Supplements To Boost Immune System
Your immune system is a complex network of cells, processes, and chemicals that constantly protect your body from invading pathogens such as viruses, toxins, and bacteria. Maintaining a healthy immune system all year is essential for avoiding infection and disease. The most important way to strengthen your immune system is to live a healthy lifestyle that includes eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising Furthermore, studies have shown that taking certain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other substances can help improve immune response and potentially protect against illness. It should be noted, however, that some supplements may interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. Before beginning any supplements, consult with a healthcare professional.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that is necessary for the health and proper functioning of your immune system.
Vitamin D boosts the pathogen-fighting abilities of monocytes and macrophages — white blood cells that play an important role in immune defense — and reduces inflammation, which promotes immune response.
Many people are deficient in this vital vitamin, which can have a negative impact on immune function. In fact, low vitamin D levels have been linked to an increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections such as influenza and allergic asthma. According to some studies, vitamin D supplementation may improve immune response. In fact, new research suggests that taking this vitamin may help you lose weight.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that is commonly added to supplements and other healthcare products such as lozenges to help boost your immune system. This is due to the fact that zinc is required for immune system function.
Zinc is required for immune cell development and communication, as well as for the inflammatory response. Zinc also protects tissue barriers in the body and aids in the prevention of foreign pathogens from entering. A lack of this nutrient has a significant impact on your immune system's ability to function properly, increasing your risk of infection and disease, including pneumonia.
Zinc deficiency affects approximately 2 billion people worldwide and is especially prevalent in older adults. In fact, up to 30% of older adults are thought to be deficient in this nutrient. Zinc deficiency is uncommon in North America and developed countries.
Nonetheless, many people in the United States have a zinc deficiency that is not due to a lack of intake or absorption. Older people are at a higher risk.
Numerous studies show that zinc supplements may help protect against respiratory tract infections such as the common cold.
Vitamin C
Because of its importance in immune health, vitamin C is perhaps the most popular supplement used to protect against infection.
This vitamin promotes the function of various immune cells and improves their ability to fight infection. It is also required for cellular death, which aids in the maintenance of your immune system by clearing out old cells and replacing them with new ones.
Vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant, preventing damage caused by oxidative stress, which occurs when reactive molecules known as free radicals accumulate.
Oxidative stress has been linked to a variety of diseases and has a negative impact on immune health.
Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to shorten the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold.
Elderberry
Elderberry extract demonstrates potent antibacterial and antiviral potential in test-tube studies against bacterial pathogens responsible for upper respiratory tract infections and influenza virus strains.
Furthermore, it has been shown to improve immune system response and may help reduce the duration and severity of colds, as well as symptoms associated with viral infections. Elderberry supplements significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections, according to a review of four randomized controlled trials involving 180 people.
VElderberry supplements may help reduce upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections, as well as flu symptoms. However, there are some disadvantages to using elderberry. More investigation is required.
Medicinal mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have been used to prevent and treat infection and disease since ancient times. Many different types of medicinal mushrooms have been researched for their immune-boosting properties.
Over 270 recognized medicinal mushroom species are known to have immune-boosting properties.
Cordyceps, lion's mane, maitake, shitake, reishi, and turkey tail are all examples of immune-boosting mushrooms.
According to some research, supplementing with specific types of medicinal mushrooms may improve immune health in a variety of ways while also reducing symptoms of certain conditions such as asthma and lung infections.
Turkey tail is another medicinal mushroom with potent immune-boosting properties. Human studies suggest that turkey tails may boost immune response, particularly in people with certain types of cancer.
Many other medicinal mushrooms have also been studied for their immune-boosting properties. Medicinal mushroom products are available in tinctures, teas, and supplements.
Other important Supplemen
Astragalus
Astragalus is a herb that is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to animal studies, its extract may significantly improve immune-related responses.
Garlic
Garlic has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that are unrivaled. It has been demonstrated that it improves immune health by stimulating protective white blood cells such as NK cells and macrophages. Human research, on the other hand, is limited.
Licorice
Many substances in licorice, including glycyrrhizin, may help protect against viral infections. Glycyrrhizin has antiviral activity against the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV) Pelargonium sidoides in test tubes, according to research.
Vitamins of the B complex
B vitamins, such as B12 and B6, are necessary for a healthy immune response. However, many adults are deficient in them, which may have a negative impact on immune health.
Curcumin
Turmeric's main active ingredient is curcumin. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties, and animal studies suggest that it may aid in immune function improvement.
Propolis
Propolis is a type of bee product. Propolis is a resin-like material produced by honeybees for use as a hive sealant. Though it has impressive immune-boosting properties and may also have antiviral properties, more human research is required.
Conclusion
Many supplements on the market may aid in the improvement of immune health.
Some of the substances studied for their immune-boosting potential include zinc, elderberry, and vitamins C and D.
However, while these supplements may provide a minor benefit to immune health, they should not and cannot be used in place of a healthy lifestyle.
Some of the most important ways to help keep your immune system healthy and reduce your chances of infection and disease are to eat a nutrient-dense balanced diet, get enough sleep, engage in regular physical activity, and not smoke (or consider quitting if you smoke).
If you decide to try a supplement, consult with a healthcare professional first because some supplements may interact with certain medications or be inappropriate for some people.
Furthermore, keep in mind that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that any of them can protect against COVID-19, despite the fact that some of them may have antiviral properties.
