My Top 10 Immunity Enhancing Supplements
Move over, David Letterman, because heres my top ten list. In order of importance and supportive scientific evidence, here are 10 natural remedies that can boost immunity:
1) VITAMIN D 5,000 to 10,000 IU daily for most adults is safe and effective for the prevention of flus, colds, cancer and approximately 200 different diseases. No other supplemented nutrient has been as extensively studied as vitamin D. Thousands of studies support its use in higher than RDA doses. For the best source of information and documentation of all the benefits, visit the Vitamin D Council.If you have adequate blood levels of Vitamin D it is possible to prevent any and all infections. The trouble is that one has to get enough sunshine in order for the body to manufacture sufficient vitamin D through the action of ultraviolet light on the skin. This may be very difficult to achieve during the winter months in Canada. Hence, regular oral supplementation of emulsified vitamin D drops is almost mandatory. Check your blood levels before supplementing with vitamin D. The optimal average adult dose is between 5000 and 10,000 IU daily. For more information, see my book,Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin.
6) SELENIUM 200 mcg daily regular supplementation reduces the risk of cancers of the bladder, breast, bowel, lung and prostate. I usually recommend that people take a vitamin E complex 400 IU with selenium because the two nutrients work synergistically.
The Entire B Complex At Work
Each B vitamin has a critical part to play in energizing the body and regulating biological responses. Riboflavin helps break down fats and medication. Folic acid is helpful during pregnancy to prevent birth defects. Vitamin B12 improves nerve cells and can reduce the risk of developing anemia. All vitamins are essential to the immune system.
Morning Immunity Boosting Routine
Instead of your morning coffee, start your day with 1 glass of hot water with 5 drops of One Wellness Tulsi Concentrate Herbal Drops.
They contain nano-emulsified tulsi extract that provides all the benefits of Tulsi in the most bio-available form to maximize absorption. In just one drop a day, you can now get all the benefits of Tulsi.
Follow that up by brewing a hot cup of Ausum Tea NoStress to lower stress levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
This revitalizing brew contains a unique and special extraction of Tulsi leaves that provides an optimal concentration of active compounds to alleviate anxiety and lower blood pressure while also enhancing calm and confidence.
This caffeine-free, herbal tea also includes Hibiscus and Spearmint and is clinically proven to increase immunity. Ausum teas come in 100% biodegradable cornstarch pyramid tea bags and do not contain sugar, sweeteners or preservatives.
Complete this morning routine with a dose of Gynoveda Womens Immunity, a natural health supplement that is akin to a wake-up pill to give you strength all day. Formulated for womens strength and vitality, it is a rich source of vitamin C and folic acid.
This supplement enhances immunity to viruses, flu, and other infections and prevents frequent coughs and colds. It also helps reduce fatigue, boost energy and ensure healthy periods.
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Other Recommended Healthy Habits
The Center for Disease Control recommends these everyday healthy habits:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Other Preventatives For The Common Cold And Flu
Vitamin C and other nutrients are great supplements to have on hand during cold and flu season, but here are some key lifestyle practices that can help with immune support as well.
Eating a healthy diet provides all the nutrients a healthy immune system needs to function its best. Avoid sugary foods and eat plenty of nutrient-dense vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats.
Acupuncture has been shown to support the bodys immune system by reducing inflammation in the body.
Stress management practices, like mindfulness or meditation, can reduce cortisol levels and support the immune system.
Exercise is also important for reducing stress levels and its anti-inflammatory effects provide immune enhancing propertiestry yoga, Pilates, or strength training.
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Quitting Smoking For Good
Almost half of people who have only a few cigarettes a day, or who smoke only now and then, don’t consider themselves to be smokers, don’t believe that it poses much of a risk to their health, and feel they can quit smoking any time they want. They are wrong on all counts. Smoking one to four cigarettes a day, for example, increases the risk of heart disease almost as much as smoking a pack a day. Telling yourself, and your doctor, that you aren’t a smoker doesn’t negate these hazards, and it does keep you from getting help to quit smoking completely.
When it comes to quitting smoking, everyone is different. Some light and intermittent smokers have an easier time quitting than heavy smokers, while others find it just as difficult.
There aren’t any formal guidelines to help light and intermittent smokers quit. Nicotine replacement may be appropriate for light, everyday smokers. “I encourage my patients who are light or social smokers to keep nicotine gum handy for when they feel the urge to smoke,” says Dr. Schane, a certified tobacco treatment specialist. Whether other quit-smoking medications, such as varenicline or bupropion , are appropriate for very light or social smokers depends on the individual.
While movies, ads, and tobacco companies try to make smoking look cool, “it’s time to stress the socially unacceptable aspects of smoking,” says Dr. Schane.
Supplements To Boost Your Childs Immune System
To help maximize immune health, you may consider adding these immune boosting supplements to your childs routine.
ChildLifes core immune support essentials are specifically designed for kids and use meticulously sourced ingredients to ensure safety. You never have to worry about unwanted ingredients when it comes to supplements to boost your childs immune system because ChildLife products:
- Contain No Fillers
- Contain No Artificial Colors or Sweeteners
- Contain No Artificial Flavors
- Are Gluten-Free & Non GMO
These are the supplements that offer that can give your child the extra defense they need this time of year.
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The Science Behind Probiotics And Immunity
The Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria species of probiotics are among the most well-researched microorganisms to date. These little guys are found in fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi.
Once inside the body, probiotics interact with receptors on the intestinal cells and modulate both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Probiotics also strengthen the lining of the gut, which protects the GI tract from harm by bad bugs. These good bacteria also boost immunity by decreasing inflammation in the body.
Probiotics are so powerful that they may even prevent and help treat some inflammatory bowel disorders, gastrointestinal infections and allergic responses. Just remember: the benefits of probiotics to the immune system depend on the specific strain, dose, route, and frequency of delivery.
Diet And Your Immune System
Like any fighting force, the immune system army marches on its stomach. Healthy immune system warriors need good, regular nourishment. Scientists have long recognized that people who live in poverty and are malnourished are more vulnerable to infectious diseases. For example, researchers don’t know whether any particular dietary factors, such as processed foods or high simple sugar intake, will have adversely affect immune function. There are still relatively few studies of the effects of nutrition on the immune system of humans.
There is some evidence that various micronutrient deficiencies for example, deficiencies of zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E alter immune responses in animals, as measured in the test tube. However, the impact of these immune system changes on the health of animals is less clear, and the effect of similar deficiencies on the human immune response has yet to be assessed.
So, what can you do? If you suspect your diet is not providing you with all your micronutrient needs maybe, for instance, you don’t like vegetables taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement may bring other health benefits, beyond any possibly beneficial effects on the immune system. Taking megadoses of a single vitamin does not. More is not necessarily better.
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How Much Vitamin C Should I Take Per Day
You can take a vitamin C dietary supplement to help top up your vitamin C levels.
You can take one to four Holland & Barrett Chewable Vitamin C with Rose Hips Tablets each day, preferably with meals.
These have a yummy orange flavour and you can opt to chew them, so they are perfect for anyone who does not like swallowing tablets whole.
Vitamin D And Autoimmune Disease
There is increasing epidemiologic evidence linking vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis , rheumatoid arthritis , diabetes mellitus , inflammatory bowel disease and systemic lupus erythematosus (reviewed in reference. Reports of low serum vitamin D predicting development of autoimmune disease in the future have been published for MS, autoimmune DM and RA. There is also data linking decreased in utero exposure to vitamin D and islet cell autoimmunity. Lower in utero exposure assessed by a lower maternal intake of vitamin D during pregnancy in women whose prospective child was at risk of developing autoimmune DM is associated with a statistically increased risk of the child developing pancreatic autoimmunity.
Vitamin D has also been shown to facilitate progression of existing autoimmune disease. In one study, 161 patients with an early undifferentiated connective tissue disease were followed for a mean of over 2 years. Most patients did not progress and remained in an undifferentiated state. Thirty-five patients went on to develop a defined rheumatologic diagnosis including RA, SLE, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, and Sjogrens Disease while 126 did not progress. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. Importantly, the mean vitamin D level was significantly lower in the group that progressed to a definitive disease.
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The Best Vitamins For Boosting The Immune System
With the rise of Covid-19 in 2020, we all found out just how important it is to have a healthy immune system. With Covid still very much around in 2021, its more important than ever to make sure that our immune systems are ready to fight. So, what vitamins and supplements are best for boosting the immune system?
Optimize Your Immune System Year
A healthy immune system is essential for optimal health. Whether you know it or not, your immune system works daily to fight off diseases and infections to keep you thriving. Its important to know which vitamins and minerals are essential in supporting your immune system so you can ensure your body has enough of them.
Discover how to boost your overall health with these top tips and the seven best minerals and vitamins to support your immune system.
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What Is The Immune System
The immune system is made up of a number of different organs, cells and proteins within the body, which all work together to protect the body from invasion from bacteria and viruses.
There are two different parts that make up the immune system. The innate immune system is the one which you are born with, and the adaptive immune system is the one which you develop as you are exposed to microbes.
These two parts work together to protect you from infections and viruses.
Support Your Immune Function With Good Nutrition
One of the most valuable things you have is your health. As a dietitian, I have received numerous queries about recommended foods, supplements and diet patterns to boost immune function. While it is true that nutrition plays a large role in immune function, diet recommendations for the prevention of acute illnesses, like COVID-19 and other viruses, don’t look a whole lot different than general guidelines for healthy eating.
I’ll start by saying that the concept of boosting the immune system through diet is flawed, as boosting refers to something that is stimulated above the normal level. A good diet cannot boost the immune system, but it’s important to maintain a functional immune system by avoiding immunodeficiency due to malnutrition or micronutrient deficiencies.
It’s important to note that no single food or nutrient will prevent illness. Also, the immune system is incredibly complex and influenced by a variety of other factors, including stress level, age, sleep and other medical conditions.
A few key micronutrients have been identified as critical for the growth and function of immune cells, including:
Need a multivitamin or mineral supplement?
A general multivitamin or mineral supplement providing no more than 100% of your recommended daily allowance can be used and is generally safe for many people. Your health care provider may recommend further supplementation based on your lab values or medical status.
GRILLED COD WITH CRISPY CITRUS SALADServing: 2
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Gnc Earth Genius Immune Mushroom Complex
You might not think about mushrooms when youre looking for immune health supplements, but this blend of seven mushrooms and other ingredients provides powerful immune support. Immune Mushroom Complex includes Wellmune, a beta-glucan from a proprietary strain of non-GMO bakers yeast and is clinically studied to support immune function. Beta-glucans can also be obtained from many types of mushrooms. Immune Mushroom Complex contains mushroom powders including Maitake, Reishi, Lions Mane and Codyceps. This formula also includes Elderberry Fruit Extract and vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps support your immune system.
Cansupplements Help Your Immunity
While vitamins andsupplements can help fill in the gaps in your diet, the best way to load up onessential nutrients is to get them straight from food.
Your body absorbs and usesvitamins and nutrients better when they come from a dietarysource. When its a vitamin or supplement, its often questionablehow much youre actually getting. Because supplements are regulated asfoods, not as drugs, the Food and Drug Administration doesnt evaluate thequality of supplements or assess their effects on the body.
Some supplements may have side effects, especially if taken before surgery or with other medicines. Supplements can also cause problems if you have certain health conditions. And the effects of many supplements havent been tested in children, pregnant women and other groups.
Its especially important to avoid taking vitamin E supplements. Not only is there little clinical research showing that vitamin E supplements benefit your health, but they may also be harmful in some situations.
For these reasons, expertssay its best to get vitamins through food rather than supplements.
Talk with yourhealthcare provider if youre thinking about taking dietary supplements,Zumpano says.
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One Last Word On Supplements
There’s no shortage of supplements claiming they can stimulate your immune system but be wary of these promises.
First thing’s first, there’s no evidence that supplements actually help improve your immune system or your chances of fighting off an infection or illness. In addition, unlike medications, supplements aren’t regulated or approved by the FDA. For instance, if you think a megadose of vitamin C can help you keep from getting sick, think again.
If you’re looking for ways to help boost your immune system, consider keeping up with the lifestyle habits above, rather than relying on claims on a label.
How Vitamin C Supports A Healthy Immune System
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin well known for its role in supporting a healthy immune system. Because your body cannot make vitamin C, it must come from the foods you eat every day.
Research shows vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of tissue all over the body. Vitamin C helps heal wounds and repair and maintain healthy bones, teeth, skin and cartilage a type of firm tissue that covers the bones. As an antioxidant, vitamin C fights free radicals in the body which may help prevent or delay certain cancers and heart disease and promote healthy aging. Vitamin C from foods also seems to reduce the risk of cartilage loss in those with osteoarthritis.
Though it may not keep you from catching a cold, there is some evidence that high doses of vitamin C may decrease the length of cold symptoms by as much as one to one-and-a-half days for some people. However, other studies did not result in the same findings, and the risk of side effects is greater with high doses of vitamin C supplements, so check with your doctor or registered dietitian nutritionist before taking.
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Is Zinc Good For Your Immune System
Although zinc is a trace mineralmeaning you only need very small amountsit plays a big role in caring for your immune system.
Not getting enough of it will result in your immune cells not being able to protect your body from bacteria properly. Zinc deficiency has been linked to a decrease in immunity and higher risks of infectious diseases in the respiratory tract.
Supplementing with zinc has also been shown to improve the duration and severity of cold symptoms.
Brainy bonus: Zinc is known to be helpful for spatial memory – e.g. your recollection of the environment around you. It also helps with normal brain function and can help with symptoms of depression and low mood.
Food sources: pumpkin seeds, shellfish, legumes.
How much is in the Smart Supplement: 5mg, 50% of the NRV. We do this on purpose as most people get some zinc from the diets easily and only need a top-up.
Support your immune system with the highest quality ingredients your body can absorball in 2 caps/day.
