Influenza has recently been joined by another risk: the novel corona virus is spreading around the world. What remains is to strengthen the body's own defences and, if possible, to withdraw from social life.

It is not only the corona virus that poses major challenges for people all over the world. There is the elderly lady who is worried about her health and no longer wants to leave the house for fear. Or the parents who want to stay with their children to continue to care for their offspring and their work.

At the moment there is no herb against Corona itself.

But you can do a lot to strengthen your immune system and thus fight viruses. This can be done with helpers from nature, for example pineapple. Pineapple is a tasty vitamin bomb and healthy at the same time. The enzyme bromelain ensures this. It has an anti-inflammatory, blood-thinning and decongestant effect. While the vitamins it contains strengthen the immune system, the enzyme is particularly effective in the form of tablets for traumatic or post-operative swelling of the nose and sinuses. Athletes also appreciate the decongestant effect on sports injuries and the relief of sore muscles.

Those suffering from digestive problems are also well advised to eat pineapple, because the enzymes it contains simply replace the digestive enzymes in the stomach. At the same time, pineapple is very well tolerated and has few to no side effects for people who are not allergic to it.

In addition to older people, people who are exposed to severe stress or have an unbalanced diet, smokers or competitive athletes also belong to this group, who are often affected by a weakened immune system. In these cases, pathogens such as corona have an easy time of it.

Important for the immune system is a diet with a high proportion of fresh plant foods, such as pineapple. However, experience shows that many people do not follow this recommendation. For a strong immune system, however, the body needs a sufficient supply of micronutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin D, which contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system. Immune-specific substances such as zinc and selenium help to protect the body's cells from oxidative stress.

However, this does not relieve people, especially those who belong to the corona risk group, of the obligation to avoid infection as much as possible. Tips for a strong immune system:

- Alternate showers and sauna visits activate the immune system.

- A diet with lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and immune-active substances such as vitamin C and vitamin D strengthens the immune system.

- Do endurance sports regularly to support the immune system

- Sleep sufficiently and provide for relaxation

- Go out into the fresh air every day, at least half an hour

- in times of Corona: avoid social contacts as much as possible.