Modern medicine has taken the traditional concept of using plants beneficial for health and has evolved to a higher form of improving them to pharmaceutical quality, called “standardization”. This gives us the safety of the drug with an optimal concentration of active substances and a predictable therapeutic effect.

Innovative ingredients such as beta-glucans, with clinically proven therapeutic effects and elucidated mechanisms of action, are in the spotlight of doctors and patients for the treatment of colds and flu in the cold season.

As we’re in the midst of cold and flu season, we’re talking to Dr. Cesarina Matei, a family physician, trainer, herbalist, and homeopath about beta-glucans and other supplements that can be our allies in easing the symptoms, duration, and severity of the flu.

1. What are beta-glucans and how can we use them? What products do you recommend for flu and colds?

Beta-glucans originate from Eastern medicine, the world’s oldest therapeutic system, and have been brought into the modern age by medicinal mushroom extracts. These mushrooms contain substances called beta-glucans, which will be talked about more and more in the near future.

Although they cannot be produced by the human body, they are good for us because they act as “microvaccines” by creating a natural immune response. Beta-glucans have a significant immunomodulatory effect and help the body fight against bacteria that have increased antibiotic resistance and viruses that cause infections in the respiratory tract.

I have decided to recommend to my patients products with formulas in which several extracts have been added with a synergistic effect to improve the effect compared to traditional drugs. One of these products is Optimicin, from Alevia, which has an antibacterial effect, acts gently, does not affect the gastrointestinal tract, does not irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract when administered, and increases the body’s normal ability to fight viral and bacterial infections. the ingredients OPTIMYCIN supplement it controls the inflammatory process and the immune response through complementary mechanisms. Vitamins and minerals support the immune system, while extracts of propolis, basil and thyme work effectively against bacteria without creating resistance or affecting the saprophytic (good) flora in the intestines, and beta-glucans from a mixture of medicinal mushrooms have a strong immunomodulatory effect. .

The product also contains an ingredient that seniors find extremely helpful in cold or flu cases: garlic. Garlic extract is rich in sulfur compounds, and numerous studies show that thanks to them, garlic extract has antiviral and antibacterial effects. It is used to reduce the intensity of flu and cold symptoms, support the health of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

2. What makes us vulnerable to seasonal illnesses? Can we avoid them?

What also makes us vulnerable to SARS COV 2 or any other virus: a less prepared immune system. Therefore, it is very important to use vitamins to give the necessary energy to the body’s immunity. Of course, we do not treat with vitamins, but in this way we support immunity and ensure, if not invincibility of a cold, then at least a shorter period of illness and minimal symptoms.

During the pandemic, we all noticed how important it is to take vitamins C, D3 and zinc at the beginning of the disease, which are necessary in order to be able to limit the development of the disease and possible complications. Many recent studies have shown that people with vitamin D3 deficiency have more sick days and are more likely to have lung complications.

Low levels of zinc in the body, characteristic of the elderly, are associated with impaired immune function, a reduced ability to defend against microbes, the incidence of pneumonia, and more frequent use of antimicrobial drugs. Because zinc is required for normal cell division and development, it is especially important for cells that multiply rapidly, such as immune cells.

These 3 elements should be present in the flu prevention and treatment program in the first 3-5 days. Effective doses vary. The immune system needs 2,000 to 5,000 IU of vitamin D3, 1,000 to 3,000 g of vitamin C and 15-30 mg of zinc every day.

I recommend Natural vitamin C from Alevia, which, like many of their products, has a very high bioavailability, being a product that is very well absorbed and used by the body due to its 100% natural formula and soluble form of administration.

3. What other natural remedies can we use?

There are certain plant extracts that have proven to be effective and that we can turn to from the onset of the flu. Although fever and flu tempt us to use powerful drugs, we can also confidently turn to extracts that support the immune system and can shorten the duration of the illness. These natural remedies, which are more often used in the first 2-3 days of the flu, can make us recover and regain our vitality faster.

I would like to mention just a few herbs for flu relief that are in the formula Gripalin Natural soluble from Alevia: echinacea, willow bark, rose hip, lemon, mint, anise, eucalyptus, the last 4 in the form of essential oils.

Echinacea extract and especially the E. PURPUREA species is the most studied and used due to its complex and better composition compared to other species of the same plant. It is effective in training and stimulating the response of the immune system in the presence of pathogens (viruses or bacteria) and can be used from the onset of influenza.

Gripalin NATURAL soluble it can be dissolved in warm water (max. 40 degrees), which also has a moisturizing effect.

Gripalin also contains a standardized extract of willow bark, which reduces fever and protects the respiratory system. Due to the high content of natural vitamin C, the standardized extract of rose hips helps to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections, to thin the bronchial secretions and to increase the resistance of the immune system.

Essential oils of lemon, mint, eucalyptus and anise are most often used for flu or colds, they are also included in the formula Gripalin natural soluble.

Essential oils contain a high level of active ingredients and have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effects, clean the respiratory tract, disinfect the throat, oral cavity and respiratory tract.

For people who have an asthenic condition, these oils also perform a refreshing role. Essential oils are very soothing, but should be used with caution by sensitive people or people with digestive problems (ulcer, gastritis, irritable bowel).

Clinical evidence also suggests that herbal supplements such as willow extract, echinacea, beta-glucans, licorice (liquorice) can reduce the severity and duration of influenza.

In case of neck pain, I use products from the range Propolis C-hardboth tablets and spray, with standardized extracts of propolis, sage, essential oils and ginger, and cough can be relieved with syrup Atusin with extracts of such plants as plantain, pansy and candlewort, which help to restore the normal functioning of the upper respiratory tract.

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Alevia – a Romanian company from Bucovina, founded in 1994, produces nutritional supplements, creams, healthy snacks etand teas Over 27 years of work, it has constantly developed etand Ietis to get the most effective health formulas so that consumers canetand can find the optimal balance etand tilletand can fully reveal their potential. A new balance, better, healthier, more productive.

specialettii Alevia synthesizes the therapeutic power of plants in supplements etand natural products to help you stay healthy and fit etand with a thirst for life. Family doctor Cesarina Mateiwho has the skills of phytotherapy, homeopathy, hemotherapy joined Alevia’s mission to promote the power of nature for the benefit of people, their well-being etand help them lead healthier lives through simple daily habits.

Article supported by Alevia