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Bades with Echinacea to strengthen immunity: myths and reality
What is Echinacea and why is it so popular?
Echinacea is a kind of herbaceous plants of the Astraceae family, originally from North America. Three types are most famous: Echinacea purpurea, Echinaacea angustifoliaAnd Echinaacea pale. The indigenous Americans have used echinacea for centuries to treat various diseases, including wounds, infections and snake bites. In modern medicine, Echinacea has become popular as a means of strengthening immunity and prevention of colds.
The reasons for the popularity of Echinacea are due to several factors:

Traditional use:  A long history of application in folk medicine creates a positive image.
Accessibility: Echinacea is widely available in pharmacies and healthy meals in the form of various dietary supplements.
Marketing: Aggressive marketing that positions echinacea as a natural and safe tool to strengthen immunity attracts consumers.
Demand for alternative treatment methods:  The growing interest in natural remedies and alternative treatment methods contributes to the popularity of echinacea.

Active components of echinacea and their alleged action
Echinacea contains many biologically active compounds, which are believed to affect the immune system. The main groups of these compounds include:

Polisaccharides: Stimulate the activity of phagocytes (cells that absorb and destroy bacteria and other pathogens).
Alkylamides (alkamyds): They have anti -inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. They are associated with cannabinoid receptors, which can affect the immune response.
Phenolic compounds (for example, chicoric acid, echinacoside): They have antioxidant properties and can protect cells from damage to free radicals. Echinacoside can also have antiviral activity.
Flavonoids:  Have antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties.

It is assumed that these compounds act synergically, enhancing the body's immune response. However, the mechanisms of the action of Echinacea have not been fully studied, and the results of research are often contradictory.
Scientific research of Echinacea: What do the facts say?
The effectiveness of echinacea in the prevention and treatment of colds is the subject of numerous scientific research. The results of these studies vary, and there is no consensus on the benefits of Echinacea.
Meta-analyzes and systematic reviews
Met-analyzes and systematic reviews combine the results of several studies to obtain more reliable conclusions. Some meta-analyzes show that echinacea can slightly reduce the duration and severity of colds, but the effect is usually insignificant.
For example, meta-analysis published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseasesshowed that Echinacea could reduce the duration of the cold by 1-1.5 days. However, the authors noted that the quality of the research was different, and additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
Another systematic review published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviewscame to the conclusion that some echinacea drugs can be effective for the prevention of colds, but further research is needed to determine the optimal dose and form of the drug.
Clinical research
Clinical studies study the effect of echinacea in public. Many clinical studies have shown that echinacea does not have a significant impact on the prevention of colds. In some studies, Echinacea showed slight effectiveness in relief of the symptoms of a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat.
For example, a study published in the journal The New England Journal of Medicineshowed that echinacea is not effective for treating a cold in children.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of echinacea can depend on various factors, such as the type of echinacea, the used part of the plant, the extraction method, the dose, the form of the drug and the individual characteristics of the body.
Contradictions in research
The contradictions in the results of the studies of echinacea can be associated with several factors:

Various types of echinacea:  Different types of echinacea (E. purpurea, E. distressed, E. Pale) contain different concentrations of active substances, which can affect their effectiveness.
Different parts of the plant:  Different parts of the plant (root, stem, leaves, flowers) contain different concentrations of active substances.
Different methods of extraction:  The extraction method can affect the composition and concentration of active substances in the final product.
Different doses:  The effectiveness of echinacea may depend on the dose of the drug.
Different forms of the drug:  Echinacea is available in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, tinctures and teas. The effectiveness of different forms may vary.
Different quality research:  The quality of research can vary, which can affect the results. Some studies can be poorly planned or conducted, which can lead to inaccurate conclusions.
Individual characteristics of the body:  The effectiveness of echinacea can depend on the individual characteristics of the body, such as age, state of health and genetic predisposition.

Echinacea and immunity: mechanism of action
The alleged mechanism of action of echinacea on the immune system includes:

Fagocytosis stimulation: Polysaccharides in Echinacea can stimulate the activity of phagocytes, cells that absorb and destroy bacteria and other pathogens.
Increase in the production of interferon:  Interferon is a protein that helps the body fight viral infections. Echinacea can stimulate the production of interferon.
Activation of natural killers (NK cells):  NK cells are a type of immune cells that kill infected cells and cancer cells. Echinacea can activate NK cells.
Anti -inflammatory action:  Alkylamides and other components of echinacea have anti -inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract with colds.

However, it is important to note that these mechanisms of action were mainly studied in the laboratory (in vitro) and on animals. There are more studies in humans to confirm these mechanisms of action and determine their clinical significance.
Bades with Echinacea: What you need to know when choosing
If you decide to take dietary supplements with Echinacea, it is important to know how to choose the right product:

Composition:  Pay attention to the type of echinacea (E. purpurea, E. distressed, E. Pale) and the part of the plant used (root, stem, leaves, flowers). It is preferable to choose products containing standardized echinacea extracts to guarantee the constant content of active substances.
Dosage:  The dosage of echinacea can vary depending on the type of echinacea, form of the drug and the purpose of use. Consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine the optimal dose for you.
Form preparation:  Echinacea is available in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, tinctures and teas. Choose a form that is most convenient for you.
Manufacturer:  Choose products from reliable manufacturers that adhere to high quality standards. Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates.
Reviews:  Read the reviews of other users to find out about their experience of using the product.
Interaction with drugs:  Consult a doctor if you take any medicine to make sure that Echinacea does not interact with them.
Side effects:  Echinacea can cause side effects, such as allergic reactions, nausea and stomach disorder. Stop taking the product if you have any side effects.

Side effects and contraindications of echinacea
Although echinacea is considered relatively safe, it can cause side effects in some people:

Allergic reactions:  Echinacea can cause allergic reactions, especially in people with allergies to plants of the Astraceae family, such as Ambrosia, chamomile and calendula. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include leather rash, itching, urticaria, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing.
Gastrointestinal disorders:  Echinacea can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Headache:  In some people, echinacea can cause headache.
Dizziness:  Echinacea can cause dizziness.
Exacerbation of autoimmune diseases:  Echinacea can stimulate the immune system, which can lead to exacerbation of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis.

Echinacea is contraindicated:

People with allergies to plants of the Asteraceae family.
People with autoimmune diseases.
Children under 12 years of age (without consulting a doctor).
Pregnant and lactating women (due to lack of security research).
People receiving immunosuppressants.

It is important to consult a doctor before taking dietary supplements with Echinacea, especially if you have any diseases or take any medicine.
Echinacea for children: is it worth it to give?
The use of echinacea in children is a subject of disputes. Some studies show that echinacea can be effective for the prevention of colds in children, while other studies have not found any benefit. In general, most experts do not recommend giving echinacea to children under 12 years of age without consulting a doctor.
Reasons for caution when using echinacea in children:

Disadvantage of research:  There are few studies devoted to the safety and effectiveness of echinacea in children.
The risk of allergic reactions:  Children are more prone to allergic reactions than adults.
Possible interaction with drugs:  Echinacea can interact with some medicines that children take.

If you consider the possibility of using echinacea for a child, be sure to consult a doctor. The doctor can evaluate risks and advantages and give you individual recommendations.
Echinacea and pregnancy: is it safe?
The safety of echinacea during pregnancy has not been sufficiently studied. Due to the lack of reliable data, most experts recommend avoiding echinacea during pregnancy. Theoretically, Echinacea can stimulate the immune system, which can affect the development of the fetus. In addition, there is a risk of allergic reactions.
If you are pregnant and consider the possibility of using echinacea, be sure to consult a doctor.
Echinacea and breastfeeding: Can I take it?
Echinacea safety during breastfeeding is also not sufficiently studied. It is not known whether Echinacea penetrates into breast milk and how it can affect the baby. Due to the lack of reliable data, most experts recommend avoiding echinacea during breastfeeding.
If you breastfeed and consider the possibility of using echinacea, be sure to consult a doctor.
Alternatives to echinacea to strengthen immunity
There are other, more studied and safe ways to strengthen immunity:

Healthy nutrition:  A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low -fat protein, provides the body with the necessary nutrients to maintain the immune system.
Regular physical exercises:  Regular physical exercises help strengthen the immune system and improve the overall state of health.
Sufficient sleep:  The lack of sleep can weaken the immune system. Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
Reducing stress:  Chronic stress can weaken the immune system. Find ways to reduce stress, such as yoga, meditation or walking in nature.
Vaccination:  Vaccination is an effective way to protect against infectious diseases. Regularly vaccinated in accordance with the doctor's recommendations.
Vitamin D:  Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining the immune system. Many people experience vitamin D, especially in the winter months. Consult a doctor to find out if you need to take additives with vitamin D.
Zinc:  Zinc also plays an important role in maintaining the immune system. Addresses with zinc can be effective for the prevention and treatment of colds.
Probiotics:  Probiotics are useful bacteria that live in the intestines. They can help strengthen the immune system and improve digestion.

Myths and reality about Echinacea
There are many myths and misconceptions about Echinacea. It is important to distinguish facts from fiction.

Myth: Echinacea is a miracle tool from a cold and influenza.

Reality: Echinacea can slightly reduce the duration and severity of colds, but it is not a miracle tool. The effect is usually insignificant.
Myth: Echinacea is completely safe for everyone.

Reality: Echinacea can cause side effects, such as allergic reactions and gastrointestinal disorders. It is contraindicated in people with autoimmune diseases and allergies to plants of the Astro family.
Myth: The larger the dose of echinacea, the better the effect.

Reality: The effectiveness of echinacea does not depend on the dose. Too high dose can increase the risk of side effects.
Myth: Echinacea is suitable for the treatment of any infection.

Reality: Echinacea is mainly used for the prevention and treatment of colds. It is not effective against bacterial infections.
Myth: Echinacea strengthens immunity forever.

Reality: The effect of echinacea is temporary. After the cessation of taking the drug, immunity returns to the previous level.

The role of dietary supplements in strengthening immunity: General prospect
Bades, including those that contain echinacea, are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. They can be useful as an addition to a balanced diet, regular physical exercises and enough sleep. However, it is important to remember that dietary supplements are not medicines and are not intended for the treatment of diseases. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any dietary supplements.
Strengthening immunity is a comprehensive process that requires constant efforts. A healthy lifestyle is the best way to support the immune system and protect yourself from infections.