Month: March 2023

While a healthy diet and regular exercise are critical for maintaining immune health, it’s also helpful to boost your immune system with vitamins and supplements.

The best way to get immune-boosting nutrients is from a nutrient-dense diet that includes plenty of whole foods. That’s because your body absorbs and uses them better from food than a supplement.

Vitamin C

If you want to boost your immune system, vitamin C is a great place to start. This water-soluble vitamin is found naturally in foods like kiwi fruit, strawberries, bell peppers and broccoli.

Vitamin C supplements can be purchased in powder, tablet and capsule forms. They are commonly used to increase immunity, improve skin health and reduce the risk of deficiency.

However, it’s best to get your vitamin C from nutrient-dense foods rather than supplementation. These food sources have the added benefit of providing an array of other vitamins and minerals.

Because humans cannot produce vitamin C endogenously, it’s important to ensure that you’re getting enough in your diet. Studies have linked low levels of vitamin C with certain conditions, including high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, stroke and some cancers.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin,” and it can help strengthen your immune system. You can get it naturally by spending time in the sun, but for people who are unable to do this, or if they live in a climate that restricts exposure to sunlight, supplements can be an excellent way to boost your levels.

Vitamin D helps activate T cells, which detect and destroy foreign pathogens. It also stimulates the production of peptides, called cathelicidins and defensins, which help defend your body from infection.

Several studies have found that a deficiency in Vitamin D can increase your risk of infections and diseases like tuberculosis, influenza, and viral upper respiratory tract infections.

Vitamin D is produced endogenously by your skin when ultraviolet light from the sun hits it. However, the amount of vitamin D that your body makes naturally decreases as you age and if you spend less time outdoors. Taking a daily supplement can be an easy and safe way to ensure you’re getting the recommended dose of Vitamin D for healthy immune function.

Vitamin A

Your immune system is one of the most important parts of your body and it works hard to keep you healthy. You can boost your immune system through a number of methods, including modifying your diet and taking supplements.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is vital for good health. It supports immunity, eyesight and reproduction. You can get it from a wide range of foods, including liver and fish oils.

It’s also found in many vegetables and fruits, as well as in eggs and dairy products. However, a deficiency in this nutrient can be a cause of serious health problems.

Taking vitamin A in combination with certain drugs can also be dangerous, so talk to your doctor about which supplements are right for you. For example, acitretin (Soriatane) and bexarotene (Targretin) are made from vitamin A and can interfere with how your body absorbs it.

Vitamin E

The body needs several vitamins to keep the immune system healthy and functioning properly. Getting enough of them from nutrient-dense foods is the best way to boost immunity.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to prevent free radicals from damaging cells in your body. This is important for lowering your risk of cancer, heart disease and inflammatory diseases.

According to Elizabeth Somer, MA, RD, of Persona, a nutrition company that offers personalized nutrition programs, “Vitamin E is one of the most effective nutrients known to modulate immune function.”

This is in part due to the fact that immune cells have polyunsaturated fat-rich membranes. When these fats are oxidized, they damage immune cells, which can lead to inflammation and autoimmune disease, says Somer.

In addition to being an antioxidant, vitamin E also promotes the production of red blood cells and can help expand your blood vessels. It can also decrease your risk of developing clots in your blood and helps protect against cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

Keeping your immune system strong and healthy is crucial for your overall well-being. You can bolster your natural defenses by eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep and managing stress.

Supplements can be a great way to round out your daily intake of certain vitamins and nutrients. However, be sure to discuss any supplements with your doctor or health care provider before you begin taking them.

Mushroom Defense

Mushrooms are known for their powerful immune boosting properties and help maintain a healthy immune system. They are a great addition to any diet.

In addition to supporting a healthy immune system, mushrooms can help prevent and treat certain conditions such as cancer. In fact, they have been shown to reduce the risk of lung and prostate cancers.

The mushroom is also rich in protein-bound polysaccharides (PBP), which have been found to enhance key types of immune cells such as T-cells.

As a result, it can be a safe supplement to use long-term in conjunction with proper medical treatment.

Mushroom Defense is a glycerine based herbal syrup that contains adaptogenic mushrooms. It provides a host of health benefits, including liver support, cognitive function and mood support.

Mushroom Defense is available in both powder and capsule forms. In order to produce the powders, Host Defense inoculates its strains onto a brown rice substrate and grows them under controlled conditions.

VitaPost

VitaPost is an immune system support supplement that is made with all-natural ingredients. It is also backed by science and has been tested for safety and efficiency.

Vitamins, antioxidants, and traditional wellness botanicals are blended together to promote healthy immunity. It is a good choice for daily use.

Stress is one of the main causes of health problems and it can be difficult to deal with. It can cause you to feel down and depressed, which is why it’s important to find a good stress relief supplement.

It’s best to choose a supplement that has positive reviews and a money-back guarantee. You should also look for a product that’s manufactured in an FDA-registered facility.

There are many different digestive enzyme supplements on the market, but only a few actually work. Some contain specific enzymes that are proven to help digest certain foods. Others are designed to support your entire digestive system.

Ester-C

Vitamin C is one of the most popular immune system support supplements because it can help protect your body from free radicals that cause disease. It also helps support collagen synthesis and reduces oxidative stress.

It can also help support a healthy heart. However, high doses of vitamin C can cause stomach irritation and diarrhea in some people.

Fortunately, there is a non-acidic form of vitamin C that’s gentle on the stomach called Ester-C. The patented Ester-C is created when ascorbic acid is buffered with calcium and contains active vitamin C metabolites that boost absorption.

Studies show that Ester-C increases white blood cell levels of vitamin C when compared to regular ascorbic acid by up to 2x. It is also more bioavailable and stays in your system up to 24 hours.

The Vitamin Shoppe

As a wellness lifestyle company, The Vitamin Shoppe is dedicated to helping its customers become their best selves, however they define that. Its products include vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, sports nutrition, homeopathic remedies and green living products.

The retailer also sells fitness and health equipment such as Fila exercise mats, cardio jump ropes and pickleball equipment. It has added new offerings from Gaiam, New Balance and SPRI.

Among The Vitamin Shoppe’s top performers last year were sales of protein powders, ready-to-drink beverages and immune support products. It also saw strong growth in beauty-from-within products, including collagen.

The retailer is expanding its in-store product assortment with Vthrive The Vitamin Shoppe, a private-label line that features a mix of vitamins and supplements. The line includes fish oils, multivitamins, whey proteins, joint support, testosterone support and essential oils.

Keeping your immune system strong year-round is a big part of staying healthy. The best way to do that is by following a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious foods and supplementing with immune-boosting vitamins and herbs.

However, some supplements can interact with other medications or cause side effects if taken at high doses, so be careful and check with your doctor before starting a new supplement.

Boost Your Immune System

Your immune system is an important part of your body’s defence system and plays a big part in keeping you healthy. It’s made up of a complex combination of cells, processes and chemicals that constantly fight off invading bacteria, viruses and toxins.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to boost your immune system and keep it working at its best. These include following a healthy lifestyle and taking immune system support supplements that contain nutrients your body needs to function at its best.

The best way to get these essential nutrients into your diet is through a well-balanced diet, which should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. It also helps to consume vitamin-packed foods and stay hydrated.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damaging free radicals. It also helps maintain the immune system’s ability to fight disease and infection.

It plays a role in many parts of the immune system, including stimulation of the production and function of white blood cells called lymphocytes and phagocytes. It can also help boost the activity of immune cells that produce antibodies to bind pathogens and neutralize them.

Although it is an essential nutrient, getting enough Vitamin C from your diet alone is usually sufficient for most people to stay healthy. However, if you are prone to catching colds or other immune-related diseases, taking supplements may be helpful for boosting your immune response.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in the function of immune cells. Your body naturally produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight.

However, if you live in an area where the sun isn’t out much during the winter or you have dark skin, supplementing may be necessary to ensure your vitamin D levels are at their optimum.

Research suggests that people with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. These diseases involve a malfunction of your immune system, which triggers inflammation in the body.

Selenium

Selenium is an essential mineral that helps your immune system fight off bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It also boosts antioxidants in your body and balances free radicals, which can cause cellular damage.

It’s best to get selenium from foods, but if you don’t, consider taking a supplement. It’s safe for healthy people to consume 55 milligrams of selenium daily.

Selenium deficiency can lead to problems with both the innate and adaptive immune systems. This includes problems with immune cell function in the lungs (e.g., swelling of the gill lamellae), liver and kidney tissue, and egg follicles in ovaries. In humans, low levels of selenium may increase the risk of heart disease and miscarriage. It also can affect how the immune system works, causing it to act slower or more poorly.

Herbs

Many herbs can boost your immune system, but they should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet. A well-balanced diet containing whole, unprocessed foods and high-quality supplements with probiotics and prebiotics help maintain a healthy gut microbiome and improve immune function.

Herbs that are known to boost immunity include echinacea, reishi, and holy basil. They can be taken in tincture or syrup form and are safe to take daily.

Elderberry is another well-known herb that helps prevent sickness and reduces the risk of catching a cold. It is most commonly found as a syrup or tincture, but can also be taken in lozenges and gummies.

A strong immune system is essential to protecting you from colds and flu, as well as other infections. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and staying up-to-date on recommended vaccines are all good ways to boost your immunity.

Supplements can help close gaps in your diet and support overall immune health. However, not everyone will benefit from them.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that’s found in citrus fruits and other vegetables, is one of the most powerful immune-supporting nutrients. It’s also an antioxidant, which means it fights free radicals that can cause inflammation and other health problems.

Vitamin C plays a key role in the synthesis of hormones and a protein called collagen, which helps maintain and heal many body tissues. It’s essential for the development of muscle and skin, as well as blood vessels and cartilage.

In the face of infection, vitamin C is critical for the apoptosis and clearance of infected macrophages, as well as the generation of lymphocytes, the white cells that attack bacteria, viruses, and other invaders. It also plays a role in the production of T-cells, the cells that make antibodies.

However, it’s important to note that vitamin C is not a preventative. The best way to boost your immune system is to eat a healthy diet. The best immune-boosting foods include fruits, veggies, and fortified foods.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps support your immune system, helping it fight off infections. It also plays a role in promoting healthy bones and muscle.

Your body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. But that’s not always possible in winter or when it’s dark outside.

It’s important to get at least 20 minutes a day of sunshine. You can also get some vitamin D from fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines or fortified foods such as milk and orange juice.

The best way to know if you’re getting enough vitamin D is to talk with your doctor. He can test your blood to find out your levels and prescribe a supplement if needed.

Probiotics

Probiotics are tiny living microorganisms, many of which you already have in your gut, and they are also produced by certain foods. These beneficial microorganisms can help improve your immune system by secreting protective substances that turn on your body’s own defenses and prevent pathogens from taking hold.

They’ve also been linked to mental health benefits, as they have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety by reducing inflammation in the gut and boosting the production of hormones that can help downregulate stress hormones. Moreover, they’ve been found to play a key role in the ‘gut-brain’ connection, which is the direct link between the nervous system and your gastrointestinal tract.

Probiotics interact with immune cells in the gut, a process that involves adhesion of the bacteria to epithelial cells via TLRs. This leads to immune stimulation, which in turn increases the production of cytokines such as IL-6 and macrophage chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1).

Zinc

Zinc is found in all the cells in your body and helps your immune system and metabolism function properly. It also plays a role in wound healing and your sense of taste and smell.

Researchers know that zinc levels can vary widely between individuals, depending on their diets, medications, and health conditions. But zinc deficiency is rare in most people.

Research shows that zinc supplements can boost your immune system and help you fight off infections. One study found that children who were given zinc supplements had fewer colds and less severe symptoms than those who took a placebo.

Another study of healthy elderly found that zinc supplementation led to a significant increase in cytotoxic T cells and activated T helper cells. It was also linked to improved cognitive performance and mood conditions.

Boosting your immune system is a great way to protect yourself from illnesses like the flu, colds and coughs. But it’s not just about supplements alone — a healthy lifestyle (good sleep, plenty of water and moderate exercise) is also essential for strengthening your immune system.

Vitamins and minerals that help support immune function are found in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Check your diet and supplementation to see if you’re getting enough of these immune-boosting nutrients.

NAC

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a precursor to glutathione, one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants. NAC is known for its ability to boost immune function, suppress viral replication and reduce inflammation.

It’s also a great preventive for respiratory and brain health. Research suggests it can improve lung function and relieve chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Some evidence shows NAC is also effective in treating the side effects of acetaminophen overdose, especially if administered within eight hours of ingesting the drug. NAC is believed to help the liver inactivate N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine, a toxic byproduct of acetaminophen.

NAC may also benefit those who suffer from autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and multiple sclerosis. It’s thought to reduce inflammation and increase glutathione levels, which can prevent oxidative stress.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeast) that help restore and balance your gut flora. These microorganisms have been shown to improve digestive health and immune system function.

Your gut has a significant number of bacteria that play a crucial role in absorbing nutrients and supporting immune function, as well as aiding the production of key neurotransmitters and compounds. You may already be familiar with certain foods and drinks that contain these beneficial organisms, such as yogurt, kombucha or kefir.

A healthy gastrointestinal tract is essential for human health. It helps filter out things that can harm the body, including toxins and chemicals.

The right balance of bacteria in the intestines also helps to regulate gastrointestinal motility and maintenance of the gut barrier. Some research has also found that probiotics can reduce symptoms of diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and abdominal pain and bloating.

While the benefits of probiotics are many, they can cause side effects in people who have a weakened immune system or serious illness. So, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that can protect your body from toxins. It can also boost your immune system.

Vitamin C can be found in many fruits and vegetables. The best sources include citrus fruits, tomatoes, kiwifruit, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and cantaloupe.

Researchers have linked a deficiency of vitamin C to a higher risk of developing infections, such as the common cold and the flu. However, most individuals are able to get adequate levels of the nutrient from their diet without supplementation.

Elderly hospitalized patients with respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, have been shown to benefit from supplementation with low doses of vitamin C (0.25-0.84 g/day). These effects were also seen in a neonate with suspected sepsis who received 400 mg of vitamin C daily. These effects were mediated through enhanced neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and clearance by macrophages. These cellular processes are key to the recovery process.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, or ergocalciferol, is a fat-soluble nutrient that you need for bone and immune health. This nutrient is produced by your skin when you spend time in the sun, but it can also be found in certain fortified foods like milk, cheese, and cereal.

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to several diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Research suggests that taking daily supplements may help prevent diabetes in people with lower blood levels of the vitamin, although this has yet to be proven.

Those with dark skin, limited sun exposure, or diets that are low in foods rich in vitamin D (like fish, eggs, and dairy) may benefit from supplementation. For these individuals, the best option is to get professional advice from a nutritionist or naturopath.