Your immune system is made up of organs, cells, and proteins. Your system works to protect your body from harmful toxins. When it is working at high levels, it defends the body well, but if it becomes weakened, it can increase your risk of infections and illnesses and slow down healing.
There are loads of dietary supplements in the market that claim to boost the immune system. Which supplements can do as they proclaim, and how can you tell which supplements work best?
Let’s explore what supplements are out there and whether any of the products are providing benefits at boosting the immune system.
Micronutrients
The vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain a healthy immune system in your body are known as micronutrients. The primary micronutrients that play a significant part in your immune system include the following:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
- Iron
- Zinc
You need to obtain reasonable amounts of these micronutrients with a well-balanced diet. But it can be challenging to achieve this, which is why many people look toward supplements to help.
Nutritional Deficiency
In the United States, over 50% of the population does not meet daily nutritional requirements. A deficiency in vitamins can lead to your immune system not functioning correctly.
Other factors can lead to the depletion of nutrients within your body. For example, becoming ill or even dealing with stress can contribute to your nutrition suffering. Age can also increase your body’s demand for more nutrients. People who are over 50 tend to need more nutrients, including calcium, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12.
Supplements That Help Your Immune System
Supporting a healthy immune system starts with a healthy diet. But taking vitamins and supplements can also help ensure that you support a robust immune system. Here are some of the most helpful supplements to incorporate into your daily routine:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supplements help support your immune system by supporting cellular function and repairing tissues for faster healing. It’s also an antioxidant to help prevent illness. It’s a popular supplement for people to take because of its role in immune health.
Vitamin C supplements also have been shown to help reduce the duration of respiratory ailments, including the common cold. Vitamin C supplements can help improve symptoms when dealing with infections or illnesses.
Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide plays a role in activating the immune system when threats arise. Nitric oxide helps to support white blood cells and relax muscles over arteries and blood vessels so that the cells move more efficiently throughout your body.
Oxygen plays a significant role in how immune cells behave, so activating them with increased blood flow helps the immune system operate on key functions. Taking the nitric oxide supplement, Redwood, is a way to help protect your body against infection and boost the immune system.
Vitamin D
Another supplement that can be helpful is Vitamin D; it enhances the pathogen fighters (white blood cells) in your body that contribute to immune defense. A vitamin D deficiency can negatively affect immune function and increases the risk of infection and illness.
Vitamin D helps your body improve its response to antiviral treatments, and like Vitamin C, it helps with the healing process. As recent studies suggest, it can also help protect individuals from the COVID-19 virus.
Zinc
Zinc is commonly found in healthcare products like lozenges, which help to promote a healthy immune function. The mineral is necessary for immune cell development and also helps with your body’s inflammatory response.
Taking a zinc supplement can help protect against infection and shorten the duration of respiratory illnesses, targeting coughs attributed to the common cold. And using a zinc supplement can benefit you even if you’re already sick since it has some antiviral components.
Elderberry
Black elderberry has long been used to treat infections, but it also has some advantages to your immune health. It has potential antibacterial properties to help combat diseases and virus strains.
Elderberry also helps to enhance the immune system’s response to reduce the duration and severity of colds and viruses. It’s important, however, that you don’t eat them raw; elderberries must be cooked so you don’t get sick.
Your Health is a Priority
It’s necessary to know all of the facts, including the risks, of taking any supplement that can help to boost your immune system. If you’re more prone to illness or viral infections, talking to your doctor or healthcare professional before taking supplements is helpful. Depending on your background, some supplements may interact with medications or not work well.
Many supplements may help to improve your immune health. These are just some of the products you can take with backed scientific research for their immune-boosting role.
Even though supplements can help benefit your immune system, they shouldn’t be used as a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. Your nutrition is critical, as well as exercise and getting enough sleep. These steps can enhance your immune system, and you can add the supplement after speaking with a professional.
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