Supplements to Boost Your Immune System

As summer winds down and winter lurks around the corner, autumn is a good time to run inventory on your immune-boosting strategies. A healthy immune system defends the body against pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and other toxins with a complex system of cellular and chemical processes. To prevent infections and disease, it is important to keep your immune system healthy all year long. Most people understand the foundation starts with a nutritious balanced diet, regular exercise, good stress management, and proper rest, but certain supplements may also be beneficial and fill some gaps.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential to a healthy immune system. In my opinion, it is one the most important nutrients to get tested and strive for optimal levels. Many people are D deficient and it is difficult to obtain enough through diet so supplementation is usually recommended. Recent studies have shown vitamin D may decrease the risk of respiratory infections. Most health care professionals agree that vitamin D in the proper dosage is generally safe and may protect against viruses and disease.

Zinc

This important mineral plays a critical role in the body. It is needed for immune cell development and communication and is part of the overall inflammatory response. If you are deficient in zinc your immune system will not function properly which can lead to infections and disease. Zinc deficiency is particularly common in older adults affecting up to 30% of this population. Research has shown that zinc may decrease the duration of the common cold and also possess anti-viral activity. This is an important mineral to get tested and if deficient, supplement.

Vitamin C

One of the most popular immune-boosting nutrients, vitamin C has been shown to help protect against infection. Vitamin C keeps your immune system healthy by clearing out old cells and replacing them with new ones. Because it is an antioxidant, it also helps reduce oxidative stress which affects a healthy immune system.

Vitamin E

Another powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E is essential to fight off infection.

B-complex Vitamins

B-complex vitamins are an important part of a healthy immune system. In particular, B-6 supports biochemical reactions involved in the immune system response. Many individuals are deficient in B-12, which is an essential part of red blood cell production that carries oxygen needed for proper immune function.

Curcumin

Curcumin, the active compound in Turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can protect against disease.

Which of these supplements does your immune system need? FitLife offers micronutrient testing that can determine deficient and suboptimal levels of many nutrients — Vitamins C, D and E, Zinc, and B-complex vitamins. It also offers a profile that provides information about one’s overall immune function. This valuable information and direction for diet and supplementation recommendations so you can get your immune system ready for the cold and flu season!

Diet and Nutrients , Dietary Supplements, Blog