The immune system is a vast network of multiple organs, tissues, and cells that work together to support the normal functioning of your body and keep it healthy. However, factors such as daily activities, personal relationships, financial obligations, and genetical and auto-immune medical conditions can cause stress and pressure, leading to poor dietary and lifestyle choices that compromise the immune system.
When the immune system weakens, the risk of infections and exposure to bacteria and viruses increases, often resulting in severe symptoms. This raises the importance of strengthening your immune system with adequate vitamins and minerals via your diet and supplements. This blog will discuss the key minerals and vitamins for the immune system’s functionality.
Vital Vitamins and Minerals For Boosting Immunity
Vitamins
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the greatest immunity boosters. According to the National Library of Medicine, a lack of this vitamin in the body can make you more prone to getting sick and increase the risk of common chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and even neurological conditions. This essential vitamin is powerful enough to fight colds and allows adequate absorption of nutrients like iron in the body. Vitamin C, an anti-oxidant itself, helps speed up the anti-oxidant activity and regenerate other anti-oxidants. This further helps decrease the harmful free radicals present in the body that can cause infections in the body.
Source of Vitamin C - citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, etc
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is best known for its bone-strengthening properties. But did you know it plays an important role in improving our adaptive immune responses? Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, regulates immune cell activity, including neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells. It enhances the production of antimicrobial peptides like cathelicidins and defensins, which help defend against viral infections. Vitamin D also balances immune responses, promoting the activation of immune cells when needed to combat infections while preventing excessive inflammation.
Source of Vitamin D - Exposure to sunlight in the morning or late afternoon is beneficial for obtaining vitamin D and is gentler on the skin compared to midday sun exposure.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system by protecting cells from oxidative stress and enhancing immune cell function. It also supports the growth of T cells, again crucial for fighting infections and activating other immune cells. Studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation can improve immune responses, particularly in populations with deficiencies or increased needs, such as older adults and those with conditions affecting fat absorption.
Source of Vitamin E - almonds, peanuts, peanut butter, and sunflower seeds.
Vitamin D3
Adequate levels of vitamin D3 are linked to a reduced risk of respiratory infections, including the flu and common cold. Not just that, vitamin D3 helps regulate the immune response, which is crucial for preventing excessive inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Research shows that sufficient levels of vitamin D3 can lower the risk of autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes by modulating the activity of immune cells and reducing inflammatory cytokines.
Sources of Vitamin D3 - Fatty fish like wild salmon, herring and sardines, egg yolks, wild mushroom, etc.
Minerals
Zinc
Zinc supports the development and activity of several immune cells, including T cells, monocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells. Its involvement in the production of thymulin, a hormone necessary for T-cell development, is particularly significant. Zinc deficiency can impair immune response, leading to a higher risk of infections. Also, Zinc's antiviral properties help prevent viral entry into cells and inhibit viral replication. It also reduces oxidative stress, promoting overall immune health.
Source of Zinc - oysters, beef, chicken, cashews, and chickpeas.
Magnesium
Magnesium activates cytotoxic T cells, which eliminate infected and cancerous cells. Its deficiency can impair immune responses, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases, including cancer. Magnesium also reduces oxidative stress, a key factor in immune health. Additionally, it supports the production of over 600 enzymes, many involved in immune function. It also regulates immune cells, aids in antibody synthesis, and contributes to antigen binding. If you take sufficient magnesium intake through diet or supplements, it can help you bolster your immune health, particularly during cancer treatment, where low magnesium levels correlate with poorer outcomes.
Source of Magnesium - Dark, leafy greens such as spinach and kale are excellent sources of magnesium, as well as nuts and seeds like almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds.
Iron
Adequate iron intake is essential for the proper functioning of immune cells and helps maintain non-specific immunity, the body's first line of defense against pathogens. Iron metabolism is tightly regulated to prevent deficiencies or excesses, which can impair immune function. During infections, the body sequesters iron to inhibit pathogen growth, a mechanism known as "nutritional immunity." That is why a balanced diet rich in iron, or quality supplements, is crucial, particularly for women, pregnant individuals, endurance athletes, and vegetarians.
Source of Iron - fish, spinach, organ meats, red meat, legumes, pumpkin seeds, broccoli, tofu, dark chocolate
Supplements to Consider For Immune Health
Supplements, when consumed as a part of a diet consisting of immune-boosting foods, play a crucial role in supporting a well-functioning immune system. They provide targeted nutrients that may be lacking in daily intake, enhancing the body's ability to combat illnesses and maintain overall health. Here are a few best immunity supplements you can try: -
Immunity Protocol: This vitamin and mineral supplement is a powerful combination of Vitamin C, Zinc, and Vitamin D3.
Vitamin C enhances immune function by supporting natural killer cells and neutralizing free radicals.
Zinc helps in immune defense and tissue repair, supported by synergistic partners like Vitamin C and B6.
Vitamin D3 regulates over 500 body processes, which is crucial for immune response and overall health.
Vegan Vitamin D3 Capsules: For those on plant-based diets, the Vegan Vitamin D3 Capsules offer a vital source of this essential nutrient. It is derived from lichen and supports immune function, bone health, and overall well-being. Its high bioavailability ensures effective absorption, maintaining optimal levels critical for immune support and various biological functions.
Full Spectrum Magnesium: This vital supplement for immunity is the Full Spectrum Magnesium. Its ingredients include:
Magnesium: Supports immune function and helps regulate inflammation
ZMA (Zinc, Magnesium, and Vitamin B6): Boosts immunity and supports overall health and well-being
Calming Magnesium - Calming Magnesium supports immunity by moderating stress, promoting relaxation, and facilitating better sleep. Its key ingredient, Magnesium, facilitates over 600 bodily processes, including immune function. The supplement's formula enhances absorption, and its calming effects aid in maintaining a healthy immune system.
Conclusion
It is time to add these minerals and vitamins to empower and thrive the immune system. With these, you can supercharge your immune system and support it in its daily battles against illnesses and other stressors. For more information, you can get in touch with The Wellness Club.
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