Essential Vitamins to Strengthen Your Immune System

Most of us have imperfect lifestyles coupled with several stress-inducing factors. In the middle of fighting never-ending and unfortunate moments of our lives, we can hardly manage to maintain a healthy routine. We may overlook the fact that complex problems often have simple solutions, one of which may be committing to building a healthy and resistant body to deal with stress.

The question is, how do we build a strong and robust resistance system? The foundation of this work is simply ensuring that we’re getting the essential vitamins and minerals the body needs. 

Our bodies are not capable of making something out of nothing. We have to provide essential nutrients before we can expect anything in return. Providing as many vitamins and minerals as we can is the best way to restore proper body functions; however, sometimes the food we consume lacks these valuable nutrients. Prioritizing a nutrient-rich diet and supplementation routine is the basis of tackling various health issues.

A survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association demonstrates that more than four in every five Americans take supplements or vitamins for the betterment of their health and to cope with nutritional deficiencies. Taking the best vitamins and nutritional supplements according to the recommendations of an expert can resolve a number of health issues. If you are still not aware of the miraculous immune responses and properties of some vitamins, then read on to understand the benefits associated with taking vitamins. This list of vitamins are essential for ensuring rapid immune response. 

Vitamin B6

The immune system plays a crucial role in fighting cancer and other infections in the body. The function of the immune system might get undermined because of the absence of some important nutrients. Every aspect of the immune system can work properly only if it is getting all the essential nutrients. Along with other nutrients, vitamin B6 plays an important role in keeping the immune system active and functional.

Research published in the Journal of Immunology Research shows the effects of vitamin B6 deficiency on the composition, function, and potential of T cells which are white blood cells that are hugely important in immune capability. In the research, it has been demonstrated that a deficiency of vitamin B6 can lead to several immune system problems. According to the research, vitamin B6 is an essential micronutrient that plays a major part in a number of metabolic processes including lipid metabolism and gluconeogenesis (making glucose, the body’s preferred fuel source). Vitamin B6 supplementation is likely to affect the differentiation of immature to mature T cells that is helpful in increasing their immune responsive function. It has also been demonstrated that supplementing with vitamin B6 can help in recovering from declining immunity. The study highlighted the importance of this essential vitamin in strengthening the immune system. Hence, it can be said that vitamin B6 affects and influences the function of the immune system in significant ways.

Complementary research suggests that vitamin B6 deficiency is likely to affect cell-mediated immune response. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin B6 performs multiple functions to keep immune health on the right track. B6 is involved in immune functions such as gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis and promotes the production of lymphocytes and interleukin-2. 

Vitamin C

The roles of vitamin c in maintaining immune function are well documented.

This vitamin increases and stimulates the growth and production of the white blood cells that play an active part in making our lines of defenses stronger. Vitamin C has also demonstrated to relieve and prevent cold and flu symptoms.

A large part of immune health involves neutralizing potential health threats that enter the body. Pollutants and free radicals that invade the body contribute to oxidative stress, which is a cornerstone of aging and disease formation. Vitamin C, however, has extraordinary antioxidant capabilities and can play a substantial role in fighting the harmful effects of free radicals. 

Vitamin E

Similar to vitamin C, vitamin E has some powerful antioxidant properties that can help the immune system fight off infections. When left unchecked, free radicals can increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, and various other health issues.

There is a higher vitamin E concentration in immune cells compared to other cells in the blood. Vitamin E plays a role in maintaining the integrity of T cell membranes, as well as signal transduction and cell division. It also helps to regulate the body’s inflammatory response. It’s easy to see how a vitamin E deficiency can have a profound impact on overall health.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is sometimes called a pro-survival molecule due to its paramount significance. The immunomodulatory and antioxidant powers help vitamin D maintain the body’s energy levels and respond to numerous stressors. The activity of vitamin D resembles that of nature-derived compounds, such as polyphenols, with pro-immune properties. Vitamin D has been proven to be helpful in fighting viral and bacterial threats.

Vitamin D’s immune-tolerant and anti-inflammatory response is likely what makes it an integral part of overall well-being. On the whole, it would not be wrong if we say that vitamin D is considered as a “panacea” for many health problems. However, only the adequate amount of vitamin D, according to your individual needs, should be consumed in order to ensure a healthy immune system. Taking too much supplemental vitamin D can be harmful, so it’s best to have your serum D levels checked by your doctor before you start a daily vitamin D supplement routine. 

It is important to know that viruses and other outside forces affect us when there is a deficiency of essential vitamins. Lacking particular essential vitamins leads to the absence of key chemical compounds required to strengthen immunity. Therefore, ensuring that you’re getting the right amount of essential immunity-boosting compounds from the diet or from some of the best multivitamins and other health supplements is important for everyone.

Don't forget that immune health is more than the right nutrients. These immunity building secrets can help too.