
Time for reading: ~2
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
However, vitamin C is more useful at the first signs of a cold, mild fatigue, wet eyes or rather when it is clear to us that we have exposed the body to stress ...
We usually take vitamin C for illness, a measure we have known since childhood. Sometimes we choose according to our preferences, in tablet form, in liquid form or we try to get the vitamin by over-consumption of lemon juice or citrus fruits in general.
However, vitamin C is more useful at the first signs of a cold, mild fatigue, wet eyes, or rather when it is clear that we have exposed the body to stress - we have been in the cold for too long, our feet have been wet for hours. , we were up to date, our clothes were out of season ... Vitamin C is actually recommended by experts as a tool that can prevent the development of infection after extreme conditions - a few hours downhill skiing does not predispose colds as much as in - late stay of the heated body in the same clothing under the unfavorable conditions for the body ...
The mineral zinc is no less useful against colds, even more so as it prevents the multiplication of viruses. The combination of vitamin C and zinc is definitely the effective "cocktail" against colds and flu.
However, in our desire to protect ourselves from disease, we must be careful not to overdose on their intake, as this has adverse health consequences. High doses of vitamin C damage the kidneys and provoke gastrointestinal problems. This definitely happens when taken at 2 g per day. To avoid the load of the body with the vitamin, the total amount for the day should not exceed 500 mg.
Zinc may be present in some nasal sprays. However, their frequent use leads to loss of sense of smell. A better option for obtaining the mineral is by means of lozenges, for example.
The recommended amount of zinc for the day is 15 mg.
In order to enjoy good defenses against the flu and colds, it is desirable to constantly support our body in this direction, getting vitamin C and zinc through our diet.
Zinc is found in meat, beef and chicken, eggs, yogurt and seafood. It is also found in nuts and whole grains.
Vitamin C - is provided by fresh fruits and vegetables. In winter, the most suitable option is by eating oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, kiwi, papaya, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower.
There is nothing more useful in the winter with the menu to regularly provide a green salad with raw seafood and lots of lemon juice.