There has been a lot of talk about immunity lately, especially relating to COVID-19 and its variants. While this is being discussed in a very specific context, your immune system – the process and organs that provide protection against infections and toxins – can also be strengthened with a healthy lifestyle and supplements. 

While supplements won’t be able to cure or prevent disease, they will be able to boost your system and help ensure that it is performing at its peak. 

Here are a few supplements that can help keep your immune system performing optimally.

Zinc

Zinc is essential for your immune system to function properly. It plays a part in the inflammatory response and is needed for immune cell development and communication. It is also integral in protecting tissue barriers and helps to keep foreign pathogens from entering the body. 

Zinc deficiency affects about 2 billion people worldwide, with up to 30% of older adults suffering from this deficiency.

Vitamin C

A popular supplement and powerful antioxidant for boosting the immune system, Vitamin C assists several immune cells and boosts their ability to protect against infection. It also helps with cell death, which is essential to keep your immune system healthy by replacing old cells with new ones.

Vitamin D

The sunshine vitamin plays such an integral role in our body. It is a fat-soluble nutrient that boosts the pathogen-fighting effects of macrophages and monocytes and decreases inflammation. Many people have a Vitamin D deficiency. A lack of Vitamin D has been linked to upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza and allergic asthma. 

Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been used for centuries to treat infections and diseases. There are over 270 species of medicinal mushrooms that have immune­boosting properties. 

Cordyceps, lion’s mane, maitake, shitake, reishi, and turkey tail have all shown some benefit towards immune health. 

While other species of mushrooms have shown impressive results in reducing conditions such as asthma and lung infection.

Elderberry

Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has demonstrated potent antibacterial and antiviral properties against bacterial pathogens responsible for upper respiratory tract infections and strains of the influenza virus. 

Some reports have suggested that Elderberry could increase the production of cytokines which could damage healthy cells. Before using Elderberry, we suggest consulting with your physician or Naturopathic Doctor. 

There are also other supplements to be considered when boosting your immunity, such as – Echinacea, 8 complex vitamins, Selenium, Astragalus, and Andrographis.

Knowledge is Power: Know What Your Body Needs to Stay Strong

There is never any single supplement that will be perfect for all your needs. You need to understand your body and what it needs before committing to a course of supplements. As always, you need to do your due diligence when picking the bespoke nutrition that is right for you.