The body feels best in a harmonious alternation of rest and movement. If this happens in mild temperatures, it is even better. "Seniors are more susceptible to circulatory problems and attacks of weakness in hot weather," says Wolf Kümmel, Vice President of the Baden-Württemberg State Pharmacists' Association. From the end of August to the end of September, Indian summer occurs in our latitudes: an in-between season characterized by calm, warm weather. Ideal conditions to give the body the reserves it needs to survive the fall and winter.

Only a short phase of recovery

This time of year doesn't last long. With just one storm, autumn can sweep away all the splendor of summer. Its cold wind creeps through every crack. In contrast, the heating roars on. The air inside is dry, and there is clammy damp outside the door. Anything that is not stable is easily blown over by the strong wind.

To prevent this from happening, the body's defenses need to be made fit. What is the best way to do this? A lot depends on how healthy you are. Chronic illnesses, for example, are a constant drain on the immune system. Diabetes, sinus infections, inflammations such as rheumatoid arthritis: people with these and similar conditions need a plentiful supply of protective substances because their body is constantly using them up in its fight against illness. The body is also weakened after acute health problems (e.g. appendicitis followed by an operation).

Vital substances from fresh fruit

This makes these tips all the more necessary: Eat enough. Strict diets are no good now. A little flab around the hips strengthens the body's defenses. Nature also has a cornucopia of fresh food in store, especially fruit. Blackberries, plums, apples, pears - there's plenty on the table, we just have to grab it. With the vital substances contained in such
The vital substances contained in these fresh products provide the body with a good cushion for the cooler season ahead. Vegetables are also plentiful. Add to this lean meat and a little fish and your energy reserves will grow ...

Basically, any fresh food can strengthen the body's defenses. Whether it's milk or a ripe fruit: The substances it contains build up the immune system. However, there are also plants that have special abilities in strengthening the immune system. These include the Siberian taiga root. Extracts from this plant are available in pharmacies. Studies show that they are very helpful for a weakened immune system. Extracts from the red coneflower are also said to have this property. However, always bear in mind that a healthy immune system does not need such remedies, especially not as a preventative measure. They are only useful when the body's defenses are low - for example after a long illness or in the case of chronic immune deficiency.

Get some exercise in the mild air

Healthy food and medicinal herbs alone are not enough. Daily exercise provides the necessary balance. The conditions for this are ideal now. Whether it's a walk or a hike, a bike ride through the sun-drenched countryside: the body is given a real "airing out", the joints, the internal organs, even the brain: all tissues benefit from this gentle workout. It's best to do something in a group. This strengthens good will and discipline.

Spoil your soul on foot

This is also good for the psyche. It has been proven that exercise elicits so-called happiness messengers, which can alleviate melancholy and anxiety. If you want to do your soul a favor, you should spoil it with lots of new impressions on foot or by bike. Sports enthusiasts now have another opportunity to practice their favorite outdoor sport.

Sunbathing now has the highest healing power. The UV radiation is still strong enough to curb skin diseases such as psoriasis and pamper you with its warmth. However, the negative aspects of sunbathing are largely absent: the risk of sunburn is very low, especially if you stay in the sun for a short time.

Allergy sufferers can finally breathe a sigh of relief

• Those who suffer from the very widespread grass pollen allergy often have to be careful outdoors until the end of July. That's how long the irritants are buzzing around. But that has now stopped.
• The air is largely free of pollen, so hay fever sufferers can finally breathe a sigh of relief. For them, the fun of the warm season really begins in late summer.
• However, the pollen count can pick up again during a period of fine weather. Hazelnut pollen may then make its way through the air again.
• Ragweed, the "mugwort", with its highly allergenic pollen can also cause problems for some people until the fall.

This might also interest you:
Autumn vegetables and fruit: what's in season now
Strengthening the immune system - home remedies can help
7 natural remedies you can make yourself
6 soothing teas for colds
Sea buckthorn: healthy superfood from the homeland
The plump miracle of health: the rose hip