Nutrient Supplements Can Boost the Immune System

Eating healthy foods can help boost your immune system and also fight off illness. The immune system contains a combination of cells, chemicals, and processes that constantly prevent your body from invading pathogens, toxins, viruses, and bacteria. Find the healthy benefits of nutrient supplements.

To protect your immune system from disease and infection, you must keep the immune system healthy. You should make healthy choices by eating nutritious foods, sleeping well, and exercise. 

Additionally, scientists have proved that consuming supplements with certain vitamins, herbs, minerals, and other substances may help improve your immune system and can potentially fight against illness.

However, before taking any nutrient supplements, you should consult a physician. Some supplements may not be suitable for people with health conditions.

Nutrient Supplements That May Boost the Immune Health

We have put together healthy nutritional supplements that are best known for boosting your immune system.

1.Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for your immune function. It is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Consuming vitamin D may help reduce the risk of respiratory infections. This vitamin also boosts the pathogen-fighting abilities of macrophages and monocytes (which are white blood cells that are required for immune defence and reduces inflammation.)

Some research showed that supplementing with vitamin D can boost immune response.

2.Vitamin C 

Vitamin C also helps improve immune function. This vitamin supports the production of white blood cells called lymphocytes and phagocytes, preventing the body from infection. Taking the right amount of vitamin C may help reduce the duration of respiratory infections, including cold.

3.Zinc 

Zinc is a mineral that is good for colds, immune systems, and rashes. Zinc is generally added to supplements and other healthcare products such as lozenges that help boost the immune system. Zinc is a must for immune cell development and communication. It also helps protect foreign pathogens from entering and decreases the duration of infections.

4.Elderberry

The flowers and berries are filled with vitamins and antioxidants that help boost your immune system. Not only that, elderberries can control inflammation and reduce stress.

Black elderberry (also known as Sambucus nigra) has been utilized to treat diseases and infections. Elderberry supplements are sold in both capsule and liquid forms.

Consuming elderberry supplements can help decrease upper respiratory symptoms that were caused by viral infections. It also helps reduce flu symptoms. More research is required on elderberries as it has risk factors.

5.Medicinal Mushrooms 

Different types of medicinal mushrooms such as turkey tails and cordyceps can provide immune-boosting and antibacterial effects.

6.Other Supplements with Immune-Boosting Potential 

Garlic, curcumin, astragalus, and echinacea are other supplements that contribute to immune-boosting properties. However, they haven’t been examined completely in humans. More studies are needed.

Selenium is a mineral that is best for immune health. An animal study showed that selenium supplements could boost antiviral defense to fight off influenza strains, including H1N.

Licorice is packed with several substances such as glycyrrhizin which may help prevent viral infections.

According to a human study, the use of Pelargonium sidoides plant’s extract may help relieve symptoms of viral respiratory infections such as bronchitis and the common cold.

B complex vitamins such as B6 and B12 are essential for immune health. Propolis is a resin-like material with excellent immune-enhancing results and contains antiviral properties, but more human studies are needed.