Support for the immune system
Balance in the mind and body is the basis for a normal functioning of the immune system. If our natural defence is weak, it manifests as fatigue, frequent infections, inflammation, allergic reactions, chronic diarrhoea and slow wound healing. Unhealthy diet, stress, lack of sleep, smoking and hard physical and mental work are stressors that also weaken the immune system.
Regular exercise is one of the main factors for good health and is the base of a well-functioning immune system. Exercise improves body’s circulation and sets in motion our immune cells that fight infections. Some herbs also support the immune system, which is essential for protection from various infections and viral diseases, including the now threatening Covid-19.
As we age, the effectiveness of our immune system decreases, leading to more frequent infections, inflammatory and cancerous diseases in the elderly population. Therefore, older people should be even more careful and offer support to their immune system regularly and throughout the year, which includes taking dietary supplements, such as maca powder.
In the case of viral infections, such as influenza and cold, as well as new coronavirus disease (for which we do not have cures) , we must rely on our immune system to successfully and as quickly as possible overcome the disease. Certain medications help to alleviate the symptoms, but they will not affect the course of the disease. Therefore, how badly we get sick and how quickly we heal depends on our defence shield – the immune system.
How does our immune system work?
The immune system is a mechanism that defends our body against harmful organisms and invaders from the environment (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) that cause diseases. Therefore, the cells of our immune system are constantly “on call” and active, as they are observing every second, recognize intruders and try to destroy them. Our immune system consists of innate and acquired immunity. The first one we can’t influence much, but we can definitely influence the second one – the acquired immunity. Each individual has a differently strong immune system, which depend on gender, genetics, diet, harmful habits, the amount of exercise, exposure to stress, the amount and quality of sleep and illnesses.
What affects the immune system?
A balanced diet is one of the key factors for a well-functioning immune system. On the other hand, overeating is also stressful for the body and therefore weakens the immune system. Particular attention should be paid to the accumulated fat around the waist, as too much fat around the abdomen increases the possibility for chronic inflammation, which weakens our immune system. With diet, we can support the immune response mainly by enjoying varied food, especially fruits, vegetables, nuts and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Let’s try to limit the amount of saturated fatty acids, as these speed up the inflammatory processes in the body. If our immune system is already compromised, we should further enrich the healthy diet by taking vitamin and mineral preparations and quality dietary supplements to boost our immunity.
Besides the macronutrients that affect the functioning of the immune system, vitamins and minerals play an important role and are an integral part of the cells of the immune system, which have a so called immunomodulatory effect. Vitamins A, D, E, C, B6, folic acid, as well as copper, zinc, selenium and iron are especially important. They are found in many foods, as well as dietary supplements. We benefit from the daily consumption of garlic, onions, shiitake mushrooms, ginger and natural probiotic products such as yogurt and kefir, as well as sauerkraut, which is mainly eaten in winter. Let’s enjoy a pumpkin or carrot soup, as the orange pigments (carotenoids) in carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, persimmons, melons and green leafy vegetables, boost our immune system.
Enjoy varied meals, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and fruits, drink enough water, reduce harmful habits, also exercise on fresh air and get enough sleep. This will help you easily overcome challenges, even during quarantine. Stay outdoors on fresh air as much as possible, and at the first signs of a cold, cook chicken soup and strengthen your immune system with the help of superfoods and dietary supplements.
Even on colder days, make sure you are exposed to plenty of natural light and sun, as the sun’s rays are needed for the formation of vitamin D, which in turn strengthens the immune system and improves bone health. As already mentioned, you can boost your immune system by enjoying maca powder as well.
Maca powder for strong immune system
Maca is a plant that originates from the high Andes mountains, and is one of the few plants that has adapted to difficult conditions at an altitude of more than 4,400 meters, so it is considered a resistant plant. Peruvian Indians have valued maca tubers, from which they extract ground powder, for centuries because of its exceptional tonic properties. The active ingredients of maca are found in its heart-shaped root. The root is eaten raw, or dried and ground in a form of a dietary supplement. Maca powder has enough useful active ingredients only if the tubers are grown at the highest possible altitude and if the ground tuber is dried naturally – on the sun for two months.Why is Maca so useful?
Maca supports physical and mental performance and raises energy levels. It was used in the diet of the ancient Incas, and the fresh or dried root of the plant has been used for centuries by the Peruvians, where maca is an important part of the local diet due to its exceptional healing and nutritional properties. Many people call it a superfood. Why?
Scientists consider maca as an adaptogen important for better adaptation of the organism. As an adaptogen, maca increases physical endurance and resistance to stress, anxiety, trauma and exhaustion.
Regular consumption of maca stimulates the immune system and increases resistance to physical and mental problems. Because it is able to recognize the needs of the organism, it is called a “smart plant”. Per example, if the body does not produce enough of a hormone, maca will increase its production, and vice versa.
Maca tuber contains vitamins B1, B2, B12 and C, alkaloids, macro and micro nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, dietary fibre, fatty acids, fructose, starch, tannins, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, silicon and magnesium. At the same time, maca is richer in calcium than milk. Therefore, its consumption will also help all those affected by osteoporosis. Calcium, phosphorus, vitamins B1 and B12 and fatty acids have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, stimulate appetite and regulate digestion.
Maca’s sterols, calcium and vitamin C help build muscle mass and increase physical endurance. Maca is used by athletes, as it promotes muscle development and fat loss at the same time. It contains four unique alkaloids – Macaina 1, 2, 3, 4 – which are not found in any other plant. Regular consumption of maca powder brings many benefits, especially to women, as it creates and maintains the proper hormonal balance in the body. Eating maca relieves the symptoms of menopause, which manifests itself as mood swings, sleep disorders and similar, on the other hand helps younger women with menstrual problems.
It is believed that maca has a positive effect on fertility in both – women and men, also increases sexual libido and has a beneficial effect on increased male semen production. That is why some call it “natural Viagra”. In summary, maca increases energy levels, improves memory and concentration, regulates hormones, relieves symptoms of menopause and PMS, helps with insomnia and stress, has a positive effect on sexual energy, increases physical endurance, has a positive effect on heart and blood health veins and has a positive effect on dental and bone health.
Take one to three spoons of maca powder and stir into juice or water. Let’s do something beneficial for our health as soon as possible and strengthen our immune system in a natural way – by consuming maca powder on a daily basis. You too will quickly notice that your well-being will improve even now, in the cold season of the year.
