The Best Supplements to Boost Immune System
Who wouldn't want a healthy immune system? With the cold and flu season among us focusing on immune health is of utmost importance! A healthy immune system helps fight common colds and other illnesses, it prevents you from getting sick often and helps your body fight illnesses faster and more effectively.
The best way to support the immune system is by eating a balanced healthy diet over time, among a few other things. However, it takes time for your body to prepare, so consistently eating nutrient-dense foods is the best way to ensure your immune system functions properly, always.
Aside from that, you can support and boost your immune system by taking immune-boosting supplements! Your main priority should always be a healthy diet, but there are certain supplements that contain important vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants that help keep your immune cells healthy and thriving for a better immune response.
You're probably asking yourself, "what supplements should I take to boost my immune system?"
Most aim for vitamin C supplements, which is great, but you can get plenty of it from citrus fruits and bell peppers. We're going to be focusing on giving you a list of supplements that contain nutrients that many people neglect to get from their daily diet - so let's get started on boosting your immune system!
Best Immune Boosting Supplements
Before we dive in, it's important to know that taking an immune-boosting supplement won't prevent or cure illnesses, they simply assist your immune cells so that they function properly and give your immune system support.
That said, choosing the right supplements to boost the immune system comes down to knowing what you need, or what may be lacking from your diet. Below is a list o the best immune booster supplements you can take, they're all generally safe to use, but as always, discuss any changes in supplements with your healthcare provider beforehand!
B vitamins
B vitamins can be found in various common foods, specifically salmon, tuna, chicken, whole grains, peanuts, beans, spinach, and kale. However, those on a special diet that eliminate certain food groups may be lacking these essential vitamins in their diet, like vitamin B1 and 6.
Vitamin B1 helps the body make new cells and protects the immune system. While vitamin B6 is vital for supporting biochemical reactions in the immune system. So, if you're not getting enough of it through the foods listed above, consider taking vitamin B1 (thiamine) or B6 (pyridoxine). The recommended dosage for vitamin B1 is between 1.1mg, and for vitamin B6 it's 1.3 mg.
Super Greens Powders
Super greens powders are an all-natural supplement that is packed with fruit, veggies, antioxidants, and other ingredients in an effort to give your body important essential nutrients it might be lacking. Although super greens vary from brand to brand, they all carry a hefty dose of vitamin C, A, K, antioxidants, probiotics, and other immune-boosting ingredients. They're an easier, more convenient way to get in those nutrients your body needs.
Like we've said, whole foods should be your priority, but filling up on veggies and fruits is hard, so having a convenient super greens powder can make it much easier for you to supply your body with what it needs to support better immune health. Not only that, but they also contain probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber to improve gut health – which is also essential for keeping you overall healthy!
So, what does the research say?
One particular study showed that regular supplementation with a greens powder resulted in increased blood levels of specific nutrients including vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, beta-carotene, and vitamin A. These nutrients, specifically vitamin A and C, are known to help boost the immune system.
Super greens are a safe, all-natural supplement that can help increase your nutrient intake thus boosting the immune system. But as we said, every super greens supplement varies, so look at the ingredients label when shopping for one. Make sure it has optimal doses of the nutrients you need, and that it's not just filled with additives that your body doesn't need!
We can only speak for our Super Greens, but ours contains optimal doses of necessary nutrients needed to improve your overall health, and it's made like all of our supplements - with only the ingredients you need, no unnecessary fillers or additives. 373 Lab Super Greens Powder is packed with vegetables, fruits, grass, algae, antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics, and even mushroom/adaptogens to help boost the immune system, digestion, energy, and training performance!
Turmeric
Turmeric is widely known for its anti-inflammatory effects that benefit your health in many ways. Aside it being a spice used for cooking, it's also available in a supplement form (capsules). Despite it being widely known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, turmeric has been linked to helping support the immune system.
Turmeric contains the component curcumin, and this is where it gets all of its anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin helps modulate the activation of several immune cells, including T cells and macrophages. And one particular study suggests that the reported anti-inflammatory benefits linked to turmeric and curcumin might be due to its ability to influence the immune cells.[1] So, the effect that it has on the immune cells is what gives turmeric the potential to boost immune function.[2]
Most studies use a turmeric dosage between 500-1,000 mg per day. When choosing a turmeric supplement, make sure it discloses the curcumin content to ensure you're getting enough to experience its potential benefits. Also, ensure that it contains some form of black pepper extract to increase absorption and bioavailability.
As for potential side effects or risks, they're relatively low. It may cause bloating, and may interact with blood-clotting medication, so always consult with your health care provider before trying it!
Magnesium
Magnesium is a nutrient that is a part of almost every fundamental process in our body, so getting enough of it is crucial. In regards to immune health, it processes and transports nutrients, makes enzymes, and activates cellular pumps so that important substances move in and out of each cell. Oh, and it also activates vitamin D - a very important nutrient for good immune health! Aside from that, it's also a mineral that helps the muscles relax and contract (better muscle recovery for those strength training).
You want to make sure you're getting enough of this mineral in your diet because low levels of it can lead to a vitamin D deficiency, and as we said, vitamin D is important for maintaining immune function! So, if you're not eating enough nuts, seeds, dairy, greens, or whole grains, consider taking magnesium!
The recommended amount of magnesium is 310-320 mg for women and 400-420 for men. There are no serious risks or side effects, but too much magnesium can cause unpleasant symptoms like cramping and nausea, so consult with your doctor to see if you're deficient in magnesium before taking a supplement.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because we get it from direct sunlight! The body produces vitamin D3 when it's exposed to sunlight, and this is actually a big reason as to why many people are deficient or have low levels of vitamin D... which you don't want. Vitamin D2 can be found in many plants and fortified foods like cereals and dairy, but getting enough of both vitamin D3 and D2 is essential for better immune health.
Low levels of vitamin D are linked to increased susceptibility to infection, disease, and immune-related disorders.[3] Another study published in the National Institute of Health also warned that low levels of vitamin D are associated with frequent colds.[4] So, if you're not getting enough sunlight everyday, consider taking a vitamin D supplement!
The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 600 IU for anyone ages 1-70 years, and 800 IU for people over 70 years.
In summary, immune-boosting supplements can support and assist your immune cells so that they're functioning at optimal levels. But, they should not be relied on to prevent or cure a common cold or flu. They're only used as a way to boost your immune response, reduce symptoms, and the amount of time infected. Please consult with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements to ensure they don't affect any medication you may be taking.
To give your immune system a boost, and reap the other benefits it provides, try 373 Lab Super Greens! Made with all-natural ingredients (no added sugars or unnecessary fillers), so that you get a convenient and optimal serving of fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, probiotics, and more.
Feel refreshed, renewed, and energized with just one scoop a day.
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