In the instances where your natural immunity fails, immune-boosting supplements could stand in the gap. And while your body has all it needs to stay put for any diseases and conditions, sometimes the system fails or is overwhelmed. That is why right from a young age, our parents insist on healthy dieting, lifestyle, and habits.
But our diets are not always the best. And that is where Immune boosting supplements come in.
But the question is: What are immune boosting supplements? Are they right for you?
How do you tell the genuine ones from counterfeits? For these and more questions, we have ready answers for you.
Keep reading to find out all there is to know about immune-boosting supplements.
What Are Immune Boosting Supplements?
The body naturally has its defense systems against infections. But due to dietary deficiencies and conditions out of your body’s control, it is possible to have weak immunity. In that case, you require immune-boosting supplements to better the odds of your body’s defense against infection attacks. These supplements are essential aids that help bolster your immunity. They range from foods, herbs, medication, and other over-the-counter options.
Often, the immune system drops its guards. And in that state of vulnerability, biohacking supplements can hand back to you perfect health and wellness (1).
To bolster your immunity, you can take immune boosting supplements. These will help you be less susceptible to diseases and make symptoms more bearable through an infection.
Are Immune Boosting Supplements Right For You?
Your immune system can support itself and your body pretty well without taking any supplements.
The foods you eat and the minerals manufactured by your body are enough to keep your immune system healthy.
However, having a strong immune system is something people in the world would not gamble with.
For whatever reason, if you are susceptible to common respiratory infections, you may want to have immune system boosters. There is no harm at all in having them; they are of benefit to your body.
Benefits Of Immune System Boosters
For those with compromised immunity, you need all-around health-hacks to reinforce your body defense on all fronts.
The benefits of having a strong immune system are way varied and sometimes have nothing to do with shielding you from infections.
Some of the benefits of a strong immune system include;
- Milder symptoms in case of infections.
- Less susceptibility to infections.
- Quicker recovery from infections.
- Quick recovery from surgery and wounds.
- More athletic energy and physical performance.
- Less fatigue and more strength.
- Manage hangovers and fatigues better.
Side Effects of Immune Boosting Supplements
Like the rest of the medication; immune boosting supplements have side effects. And this is why you have to get your doctor’s approval before using any immune boosting supplements.
Luckily, most side effects of immune boosting supplements are mild; some to a level you will not even notice them.
- Nausea.
- Constipation.
- Digestion problems.
- Mild headaches
Rarely, but on the extreme side, you may experience.
- Vomiting.
- Pain in the limbs.
- Pain in the chest.
- Diarrhea.
- Mood and behavior changes.
In a very extreme case, immune boosting supplements may interfere with your nervous system. This is more common if you had underlying issues or were previously on medication that does not sit well with the supplements. Always talk to your doctor first.
Best Immune System Boosters
No doubt, there are lots of immune boosting supplements in the market today. It may be overwhelming choosing the right ones.
Luckily, we have done the vetting for you;
Best Immune System For Adults
These supplements have undergone studies and are scientifically proven to help your immune system.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral present in many supplements and some medicine. It plays a crucial role in your immune system’s functioning, including its development, response, and communication.
A lot of people have a zinc deficiency, especially adults in the 60 and age bracket. These folks get extreme symptoms of common colds and flu. The best and quick bet would be to get zinc supplements. Deficiency in zinc affects the immune system’s proper function and makes you susceptible to infections such as pneumonia.
Also, zinc protects you from respiratory tract infections such as the common cold. Also, if you already have these infections, taking zinc supplements will help you fight the pathogens faster.
Keep your daily dosage under 40mg. Taking zinc in excess inhibits the proper absorption of copper, which increases the risks of diseases.
Elderberry
Elderberry is effective in the treatment of many infections. It is more effective in fighting bacterial and viral infections. The chances of acquiring upper respiratory infections are cut down mainly by taking black elderberry.
It vastly reduces the risks of contracting influenza.
Also, elderberry is excellent with symptom relief. Colds can be severe and tough to handle. Taking elderberry will make the symptoms of colds a lot more manageable. Besides, it helps in relieving you quicker by shortening the duration of infections.
The supplements come either in capsules or liquid form.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms with a health benefit to the host. One outstanding advantage of probiotics is the role in immune health. The introduction of the bacteria in the immune system helps activate the body’s white cells’ defense.
One of the best ways probiotics work is by preventing the development of pathogenic bacteria. They do this by;
- Competing for nutrients with the less mighty pathogenic bacteria.
- Producing chemical substances that kill pathogenic bacteria.
- Competing with the bacteria for the intestinal epithelium.
- Supporting the survival of the epithelial cells.
- Activation of the cells’ activity in the immune system.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have and are still used to treat a range of infections and diseases from ancient times. Over 200 species of mushrooms are known to have medicinal benefits. Some of those that have shown to be good for the health include cordyceps, lion’s mane, turkey tails, maitake, and Reishi.
A lot of studies show how different varieties of medicinal mushrooms can benefit your health. Most of these help with lung infections and asthma. For instance, cordyceps has proven to be effective against bacterial infections in the lungs.
Besides, these mushrooms boost the immune response and reduce inflammation.
Also, medicinal mushrooms help strengthen the white blood cells, giving you better defense against infections.
Best immune Booster For kids
Kids are more vulnerable to infections, especially respiratory problems. If you have kids, you know colds, flu, and common sicknesses are nothing strange. This is because children’s immune system is not fully developed and not as healthier as that of an adult. As they grow, they will build their immune system by battling infections.
Here are some of the immune boosters you should consider giving your baby.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a plant that belongs to the daisy family. Certain species of Echinacea have shown the ability to fight infections, especially viral infections.
Echinacea is good at creating a shield against several respiratory viruses such as rhinoviruses and respiratory syncytial virus.
The extracts from the leaves and the Echinacea roots are used to treat inflammation since ages ago.
Echinacea is also known to be a natural remedy for cold and flu symptoms. If you are struggling with symptoms like sneezing, sinus pressure, and stuffiness, Echinacea is your secret.
Omega 3
When you hear of omega-3, your mind quickly shifts to brain function development, especially in children, right? However, omega-3 will help your children develop a stronger immune system too.
Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) promote cell stress. Cell stress inhibits the proper development and functioning of the immune system.
Best Immune Booster Vitamins
Taking more fruits and veggies is almost a cliché. And for a good reason, these two are forts of vitamins that are unrivaled immunity boosters. Here is a roundup of vitamins that will reinforce your body’s defense system;
Vitamin D
This fat-soluble vitamin is good for your body’s immunity and health. It is useful for the enhancement of the pathogen-fighting properties of the white blood cells. Absorption of vitamin D decreases inflammation, which decreases the risk of infections.
Vitamin D can improve the immune response and protect you from lots of respiratory infections. You will reduce the risk of upper respiratory infections, such as asthma and influenza. Taking Vitamin D supplements will help you manage the symptoms of respiratory infections better. They will make the symptoms milder and more manageable.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most sought supplements, thanks to its vital role in building the immune system.
The vitamin is good for killing the old cells, hence paving the way to developing new ones. This helps the immune system to replenish itself, making it stronger at all times.
Besides, vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant. Oxidative stress is very harmful to your body. When it occurs, there is an accumulation of free radicals. With oxidation from taking vitamin C supplements, you can protect your body from oxidative stress linked to many diseases and conditions.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is essential in the biochemical reactions necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system. The foods rich in vitamin B6 include chicken, salmon, and tuna. It is also present in vegetables and chickpeas.
However, if you have a deficiency, taking the supplements will help you catch up, especially in the immune system’s biochemical reactions. ‘
Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs
Different drugs are used to treat and create a defense against rheumatic diseases.
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs offer the benefit to the body by creating a later mechanism. A full response to these drugs may take months to show. Therefore, when you get on these, don’t expect instant results.
However, having these supplements early will help create a defense against possible joint damage. This is why it is a supplement older adults should consider, as joint problems become more prone as age advances.
Immune Boosting Supplements FAQs
Can I be Immune to Covid-19?
You cannot be immune to the coronavirus. At least not now, when there are no vaccines yet. Frequently sanitize your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
At the moment, you can only take the precautions to prevent yourself from acquiring the infection.
Can I Take Vitamins or Supplements to Prevent COVID-19
There is no 100% scientifically proven way to prevent Covid-19. However, you can take many fruits and vegetables to build a stronger immune system against the virus.
Will Selenium Supplements Help With COVID-19?
Selenium can prevent the progression of viral infections. It prevents the entry of viruses in healthy cells, and therefore inhibiting their infectious capability.
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1 https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system